Posted: 12/5/06
City names interim ambulance director
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
The Caledonia City Council has named Mary Betz as interim ambulance director. The appointment was made to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Augedahl, who has served as director or co-director for 20 years. His last day was November 30.
Mayor Mike Morey said that he believes Betz has the skills to attend to the administrative details of the ambulance service until a new job description is drafted and a permanent replacement made. She did an excellent job when filling in at the police department, he noted.
Council member Randi Vick asked if appointing Betz would be a ìslap in the faceî to members of the ambulance crew who have put in more years. Morey and Paul Fisch, the other council member who is on the police and ambulance committee, emphasized that it was necessary to fill the position quickly and that the appointment is temporary.
The vote to appoint Betz was 4-1 with Vick voting in the negative.
The pay will be $15 per hour for administrative work and the usual rate for call time and attendant duty.
Council approves
ambulance purchase
In other business, the council learned that a demonstrator model of an ambulance is available and will be purchased. The council has previously approved an expenditure of $100,000 for the vehicle. The new ambulance will cost $99,500, including a $4,000 allowance for the present ambulance.
Midwest Wireless
lease approved
The city has approved a contract with Midwest Wireless which allows that company to install a repeater antenna on the water tower. The city will be paid $200 per month, with the possibility of an increase in that amount if the use of the water tower is expanded to include data or voice antennas or a shelter.
The initial term of the lease is 15 years, and after that time the lease can be renewed one year at a time. The company is to install the equipment within 12 months.
Intersection lights delayed
The lights for the intersection of Highway 44 and Esch Drive have been delayed. Administrative Coordinator Mike Gerardy reported that the lights were ordered, but some of the equipment was missing. The electric department is looking for an alternate source for the missing parts, he said.
In other business, Gerardy reported that footing for the new electrical building have been poured. The council also approved a change order for the building and will install an insulation blanket instead of a plastic vapor barrier at an additional cost of $2,140.
Several meetings scheduled
The city council will meet at 4:15 on December 7 to discuss the comprehensive plan recently drafted.
On December 11, the council will have its regular meeting which will include a public meeting on the proposed comprehensive plan.
December 14 is the continuation of the Truth in Taxation meeting which was held December 4. If the city finishes its business at the first meeting, the levy will probably be certified at the meeting of December 11.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com