Posted: 4/4/06
Mosquito program OKed
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
If thereís any doubt that spring is coming, discussion at last weekís city council meeting should put those doubts to rest. On the agenda for March 27 was Caledonia Green, mosquito control, and seal coating.
City to participate
in mosquito control program
David Geske, who is in charge of La Crosse County's mosquito control program, visited the council to ask for its support once again for mosquito abatement programs.
Although Houston County does not have an abundance of nuisance mosquitoes, there is a threat from mosquitoes that carry the La Crosse strain of viral encephalitis (aedes triseriatus) and West Nile virus (Culex).
Geske said he sees about five cases of encephalitis a year. Children are its usual victims, and many will suffer permanent damage to their central nervous systems.
West Nile virus occurs when a mosquito bites a bird that is infected with the virus, then bites a human.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water; for example, in tree holes or in tires. Holding ponds, which are found at different locations throughout the city, are generally not a breeding ground because there is movement of the water. Geskeís staff investigates potential breeding sites and also works to eliminate the breeding areas.
Geske said the Asian mosquito, which he described as a ìviral spongeî is headed for the area. That mosquito also breeds in containers.
In addition to eliminating the breeding environments that encourage mosquito breeding, people can protect themselves by using a mosquito repellent that contains the ingredient DEET, Geske said.
The city approved up to $1,500 for mosquito abatement measures.
Caledonia Green
requests funds
Ruth Pongratz, representing Caledonia Green, updated council members on that groupís efforts.
Since its organization in 1995, the group has held 17 plant exchanges and six garden tours. It purchases the hanging flower baskets which hang from the street lights in the downtown area. Those cost about $700 per year, and the city street department takes care of watering them, said Pongratz. In addition, Caledonia Green maintain a number of gardens and green spaces throughout the city, all with the help of volunteers.
ìWe are trying to keep expenses down and we do not have any major projects planned,î said Pongratz. ìWe just want to maintain what we have.î
Robert Standish moved to donate $1,000 to Caledonia Green. The motion passed unanimously.
In other city business, the council:
ï accepted a bid from Scott Construction for seal coating. The total price is $45,170 for natural gravel and $39,841 for washed limestone. The quote is for 14,000 gallons of bituminous material and 585 tons of aggregate;
ï agreed to explore possibilities for erecting a Midwest Wireless tower on the city water tower;
ï turned down a request from David and Karolina Schuldt to rezone a part of their property from highway business district to agricultural;
ï approved a rental price of $250 for city-owned ball fields. The motion passed 3-2 with Randi Vick and Paul Fisch opposed;
ï approved a 6 ft. x 3 ft. sign for the American Legion;
ï agreed to look into the possibility and cost of extending the cityís water main to several properties along Highway 44/76 and Old Highway Drive.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com