Posted: 12/21/04
Caledonia has new police chief
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Randy Shefelbine has accepted the position of police chief for the City of Caledonia.
Shefelbine and the council came to an agreement at the December 13 meeting of the council. Shefelbine, who is currently a deputy with the Houston County Sheriffís Office, will start his new position January 1. He replaces Duane St. Mary.
The council agreed on a hourly rate of $23.75 and a one year probationary period for Shefelbine. In addition, he will get insurance coverage for himself and family coverage at 50 percent.
Shefelbine told the council that he would probably not take Mondays off as was the practice in the past. Since St. Maryís retirement is effective December 31, he said he would try to spend time with the outgoing chief before then to learn how the office operates.
Currently, the police department is down to one full-time officer, James Logan. Another full-time officer, James Stemper, is on paid leave pending the resolution of charges against him in Wisconsin. Bruce Muenkel and Gary Bubbers are part-time officers for the department. A full-time officer is being sought.
In a related matter, the council agreed to wage increases for part-time officer Bruce Muenkel $16.55 per hour for 2005. Muenkel is not covered by the police association contract.
Other city employees not covered by the employees association were also given increases for 2005. Librarian Marla Burns was increased from $12 per hour to $12.60; library aid Eileen Jacobson from $8.90 to $9.50; part-time employees at the liquor store from $7.50 to $7.75, and diseased tree site staff from $7 to $7.25.
Budget and levy approved
In other news, the council approved a general fund budget of $1,442,674 for the general fund and $130,920 for the debt service fund for a total of $1,573,595. The budget for 2004 was $1,584,910, which included $1,404,158 for the general fund.
The council also set the levy for 2004 at $369,231, a 10 percent increase over 2003.
Agreement with
SEMDC approved
The council also approved an agreement with the Southeastern Development Corporation for the professional services of Joyce Iverson.
The new contract calls for an increase from $28.00 per hour to $29.00 per hour for 2005. The city contracts for 20 hours per week.
In other news related to economic development, the council approved a payment of $11,605 to Phillips Plumbing and Heating as part of a small cities grant for the Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts.
The council gave its approval to a slum and blight resolution to a portion of the Nanof building which will be home to a call center for the Fastenal Company in 2005. The resolution is necessary to make the project eligible for economic development funds.
The council also approved a resolution in support of the Rushford Institute of Nanotechnology. Community development director Iverson said that the development of RINTek will be an asset to the entire area.
The resolution is necessary for RINTek to receive state funds.
Increase in utility fee tabled
The council agreed to postpone a decision on raising the fee for use of the countyís manned drop site from $2.10 to $2.65 per month, which is part of city residentsí utility bill. The increase was proposed to keep up with an increase in fees the city is charged by the county from $2 to $2.50.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com