Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder confirmed that he is not seeking re-election at the June 24, 2024, regularly scheduled meeting of the Caledonia City Council.
As discussed in a prior council meeting, Councilmember Amanda Ninneman has confirmed her candidacy for re-election, while Councilmember Robert (Bob) Klug has yet to announce his decision regarding re-election.
Mayor Schroeder called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members present included Robert (Bob) Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick and Ryan Stenzel.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 10, council meeting as presented.
The consent agenda was approved, covering payments and disbursements, a gambling application for American Legion Post 249, an advertisement for a liquor store cashier, and the hiring of Gabe Morey as a lifeguard. There were no public comments.
Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson provided a concise update, highlighting the successful distribution of the waterline inventory survey using a QR (quick response) code, which received a positive response. He noted that approximately 40-50 residents and business owners attended the townhall meeting on June 20, where the discussion largely revolved around questions, making it challenging to gauge overall sentiment regarding the roundabout project at the intersection of Hwy. 44 and 76. MnDOT will schedule two more meetings: one following the completion of the design and another during the construction phase. Dickson emphasized the importance of community input in their design-making process.
The total estimated cost is $5.5 million. MnDOT secured $4.5 million for its portion from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The city is responsible for the Kingston leg of the project, which will cost the city almost $1 million. The city was awarded $750,000 through MnDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) with out-of-pocket-costs estimated at $130,000. Dickson explained that since construction is not scheduled until 2028 there may be additional funding to cover the out-of-pocket costs. Dickson is hoping for “zero local money.”
Financial Officer Stephanie Mann delivered the financial reports through May 2024, summarizing that there is “nothing out of the ordinary.” Planning for the 2025 budget will commence in August, and the audit process is nearly complete. Mayor Schroeder added that the city’s financial situation is “looking good.”
In other business the council:
•Tabled the resolution in support of the roundabout at Hwy. 44, Hwy. 76, and North Kingston Street since the resolution from MnDOT was not received by the city in time for the meeting.
•Approved the purchase of the property on the south end of town where the city welcome sign sits, for $15,000 instead of renting the property for $200 per month.
•Reviewed the overtime reports for pay period May 27 – June 9.
There being no old business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 p.m.