Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
The Caledonia City Council convened on the evening of March 10, 2025, to discuss and deliberate on various issues concerning the city. The meeting, held at city hall, attracted two Caledonia residents who were eager to participate in the civic process and to stay informed about the city’s progress and challenges.
The meeting commenced at 6 p.m. with Mayor Jeremy Leis calling the meeting to order. He announced one addition to the agenda under new business. Council members in attendance included Bob Krug, Amanda Ninneman, Jeremy Leis, David Fitzpatrick, and John Rauk. The minutes of the February 24 regular city council meeting were reviewed and approved as written.
In one swift motion, without any discussion, the consent agenda was unanimously approved. This included payments and disbursements, 2025 soft drink license renewals, and a one-year professional services contract with David Carlson for economic development and tourism services, starting on Wednesday.
Soft drink license renewals approved included B&M Service Center, Bonanza Grain, Caledonia Implement Co., Caledonia ISD 299, Employee Pop Fund, Good Times Restaurant/Bar, Elsie’s Bar & Grill, Midwest Machinery, A&A Floral, LLC, Quillin’s IGA Foodliner, Caledonia Mart, Kwik Trip, Subway, Caledonia Liquor Store, ABC Works, Caledonia Haulers/Canteen, The CBD Shop, Four Seasons Community Center, Ho Co Agricultural Society, Founder’s Days, Sol-Agave Restaurant, The American Legion, The Farmhouse Eatery & Gifts, Dollar General, Precision Stainless, Inc./Canteen, Caledonia Elderly Housing MN, The Wired Rooster, Babler Auction Service, Laundromat, Regents of the U of M Extension, Houston County 4-H, Tree Huggers Cannabis Minn.
A segment on the agenda was allocated for public comments, allowing residents to voice concerns and suggestions. Several citizens addressed topics ranging from street closure during the city’s Founder’s Day event to improvements to the event calendar on the city’s website. The council listened attentively, noting the issues raised for further consideration and possible action.
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug updated the council on the street, electric, water, and zoning departments. He concluded his report by saying, “I guess just kind of, you know, gearing up for spring, and before we know it, we’ll be mowing lawn and stumping tree stumps and growing more grass, and you name it.” Member Klug asked if the city was having any more trouble with the emerald ash trees, and Director Klug confirmed that all city-owned emerald ash trees are gone. The shade tree program may be reinstated this spring, or at least the city will buy some replacement trees for the city’s parks. He explained that the boulevard trees, which are mostly the red maples are splitting especially this winter, about 150 of them, and, “we’re gonna just keep picking away at them and will try to leave them as long as we can.”
Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson announced that he submitted a Letter of Intent to apply for the Tier 2 Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant, the first of its kind. He emphasized, “We want to get it, do it, and do well so they keep doing it.”
Dickson also shared highlights from City Day on the Hill, hosted annually by the League of Minnesota Cities. Key topics discussed included local sales tax, the bonding bill, technology used for elections, EMS funding, housing, and transportation funding. The council thanked Dickson for keeping them updated on legislative developments.
In other business, the council:
• Renewed the annual League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. The city elected not to waive the statutory tort limit of $500,000 and opted to maintain the $2,500 deductible.
• Approved the recommendation of Director Klug to purchase a soil conditioner, also referred to as a Harley rake, at a cost of $7,400 from Caledonia Implement. A $10,000 allocation for the Harley rake was included in the city’s 2025 budget. Previously, the city had been renting a soil conditioner a couple of times a year at a cost of $100 per day, plus the time and expense involved in picking it up and returning it.
After reviewing the overtime report for the pay period ending March 2, the mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
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