Caledonia Argus

School district moves to acquire Esch Drive

Posted: 6/18/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

ISD #299 voted unanimously Monday night, June 17, to have Parke O' Flaherty move forward in acquiring the proposed Esch Drive using whatever methods are necessary, including eminent domain.

James Koby of Parke O' Flaherty explained to board members that he will send Ma Cal Developers a letter expressing the districtís intentions to acquire approximately 700 feet of their land. He said Ma Cal will have to respond immediately with another offer if they want to avert eminent domain proceedings.

In eminent domain proceedings, law requires that the other party be given a 90 day notice before a hearing date is set. This means the Esch Drive would not be put in until after the school opens. If an agreement was reached between the city of Caledonia, the district and Ma Cal, however, the road could be put in sooner.

Once eminent domain proceedings begin, both parties assess the cost of the land. If an agreement is not reached on the assessment, litigation may ensue to determine the cost.

The land may also have to be surveyed for a legal description before the appraisal begins.

The Caledonia City Council has already supported paying half the costs of constructing a gravel road and walking path on Esch Drive, which has been estimated at $30,000. It was discussed that the district could purchase the land and then dedicate it to the city of Caledonia. The city would be able to assess the costs back to the adjoining landowner.

Board Member Barb Hurley expressed concern about the district paying for the entire costs of the land and wondered if this and other issues could be discussed with the council.

Board member Chuck Schulte pointed out that because half of the property is zoned commercial it may cost more than the section that is zoned agriculture. He predicted that the land and attorney fees may cost much more than they realize.

Four board members will meet again with the city council try to reach an agreement on some of these issues on Monday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m.

Committee prepares for referendum

Miles Miller, former superintendent, presented the board with a mission statement for gathering public support for a referendum to pull the district out of statutory operating debt.

Miller, along with seven other individuals including Beth Dolder-Zieke, Ed Ferkingstad, Naomi Fruechte, Dennis Gavin, Shelley Jilek, Tom Murphy and David Oitzman will be working together to prepare for the referendum.

Miller presented an in-depth strategy for reaching out to all sectors of the public to solicit feedback on their issues and concerns.

He asked the board for financial information surrounding SOD and budget cuts to facilitate in developing a plan.

The board reached consensus that the referendum should be held some time in December to allow enough time to carry out the campaign.

Extra-curricular fees increased

Board member Charlie Wray was the lone dissenter in approving increases to the costs of extra-curricular fees.

Whitesitt and Hurley pointed out that raising these fees was something they had promised the public would happen to meet budget cuts.

Season passes were not raised, while everything else was raised by $5 except for individual and family maximums which were raised by $15 and $25.

Wray said raising fees too much may dissuade those who do not have enough money from going out for a sport.

Whitesitt, however, felt the increases were manageable and not excessive.

2002-2003 budget approved

The board approved the 2002-2003 revenue and expenditures budget. The board spent time questioning some of the line items.

The total general fund for revenue is set for $7,040,306, while expenditures are $7,129,989.

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