Posted: 3/8/05
City discusses crosswalk lights
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
The city has received quotes for warning lights at the Highway 44/Foltz Drive intersection and will soon be gather data on the safety of the intersection to make its case to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
At the February 28 meeting of the council, the council heard estimates on the costs of warning signals to be installed at the school crosswalk. For solar-powered lights, the cost is $10,000 for a pair of lights. For hard-wired lights, the cost would be $2,324 for two lights with one lens on each pole, and $2,864 for two lenses on each pole.
The cost for installation would be much greater for the hard-wired version, City Clerk/Administrator Robert Nelson pointed out.
The city had previously allocated up to $5,000 for an engineering study for warning light installation at the sight. The estimate returned by Davy Engineering was for $9,000.
However, Nelson reported to The Argus later that Davy had shared some information it had gathered while preparing its estimate.
Before bringing its proposal for a warning light to MnDOT, the city will need to provide a three year accident history for intersections within a quarter mile and a peak traffic count for two different periods during the day. The city cannot install the lights without permission because they will be on highway right of way.
City to have presence at
builders show
Mayor Mike Morey proposed that the city staff a booth at the upcoming La Crosse Area Home and Builders Show March 18-20. The cost is $375 for the three-day event. Morey said he was given the opportunity to participate at the last minute when another exhibitor backed out.
Morey said that he thinks the city would benefit from the exposure.
The council agreed to rent a booth at the event to promote the city.
In a related matter, the council reviewed a list of goals set by the 1993 Design Team. Several of the goals have been realized, including a community center, a gazebo, rehabilitation of the Williams Hotel, expansion of the library and beautification of the city with plants.
Morey said that he would like to see the city set goals, and noted that the city has a lot of growth potential.
ìI would like to see where the community would like to go,î he said.
Split vote on variance
In other news, the council voted 3-2 to grant an 8-ft. setback to Jeff Felten, 508 South Marshall, for construction of a garage.
Robert Standish made the motion, which was seconded by Mayor Morey. Morey, Standish and Councilman Gary Klug voted in favor; council members Paul Fisch and Randi Vick voted against it.
The new 32' x 24' garage replaces an existing 23' x 20' garage on the property. It required an 8 ft. setback from the north property line.
Resident sues city,
construction company
In another matter, the council learned of a lawsuit that has been filed against the city and Steiger Construction for damage caused to the residence of William,Jr. and Sarah Gordon.
In June of 2004, several homes had sewage back-up into their homes after a sewer main was damaged during a city construction project. The problem was discovered after rain fell and entered a dry run, causing the back-up. Insurance claims have been settled with the other homeowners.
According to Clerk Nelson, Steiger Construction claims that the sewer mains were not marked. However, the city maintains that the markings were there but wore off after work was delayed.
The suit has been forwarded to the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com