City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson announced at the Caledonia City Council meeting on February 12 that the city submitted three applications for road funding for Warrior Avenue and the planned roundabout at the intersection of Highway 76 and 44. The city received good news on two of those and is waiting to hear from the third one.
Dickson said, “We will probably be talking about roads a lot this summer like last summer. Good news and exciting news! We will have more to share as the time comes.”
Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder commenced the meeting at 6 p.m. and led his fellow board members, city staff, and the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition to Mayor Schroeder, council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick,and Ryan Stenzel. Robert (Bob) Klug was absent.
The council approved the minutes from the January 22 regular city council meeting as written.
The consent agenda unanimously approved in its entirety, comprises payments and disbursements; wastewater treatment plant payment in the amount of $258,850.91; hire police officer Zach Keesey as a volunteer firefighter; purchase of two radios for the Caledonia Police Department for $6,065; appoint Clayton Lisota, Yin-Chiao Slama and Julia Gerardy to the city library board; and contribute $2,000 for the Houston County victim/witness office.
Public Works and Zoning Director Casey Klug reported, “Public Works has been doing some tree trimming, a little asphalt patching. The light department has been helping out the street department quite a bit. A few guys in and out for the sewer plant the last couple of weeks. Nothing too crazy there. A lot of our time has been spent on the wastewater plant. Lots of different applications are coming in. Things that will be coming up on the zoning side.”
The city looked at the Highway 44 water and sewer extension project in 2006, and 2012, and is looking at it again in 2024. Director Klug reminded the council that last summer they had approved a land use permit for Grand Properties to build a new gym facility on County 12 just west of town, on the other side of 44. Part of that approval was contingent on public utilities. Bolton & Menk estimated a cost of $2.5 million, making it not feasible. After making changes to the project such as the distance and municipal lift station, it now looks more attractive at $1.8 million. The question remains, should the city do a project of this magnitude for six properties?
Councilwoman Ninneman made a motion to approve two change orders for the wastewater treatment plant with no extension to the deadline. The total increase of both change orders is $84,577.77. The motion was seconded by Stenzel. Motion carried.
The council agreed with Dickson’s recommendation to request congressionally directed spending (CDS) for the town’s two wells, emphasizing that one of the towers is 60 years old and the other is 40 years old.
According to the city staff report, 2023 Pool Manager Gracie Heaney asked the city to match her current wage of $19.10 per hour, which is $3.35 per hour higher than what was approved if longevity and certification pay are included. The staff does not recommend increasing the pool manager’s wage as it is an estimated $1,500 over budgeted wages. At the January city council meeting the council approved raising the wages by $1.00 per hour for lifeguards, assistant managers, and the pool manager. It was felt that it would not be fair to the other employees if they accepted Heaney’s request. The city has begun advertising for lifeguards as eight lifeguards are not returning. Dickson noted that with 16 lifeguards the city will be able to “keep the same level of service” as last year. People interested in becoming a lifeguard should contact Dickson at city hall.
There being no questions or comments regarding the overtime report for January 22 through February 4, 2024, the meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
The next Caledonia City Council meeting is set for Monday, February 26 at 6 p.m. It will take place at city hall, 231 E. Main St., in the heart of historic downtown Caledonia. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
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