Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
At the August 25 city council meeting, longtime residents Chuck and Sharon Schulte announced a generous pledge of $1.5 million to help build a new public library in Caledonia. Their contribution represents half of the estimated $3 million-plus needed for the project.
“This library will be built in the heart of our town,” said Chuck Schulte during the announcement, which was met with enthusiastic applause from a packed council chamber.
Library Director Stephanie Eggert presented the library’s 2024 attendance data to the council, illustrating the library’s importance to the community; there were 150 total programs and a total of 9677 attendees. The circulation for 2024 was 14,650 and total visits to the library in 2024 was 17,998.
Following the Schultes’ presentation, Councilmember John Rauk made a motion to approve the financial commitments to the new library as mentioned in the presentation, contingent upon full funding which was seconded by Councilmember Bob Klug. The motion passed unanimously.
Council members and members of the public expressed deep gratitude for the Schultes’ donation, thanking them for their commitment to the future of Caledonia.
Council Meeting Highlights
Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting of the Caledonia City Council to order at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Present were council members Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk and Mayor Leis.
The council approved the minutes from the August 11 meeting, following a motion by Rauk and a second from Klug.
The consent agenda passed unanimously and included routine payments, a fence permit for 121 Main Street W, and a $25,000 donation from Miken Sports to the Caledonia Fire Department. The fire department recommended distributing $1,000 each to neighboring departments – Hokah, Brownsville, Eitzen, Spring Groce, and Houston – that assisted with the 2023 fire at Miken Sports. Klug moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Rauk.
Department Highlights
Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug reported the completion of the military-themed rock painting at North Park and ongoing construction of a new press box; the final improvement planned for the city ballpark. A storm manhole was replaced on Old Highway Drive. Klug mentioned continued efforts to address zoning nuisances such as overgrown grass and weeds. The city is still mowing.
Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson provided updates on several grants, including continued work on the industrial park grant, and marketing grants to support community growth. A recent title search on Warrior Drive did not reveal anything unusal.
New Business
Ambulance Director Mike Tornstrom presented his department’s annual report and requested the return of $10,000 donated by the Caledonia Ambulance Association which was earmarked for a new station. The Ambulance Department will invest it until a station project moves forward. His request was unanimously approved.
Financial Officer Stephanie Mann presented the first draft of the proposed capital budget, walking the council through key elements. While the initial goal was a 10% levy, projections suggest a 12.5% levy may be necessary.
Both Mann and Dickson invited the council members to review the proposal and suggest any items for removal. The proposed levy must be set at the September 22 city council meeting.
The meeting concluded with a review of the most recent overtime report, before Mayor Leis adjourned the meeting at 8 p.m.