Posted: 8/16/05
Mutli-family homes still on councilís agenda
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
The City of Caledonia wonít be making changes in zoning ordinances governing apartments, at least for the time being.
The council has been discussing multi-family housing and how the zoning ordinance pertains to them. In the past, owners of new multi-family units have been required to meet conditions, such as providing off-street parking, but people who remodel single family homes into apartments have not been required to make the same accommodations.
There has also not been a conditional use permit and public hearing required as there is for new construction. The council has been concerned that in some cases neighbors have not had an opportunity to voice their concerns when a home is converted.
ìI think the question was that neighbors should have input if a home is being converted,î said Councilman Paul Fisch.
Mayor Mike Morey said that a committee could be appointed to go over the ordinance to more clearly define what a ìmulti-familyî dwelling is.
The council will research the ordinance before making a recommendation.
Liquor store employee
lodges complaint
A former Caledonia Liquor Store employee, Larry Salm, spoke to the council regarding a five-page letter he wrote regarding the operation of the city-owned business.
Salm was an employee of the liquor store for about five weeks. He left his job over a scheduling conflict. He claims his name was added to the schedule for a shift without his knowledge which he believes was a ìset upî to get rid of him. He claims that there was a lack of written instructions, operational procedures and proper training.
The council agreed to have Salmís letter reviewed by the city attorney, Tim Murphy.
Car wash seeks sales tax refund
In another matter, the council learned of a sales tax exemption for the S&S Super Car Wash in Caledonia.
City clerk administrator Robert Nelson later explained that certain businesses are exempt from paying the sales tax on water and electrical service. In this case, a survey was done by an outside energy firm which indicated that the car wash should be 100 per cent sales-tax-exempt for its water use and 74 percent for its electrical use.
The city has directed the firm to seeks its refund of sales tax paid directly from the state since it is a state sales tax.
Nelson said that the firm is eligible for sales tax refunds going back 3-1/2 years. The total amount of the refund is estimated at $1,190.12.
Cable service discussed
The city has heard complaints from several viewers about the quality of the local-access cable channel, particularly the church services. The cityís cable provider, MediaCom, has ordered new equipment to improve the quality of reception.
Intersection safety still a concern
The council continues to work towards getting a flashing light at the Highway 44/Esch Drive intersection. The council noted that a report on the number of accidents at that intersection has been completed and will be forwarded to the state Department of Transportation.
It was noted that the sign that is placed in the road warning of the school crossing has been effective.
LGA increases
The city council also learned that the Local Government Aid for 2006 will be $747,863, an increase of $54,642 over 2005.
Bid for fence
The council received a bid of $3,235 from Moe Fencing for extending the chain link fence at the Caledonia Swimming pool to create a grassy area that would be within the pool fence. A decision will be made once all council members have viewed the site.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com