Caledonia Interviews Engineering Firms, Hires Parks & Recreation Manager

Caledonia City council members interviewed three engineering firms – WHKS, SEH, and Davy Engineering – at the council’s March 24 meeting to serve as the town’s civil engineer. The city’s current civil engineering firm, Bolton & Menk, was unable to attend the meeting and will be interviewed at a later date. 

After introducing themselves and their organizations, Mayor Jeremy Leis asked each firm the following questions: 1. What sets you apart from other firms as the best choice for the city of Caledonia? 2. Costeffectiveness is the primary reason for this search. How does your firm prioritize cost-effectiveness for municipalities? 3. How does your firm advocate for and pursue funding for municipal projects? 

Following these questions, City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson, Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug, and council members had the opportunity to ask additional questions of the candidates.

The plan is to approve the winning candidate at the April 14 city council meeting.

Council members in attendance included: Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman,  David Fitzpatrick, and John Rauk.

The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes from the March 10 regular city council meeting were approved with one correction, as was the consent agenda, which included paying the bills, hiring the city’s new Parks & Recreation manager, approving a conditional use permit for 126 N. Kingston, and an interim use permit at 402 W. Grove.

The new Parks & Recreation manager position, approved at last month’s council meeting, combines the duties of pool manager and summer baseball manager. The city received eight applications, conducted interviews, and recommended hiring Zachary Lewis.  Lewis has over six years of experience as a lifeguard/swim instructor/head guard, as well as three years of experience running community athletic activities. He has attained a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and is currently working on a Master’s in the same field. He was hired at a rate of $22 per hour.

Tracey Knutson updated the council on her request from the previous city council meeting regarding the town’s Founder’s Day community celebration. She inquired about the process for requesting the closure of South Kingston Street for two blocks, from the four-way stop to Washington. All the businesses on South Kingston Street, including the liquor store, have been contacted and are in agreement, as well as the Founder’s Day planning committee. More than 20vendors have been secured and will set up on South Kingston Street during Founder’s Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, on Saturday, June 14.  

Dickson explained that he traditionally presents the request to close the streets for Founder’s Day to the council for approval in April. Mayor Leis expressed his appreciation for efforts to enhance the event. 

Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug reported that his departments are engaged in spring cleanup, street sweeping, cutting and trimming trees, and addressing the March 19 snowfall. 

City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson updated the council on the roundabout project, stressing to MnDOT the importance of extending Warrior Drive to serve as a bypass. He also noted that he is closely monitoring the Highway 76 project. Approximately 40 people attended the hiking trail meeting held in Caledonia, and interest in the project is growing. Organizers are seeking additional volunteers to assist with the effort. Dickson concluded his report by mentioning the potential for childcare grants and his plans to submit a housing grant application.

In other business: 

• The council adopted Ordinance: 2025-92, regulating cannabis products. Changes to state law eliminated the requirement for cannabis retailers to also maintain tobacco licenses, and the city reduced the registration fee from $1,000 to $500, which is the maximum amount allowed by the state. A 50% reduction in cannabis license fees is expected.
• The council approved two purchases for the sewer department: one from Utility Logic of Rogers, Minn., totaling $10,780, and another DSG of Otsego, Minn., totaling $4,248.98.

Before adjourning the meeting at 7:34 p.m., the board reviewed the overtime report for the March 3 through March 16 pay period. The next overtime report will include the overtime hours from the last snowstorm.