Posted: 9/19/06
Wellhead protection plan progressing
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
Caledoniaís Wellhead Protection Plan is moving forward without any glitches.
Wellhead protection manager Tony Klug and administrative coordinator Mike Gerardy gave that assessment in a 15-minute report to the Caledonia City Council on September 11.
One goal will be to educate people about the need to be careful about the water supply, such as when dumping things, Gerardy said.
Some private wells still exist in the city, but they wonít impact the cityís two wells, Gerardy said. A couple are only about 100 feet deep, so are no threat to the cityís aquifer, which is about 700 feet deep.
Two deeper wells are known to exist, but also are not deemed a problem, Gerardy told The Argus on September 13. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) hasnít determined exactly where they are or whether they should be properly sealed.
The MDH also informs the city whenever new wells are drilled near the city, Gerardy added.
A public hearing about the wellhead protection plan will take place on October 9 for different entities to comment on the plan such as Houston County commissioners, Root River Soil and Water Conservation District and Crooked Creek Watershed board members.
Founders Day update
In other business, Noel Brenza from Caledonia Founderís Day committee discussed some tentative plans for the December 1-3 event with the council.
One idea would extend through the Christmas season: the committee would like to put up and decorate 20-25 Christmas trees in buckets in downtown Caledonia. ìIt would be like a festival of trees,î she said.
Council member Paul Fisch asked if the committee would like the trees to be lighted. Brenza said yes to that. She said decorations could come from elementary school children.
ìI think itís a great idea,î Fisch said.
Other ideas for Founderís Day included sleigh rides, and a karaoke party Saturday night in the auditorium. Activities that have taken place in the past will still be done, such as the parade on Friday night preceded by the Rotary Clubís chili supper, and breakfast with Santa.
Brenza also said the group would like to apply for a liquor license. City Clerk Bob Nelson said he was not sure of the rules for a temporary license, but that he would check into it.
The Bluff and Valley Balloon Rally is going to take place that same weekend, on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3.
Brenza also asked for permission to put up corn stalks around light poles in downtown Caledonia this fall. The council members agreed by consensus with that idea. Gerardy said he would take the corn stalks down when the time was right.
Greenhouse variance approved
The council approved a variance for a greenhouse that Alan and Sandra Meyer want to build at 516 South Highway 44/76. The variance is for a 30' setback on the east (front) property line and a 10' setback on the south (side) property line.
The normal front setback is 130', so Meyersí building would be 100' from the frontage road. The normal side setback is 20', so the building would be 10' from the side property line.
Meyer's plans state that the greenhouse will be 40x100', but it might be smaller than that, Meyer said.
The south side will abut property owned by Caledonia Lumber. Lumber company co-owner Steve ìSmileyî Bauer said he had no problem with the variance, and there were no other objections.
Sprague woods path
Gerardy updated the council on plans to extend a walking path to the Sprague Woods, a property on the northwestern edge of the city that is sometimes used for school outings.
Gerardy said he has verbal permission from the Minnesota DOT to run the path, which will be gravel, along the street in front of Alco, Dollar General, and the microwave relay stations, then northwest through the property of Gerald Loeffler, who gave his permission.
Gerardy hopes the project can be done this fall. It will be something to get the school kids to Sprague Woods, he said.
ìOr anybody if they want to,î Fisch added.
Other business
ï Lighting needs: Fisch asked that the city work quickly to get lighting established at the school crossing intersection at Highway 44/76 and Esch Drive. ìI think we need to push that as quickly as we can,î he said. ìItís a dark intersection."
ï LMC dues: The council approved annual members dues to the League of Minnesota Cities for $2,446. City clerk Bob Nelson said it was money well spent.
ï Electrical warehouse bids: The council approved advertising for bids to build a new electrical garage/warehouse.
Council member Randi Vick was absent from the meeting.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com