Posted: 2/22/05
City council closes meeting, reviews charges against officer
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
The Caledonia City Council met in closed session February 14 to discuss the charges facing Caledonia Police Officer James Stemper, who is currently on paid leave.
Officer Stemper was present for part of the meeting that remained closed to the public and press.
Upon opening the meeting, city attorney Tim Murphy said that the meeting was closed to discuss charges pending against officer Stemper and what the possible outcome will mean relative to his future employment.
Minnesota law allows meetings to be closed ìfor preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against an individual subject to its authority.î
Stemper has been charged with obstructing a police officer and reckless driving in Buffalo County Wisconsin. He is accused of fleeing from police at a high rate of speed on a motorcycle and later ditching the cycle and taking off on foot. The incident occurred on September 11, 2004. Stemper told authorities in Buffalo County that another person had been driving his motorcycle that evening.
Stemperís next court appearance is March 2.
City OKs alcohol
in auditorium
The city council has given its approval to the sale of alcoholic beverages during the March 12 St. Patrickís Day boxing match. Alcohol sales have been prohibited on the main floor of the auditorium for a number of years.
Matt Schellsmidt of the Caledonia Boxing Club and Tim and Sandy Pattrin of Little Miami discussed their plans with the council. The Pattrins, who have a catererís license, plan to prepare a meal and serve beer, wine and pop.
Mayor Mike Morey said he is concerned about the finish on the wood floor from spilled beer. He asked if the beer could be served in cans rather than cups to minimize spilling.
Paul Fisch moved to allow the sale of alcohol at the city auditorium on a one-time basis to the Caledonia Boxing Club. The motion passed unanimously. Sales of alcohol will end before the last match.
School intersection
lighting plan tabled
The council decided to table a decision on a plan for flashing lights at the Foltz/Esch Drive and Highway 44/76 intersection.
The engineering estimate for a report and plans from Davy Engineering was $9,100. That amount includes presenting the plan to the Minnesota Department of transportation, but does not include any of the construction costs.
Paul Fisch said he would like to see traffic signals included in the plan.
The council will address the issue again at a later meeting.
City donates to
Chamber of Commerce
In response to a request from the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce, the city has agreed to pay up to $450 for postage for new information packets the Chamber is developing. In addition, the city agreed to a membership in the Chamber for $150 and a donation of $150.
In other business, the city:
ï discussed an opportunity to purchase the parcel of land on North Kingston Street, formerly home to ìBig Johnísî drive-in;
ïÝapproved the purchase of a digital camera for the zoning office;
ïÝnoted that Matt Blocker has been hired as a new police officer.
ï approved the addition of Nick Jore and Matt Klug as fire fighters.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com