Posted: 11/16/04
City gives new life to old firetruck
by Jane Palen
Managing editor
The city council has agreed to purchase the 1984 fire department pumper and convert it to use as a truck for use by the city water, electric and street department.
The city received two bids on the pumper, and in a previous meeting agreed that it would pay $4,550 for the pumper, which is more than either bid. The purchase was contingent on approval by the rural district, which is half-owner of the vehicle. The rural fire district approved the plan. The city will pay the district half of the bid amount. It will cost about $14,000 to have the truck converted.
The rural fire district consists of the townships of Brownsville, Black Hammer, Caledonia, Crooked Creek, Mayville, Mound Prairie, Sheldon, Union, Wilmington and Winnebago.
Pet license fee to increase
In other news, the council agreed to increase the license fee for dogs and cats to $5 from the current $5.
A discussion was held on whether the fees should be increased enough to cover the costs of the cityís animal control officer. last year, the officer was paid $3,600. The number of pet licenses was 385, or $1,540 in income. The council agreed that the cost of the animal control officer shouldnít necessarily be borne by the pet owners since his duties include dealing with animals that arenít pets.
Posting of names questioned
In regard to the recent election in which there were no candidates on the ballot, several council members and the mayor said they heard complaints that the names of the write-in candidates were posted by the polls.
City clerk Nelson said that it was his decision to post the names of all known write-in candidates after the election judges received numerous questions on the subject. They were listed in alphabetical order.
ìWe decided to err on the side of the voters who were seeking information,î Nelson said.
Mayor Burns pointed out that there may have been interested write-in candidates that handed out flyers or otherwise campaigned that were unknown to election workers. He instructed Nelson to contact the Secretary of Stateís office to inquire whether it was proper to post the names. The matter will be discussed again at the November 22 meeting.
New electrician may be added
The council has agreed to research starting pay for a journeyman electrician to join the city electrical department. The amount of work in that department is increasing and a retirement is expected in several years, the council noted.
Budget meeting set
The council agreed it would discuss the city budget at a special meeting on November 29.
Mayor-elect Michael Morey attended the November 8 meeting.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com