Caledonia Argus

City offers to share cost of street with school district

Posted: 6/11/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The city council has agreed to share in the cost of building a road to the new school which would be an extension of Esch Drive in the event that the school acquires the property needed for the road through eminent domain. The vote n the issue was 3-1, with Mayor Robert Burns voting in the negative.

The school district and the city have both hired the firm of Parke OíFlaherty to explore the issue of eminent domain following failed negotiations with the landowners, Ma Cal Developers.

Charlie Wray and David Klinski, representing the school board, and Ken Cote¥, site supervisor for Kraus Anderson, attended Monday nightís city council meeting to discuss the issue with the city council.

City councilman Mark Schiltz commented, ìWeíve made every effort to work with the developers, and we have come to a roadblock. Their proposals have not met the needs of the school. He added that itís important for the school to have the ìQuickest, easiest and safestî route leading to it.

Mayor Burns said that he still believes that if Kruckow Avenue were to be finished, the development of Esch Drive would follow eventually.

In regard to the land for Esch Drive, Burns asked who would be paying for it. Klinski said that it would possibly be the school, but he would need to check with the board.

A discussion was held regarding the type of road that would be constructed. Councilman John Klug noted that the road could be a rock road rather than a blacktop road, which would cost about $30,000, or $15,000 each for the school and the city, A walkway would also be constructed out of rock. No utilities would be put in in case the road would be moved at a later date.

Cote¥ suggested to the council that it take elevations into consideration when planning the road. He also advised against permanent improvements, such as lights, if the road was going to be a rock road.

Mayor Burns pointed out that the city and school could be forced to put in a permanent road in eminent domain proceedings.

In regard to the access to the north on 76, the school board representatives pointed out that the school owns land to the north, it does not own enough for the turn lanes that would be required for an access from Highway 76. The estimated cost of building that road is $300,000.

In regard to the Esch Drive road, the city has agreed that it will be responsible for maintaining the road.

Several members of the Caledonia Fire Department, including Fire Chief Chuck Gavin, were on hand at the meeting to express their support of the Esch Drive access based on concerns for fire safety.

City wages not in compliance

In other news, the city learned that it is not in compliance with Minnesotaí s Local Government Pay Equity Act. The notice means that the cityís female-dominated classes of employees are paid less than males in jobs that require a comparable level of skill.

City clerk administrator Robert Nelson requested a meeting with the wage committee, Mayor Burns and Councilman Paul Fisch, to review the notice and submit a follow-up, which is required by August 5.

In other news, the city:

* agreed that the sale of fireworks as permitted by a recently passed state law would be allowed in the city at established businesses only;

* released $10,000 of previously pledged funds to Project Playground which will be used to build a shelter;

* agreed to increase the wages for umpires from $10 to $12 per game for 12 year old and under games, and from $12 to $15 for 14 and under games.

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