The Wapasha Construction Company was awarded the Caledonia Wastewater Treatment Plant construction contract on September 13, 2021, with a notice to proceed on October 8, 2021, and a final completion date of September 28, 2023. The Caledonia City Council were notified at their June 10 council meeting that the plant is not scheduled to be completed now until June 30, 2025.
Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder promptly called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members present included Robert (Bob) Klug, Amanda Ninneman, Mayor Schroeder, David Fitzpatrick, and Ryan Stenzel.
Eric Lynne with Donohue & Associates appeared before the board to update the council on the wastewater treatment plant construction process. Lynne emphasized that there still is a long way to go.
The patched roof that the city was concerned about at last month’s city council meeting has been inspected by the manufacturer who has confirmed that they will honor the 20-year warranty. The council learned that Wapasha did not order the electric gear until after the contract had expired and it still has not arrived.
The council unanimously approved paying pay request number 8 with a reduction in anticipation of liquidated damages. City staff recommends withholding $62,000 in liquidated damages dating back to April 9, 2024.
The council accepted the staff’s recommendation to approve an amendment to Donohue & Associates engineering services agreement to a total cost of $444,656 with the stipulation that the city will pursue total compensation at the end of the project.
Ninneman moved to approve the minutes from the May 28 city council meeting. Seconded by Klug. Motion carried.
Klug moved to approve the consent agenda including payments and disbursements, payment for work performed on the 2023 street and utility improvements project for $31,403.86; a one to four-day liquor license for the Houston County Fair from August 14-17, 2024; street closure on Pine Street from Main Street to Grove Street for the July 13th tractor auction organized by Babler Auction Service at Elsie’s parking lot; retail cannabinoid license to sell THC beverages at Kwik Trip, 608 Esch Dr.; and hire EMT Kristen Klug retroactive to May 30, 2024. Seconded by Stenzel. Motion carried.
Key points from City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson’s report included input from Public Works/Zoning Director Casey Klug who was absent. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled a public meeting regarding the Highway 44 and 76 roundabout on June 20, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the city auditorium. Dickson said that city residents received a questionnaire in their water bill asking them to identify whether their water lines were made of lead or copper. Dickson stressed the significance of this information for securing state funding by ensuring that all water lines are documented, and materials identified. This effort streamlines the process for the state and EPA to replace lines, potentially resulting in free replacements. The city is actively seeking to hire more umpires and lifeguards. Furthermore, the upcoming election will see two council seats and the mayor‘s position up for reelection.
Joe Olson, Bryan Spier, Sheri Allen, Kole Skauge, and Dylan Becker were appointed to serve on the city’s first planning commission. Mayor Schroeder appointed Councilman Fitzpatrick as council liaison. Councilman Klug will serve as the alternate.
There being no questions or comments on the overtime reports, the council entered closed session at 6:40 p.m. for Dickson’s annual review. Upon resuming the closed session, Dickson announced, “The council held a favorable review of the clerk-administrator and approved a one-step increase.”
The meeting concluded at 7:21 p.m. after it resumed its open session.
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