Posted: 7/19/05
City considers regulations on homes made into apartments
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Single-family homes that are converted into apartments may face the same zoning restrictions as apartment buildings in the future.
The Caledonia City Council is inviting members of the public to share their thoughts and concerns at the August 8 city council meeting.
Currently, homes that are made into apartments do not have the same requirements as apartment buildings. Some of those requirements include off-street parking and a minimum of 850 sq. ft. of living space for a family.
City clerk administrator Robert Nelson said that in some cases, the city is not even aware that homes have been remodeled into apartments until the owner asks the city to install separate meters for the units.
Nelson said he doesnít know why conditional use permits have not been required in the past; there is nothing in the zoning ordinance that exempts them.
Homes occupied by persons with special needs (such as homes owned by ABLE) fall into a special category and are not included.
Insurance rates increase
Tom Danielson of Danielson Insurance spoke to the council about its insurance coverage.
The total premium for 2005 is $92,169. The largest increase came in the Workers Compensation premium, which increased from $22,293 to $29,797, a seven percent hike. Since 2000, Workers Comp rates have increased 62 percent.
Property rates went from $16,988 in 2004 to $18,089 for 2005. General liability increased only slightly, from $18,727 to $18,781. Overall, general liability has decreased since 2000 when the premium was $24,368.
Auto liability is up three percent, from $10,567 to $13,606.
The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust generally pays dividends to its members. Last year, the city received a dividend of almost $17,000.
County election plan may affect polling locations
The city and townships may see combined polling places in the future.
County auditor Peter Johnson has suggested combined polling places as a way to maximize the dollars earmarked for special voting equipment.
Counties have been given the responsibility of making sure that they are in compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This includes purchasing special equipment that allows disabled voters to vote privately and independently.
To be eligible for funds of up to $7,059 for each precinct, counties must develop a local equipment plan. The plan is due September 15.
The Minnesota State Legislature has allocated $29 million to implement HAVA from the $38 million of the federal HAVA funds received in 2004.
The county has 11,933 registered voters.
Under the auditorís plan, the following would be combined into one polling place: Houston City and Township and Money Creek Township; Sheldon and Yucatan townships; Black Hammer Township and Spring Grove City and Township; Caledonia and Mayville Townships; Eitzen City, Wilmington and Winnebago Townships; Brownsville City and Township; Crooked Creek and Jefferson Townships; Hokah City and Township and Union and Mound Prairie Townships; La Crescent precincts 2 and 3; Caledonia precincts 1 and 2.
Johnson said his plan was to be used as a starting point for discussion by the townships and cities.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com