The Caledonia City Council met in regular session on Monday, October 27, at 6 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
As is customary, Financial Officer Stephanie Mann reported that she continues to “tweak all the time and getting answers on things” regarding the 2026 budget reminding the council that the levy will be set in December. Cash and investments currently total $8,551,839.74. July showed a significant increase due to receiving the first half of the city’s LGA ($489,000), the Small Cities grant (just under $14,000), and the first half of the taxes ($797,054). August saw normal activities with little change in September.
All departments are operating in the black, except for the small ambulance building fund which is operating in the red (-$13,750). Mann reviewed the city’s investments and debt service, noting that all payments have been made.
Mann concluded her report by emphasizing, “Everything looked pretty good for the third quarter.”
Council members in attendance included Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk, and Mayor Leis. Others present included Jake Dickson, Casey Klug, public works director; and Tracey Knutson, owner of Frank & Julia’s.
The minutes from the October 13 regular city council meeting were unanimously approved.
The council also approved the consent agenda, which included the payments and disbursement; a $25 monthly phone stipend for the liquor store manager (totaling a $300 annual impact to the liquor fund); approval of a 2025 retail cannabinoid license for Caledonia Mart, 304 State 44, with no fiscal impact to the city; and the purchase of paint totaling $15,000 for the pool with gratitude to the Ralph and Marilyn Jore family for the $10,000 donation to be used for anything at the pool.
Public Works and Zoning Director Casey Klug presented a thorough update on his department’s activities since the last council meeting, including an update on street signs, the press box, OSHA matching grant, water/sewer winterizing, stormwater project, and Verizon’s proposed construction. Council members had no questions for Director Klug.
City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson reported that he would be attending a school facility planning meeting the following day. He also updated council members on current grants and showed an aerial video of the new wastewater treatment plant, with Director Klug narrating. Dickson emphasized that “the plant is up and running and running well.” The plant is also being submitted for an award. Dickson also noted that he met with Mayo leadership and emphasized that the city would like Mayo to give the building to the city, as the city has a lot of interest in firms that we can fill that place with.
The council unanimously approved the purchase of a gas monitor known as a “Sniffer” to replace the one broken this fall for the fire department at a cost of $2,769 from Fire Safety USA. Although the monitor was not included in the 2025 budget, the department can absorb the cost this year. It is much less likely that their 2026 budget can handle the purchase.
In other business, the council:
- No action was required regarding the Military Rock at North Park. At the previous meeting, City Clerk/Administrator Dickson read a letter from Arlyn Pohlman, American Legion Post Commander requesting lighting and security for the rock. Staff recommended in their report installing the lights provided they do not cross Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) right-of-way or shine onto any roadways. The report also noted that there is not a fiscal impact to the city as the proposed lights will be donated. Cameras have been denied by the council regularly in the past.
- Took no action on the city’s mission statement proposed in the strategic plan, “We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and accountable service delivery, fostering transparency and building trust with our community through ethical and responsive governance.” Dickson suggested three more possible mission statements: 1. The City of Caledonia is committed to ethical, innovative, responsive governance with trust, transparency, and accountability.” 2. “Innovative and responsive governance with trust, transparency, and accountability.” 3. “Innovation, Trust, and Transparency.”
- Agreed to continue the current agreement with Scott Dewitt regarding the Frisch Field. Dewitt maintains 12 acres of agricultural land owned by the city and is responsible for cutting and baling three crops of grass/hay per year at no cost to the city.
After reviewing the city’s overtime report for the pay period ending October 12 and noting nothing out of the ordinary, Mayor Leis called to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
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