Mayor Jeremy Leis called the August 11 meeting of the Caledonia City Council to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Bob Klug, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk,and Mayor Leis. Council member Amanda Ninneman was absent.
Klug moved to approve the July 28 minutes with one correction. The motion was seconded by Rauk and carried.
The unanimously approved consent agenda included routine payments and disbursements, as well as a pavement patching quote from Dunn Blacktop Company totaling $23,123.20.
Public Comment
Caledonia resident Blaine Moe, of 103 W. South Street (formerly the Margaret Deemer residence), addressed the council during the public comment period. Moe explained that neighbors Brian and Lindsay Klug and Seth and Ashley Gengler had approached him about purchasing his back parcel of land. Moe agreed to sell two-thirds of the parcel to his neighbors – one-third to each neighbor – while retaining the remaining third for himself.
Moe expressed frustration over the city’s subdivision process, specifically the required fees and the need to hire a surveyor, at a cost of $2,800. He argued that the Beacon property description should be sufficient and stated that he had been advised by his attorney that the city’s process was unnecessary. Moe claimed that there have been times when the city knew that property owners were not following the ordinance, and there were also times when the city did not know property had been subdivided. He also questioned why his neighbors were notified, insisting there was no reason for their involvement. He said he would not have to notify his neighbors if he was selling his home.
Klug responded, stating that he would like to know if his neighbors were subdividing property near his home.
Councilors and City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson explained that the city ordinance clearly outlines the required steps for any property subdivision and must be followed.
Moe stated that his primary reason for attending the meeting was to make the public aware that, in his view, they do not have to follow what he sees as unnecessary regulations. He asked why such an ordinance exists and argued that if he were simply selling his house, the process wouldn’t apply. He was reminded that subdividing property is different then selling an existing home.
“I’m saying you guys need to change that city ordinance,” Moe stressed.
Moe also requested that the city waive the remaining balance of $391.50 that he owes. Mayor Leis responded, “I get that you’re upset about this. I totally understand. We’ll talk about it, but it’s an ordinance.”
Department Updates
There was no Public Works/Zoning report, as Director Casey Klug was not in attendance.
Dickson reported that city staff has been working on a number of grant applications, including a request for Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) funding for a proposed industrial park. The city also received a preliminary reimbursement number for the Warrior Street expansion project, which they hope to increase to better reflect realistic construction costs.
Dickson shared positive news regarding the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), stating that phosphorus levels are now nearly undetectable. He explained, “When we get rid of the sludge and spread it on fields, the farmers get very nervous about what we are putting out there, so to find out that the city has nearly undetectable P-test is good news. Otherwise it’s going to start getting very expensive.”
New Business
The council unanimously approved a 50/50 split between city employees and the city for the newly enacted Minnesota Paid Leave Premium, a payroll tax funding the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The premium rate for 2026 is 0.88% of an employee’s wages. Employers must contribute a minimum of 50% of the premium and may choose to pay more. Motion by Klug, seconded by Fitzpatrick. Motion carried.
Fitzpatrick then moved to approve a payment to WWTP, seconded by Rauk. The approved amount was $230,239.69. The completed work involved automation setup at the plant.
The council reviewed the overtime report for the pay period ending August 3, before Mayor Leis adjourned the meeting at 6:27 p.m.