Caledonia Argus

City Council to consider adopting noise ordinance

Posted: 9/9/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The city council is considering an ordinance which would limit the amount of noise allowed in residential areas and would also govern how much noise could emanate from car stereos.

At the meeting of the city council Monday evening, City Clerk Administrator Robert Nelson told the council that the police auxiliary has offered to donate a sound meter so that various sounds can be measured and acceptable levels determined. The unit is being used on a trial basis by the city. Nelson said that he is modeling the city ordinance after a similar ordinance in Rochester.

Some discussion was held on who should enforce the ordinance once it is in place. Councilman Paul Fisch said he believed it was the job of the police to enforce city ordinances, but Councilman John Klug said that the he believes that the clerk should enforce the ordinance in some cases.

The council will make a final decision on whether to accept the donation at its next meeting.

In other news, council members expressed concern that the traffic from the football game Friday event caused traffic to back up along Esch Drive. They agreed to address concerns with members of the school board.

Maximum levy set

The council also discussed the level at which to set its levy for 2004. The number is chosen as a maximum; once taxpayers are notified, the levy cannot exceed that amount. To cover any unforeseen circumstances before the final levy is adopted, the council generally sets this figure high. The council must submit the figure to the state by September 15, before its budget is finalized.

This year, the council agreed to increase the maximum levy by 10 percent, to $345,031. This yearís general fund levy limit has increased almost $50,000, to $230,141 as opposed to $180,223 for the current year.

Last yearís total levy included $180,223 for the general fund and $133,443 for indebtedness.

The council also adopted a proposed budget increase of $41,238, to $1,690,758.

The vote was 3-1 to accept the levy. John Klug voted in the negative, preferring a lower estimate for the levy. Councilman Mark Schiltz was not present.

Community restoration project proposed

The council heard from Norman Snodgrass of Caledonia, who presented a plan for the restoration and replacement of older homes in the city. He suggested to the council that the city consider loaning funds interest-free to individuals or contractors at no interest for the purpose of improving substandard properties. At the end of 24 months, the properties would be sold and the loan repaid.

The council agreed that the concept is good, and noted that many details would have to be worked out before a project like that could be undertaken. No further action was taken.

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