On February 10, the Caledonia City Council unanimously approved a motion to identify a suitable location in the town’s North Park for the installation of a 3-D painted boulder honoring Caledonia’s veterans. They also authorized contracting with David Carlson as the town’s first Entrepreneurial Navigator.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present included Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Jeremy Leis and David Fitzpatrick. Bob Klug was on vacation. The minutes from the January 27 regularly scheduled meeting of the city council were approved as written. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda which included the payments and disbursements.
The concept of Caledonia’s Military Rock is similar to the Freedom Rocks installed in all 99 counties of Iowa. The action facing the council was to decide where to locate the rock – either in North Park or Veterans Park. Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug presented seven possible locations in Veterans Park and provided an update on the location proposed by the Street Scapes Committee in North Park before the council voted.
The location in North Park involves considerations related to the construction of the roundabout and how it would impact the rock’s placement. The Street Scapes Committee believes that the rock will be visible to more people if located in North Park, as the park is located adjacent to Highway 44 plus it will also be another attractive feature in the park.
Concerns from the Street Scapes Committee regarding Veterans Park focused on access at Veterans Park for setting the rock, including the ability to maneuver a truck and crane, visibility, safety, and the potential for children to climb on the rock. It was mentioned that placing it in Veterans Park would draw people to downtown and it is Veterans Park, after all.
The council approved locating the Military Rock in North Park. The final location will be determined by an ad hoc committee consisting of members from the Street Scapes Commitee, the Parks and Recreation Committee, City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson, and Director Klug. The council was in agreement that the Military Rock is good for the city.
The council accepted Dickson’s recommendation to approve hiring David Carlson, who has over 30 years of experience in community development, economic development, and tourism, as the city’s part-time entrepreneurial navigator. The part-time schedule is approximately 12 hours per week for an estimate of 620 hours at $45.00 per hour. The grant is approximately $28,000.
The position is funded by a 2023 Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) economic development grant, which includes marketing and programming. The initiative is part of the city’s Caledonia Forward Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures (REV) committee. “The part-time contracted person hired will staff the chamber of commerce and will work for the business community of Caledonia,” explained Dickson. “It’s a good way to stay out there and know exactly what the business community needs to grow.” The expectation is that after one year the position will fund itself.
Dickson informed the council that he and Casey met with MnDOT regarding the roundabout and resurfacing 76. He stressed that they did not like the detours MnDOT proposed so alternate routes were suggested. The city offered to allow MnDOT that if they built out Warrior Drive for the city, they could use it as a detour route.
Director Klug reported that April 4 is the tentative date to start up the new wastewater treatment facility.
Before making a motion to adopt the Houston County Hazard Mitigation Plan, Dickson explained that city staff and Houston County identify the following hazards – severe thunder, summer storms, extreme cold, flooding, and droughts, and made recommendations for mitigation and emergency response. Dickson said, “I think the important thing to know is that this is stuff that we’re already doing, and just hazards that we’re aware of, and projects that we do on a rolling basis.” The plan is required to received FEMA funds.
There being no old business or public comments and after reviewing the overtime report for the pay period ending February 2, the mayor adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
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