Caledonia Argus

City employees may organize

Posted: 2/26/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The city council learned Monday evening that city employees may be forming an employeesí association. The association would be a bargaining unit similar to the Caledonia Police Association. According to city clerk/administrator Robert Nelson, the association must be approved by the state Labor Relations Board. That board is currently considering the issue.

Nelson explained at the meeting that the difference between a union and an association is that the association bargains for itself and is not a part of a larger group.

If the employeesí association is formed, that group would negotiate with the council on such things as wages, benefits, working conditions, policies and the like. Employees would have the right to strike if agreements could not be reached through negotiations.

City joins EDA

The city council agreed Monday evening to join the Houston County Economic Development Authority. The county recently hired Joyce Iverson as a half-time EDA staff person. Iverson also works part-time for the City of Caledonia as an economic development director.

The EDAís purpose is to promote the creation of new businesses in the county and expand existing businesses. There is no cost to cities to join, although special levy funding is authorized by statute. Iverson told the council that it is not likely that the county would levy.

The resolution passed by the council will be in effect for five years.

Charitable gambling request made

The city council also heard a proposal for charitable gambling from Caledonia Fire Chief Chuck Gavin.

Gavin and Mike Ellsworth of the Dover Relief Association explained to the council that they would like to place two gambling machines in the city. All funds raised would go through the Dover Relief Association, which would keep 50 percent of the profits in exchange for running the program and maintaining the machines. The city would then get a check from the Dover Relief Association, which would be used for the needs of the fire department or other emergency service.

The Dover group currently has 18 sites which it manages in this manner.

The council tabled its decision until the March 11 meeting.

Delay decision on all-night party

The council agreed to consider donating the city auditorium and basement for an all-night post-prom party on April 27. The group making the request said decorating would start at about 5 p.m., and the party would start about midnight and last until 4 a.m.

Mayor Robert Burns said he would like more information before making a decision, He questioned whether it would be necessary to include the basement of the auditorium. A decision will be made at the next meeting.

In other news, the council approved a dance and beer sales at the athletic fields on June 8 during Founders Days. The event would follow the softball tournament and be held from approximately 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

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