Posted: 4/17/07
Zoning variances
approved by council
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Caledonia City Council approved two zoning requests - one made by Loren Doering, and the other by Brandon Ranzenberger - during the Monday, April 9 meeting.
Loren Doering, 218 North Pine Street submitted a zoning application to construct a 1,736 square-foot addition on his existing house. Because the garage addition is proposed to be located approximately 10 feet from the south (rear) property line, a setback variance was required.
According to city administrative coordinator Mike Gerardy, letters were sent out to Doeringís neighbors about the proposed addition and the fact that the garage would be located within 10 feet of the rear property line. The city didnít receive any negative comments on the proposed addition.
A motion made by councilman Bob Standish and seconded by Paul Fisch to approve the variance request was unanimously approved.
Brandon and Nichole Ranzenberger, 607 South Winnebago Street, submitted a zoning application for a 20 x 30-foot detached garage. The garage would be located approximately five feet from the north property line, which would require a side yard setback variance of five feet.
No objections were voiced by neighbors when they were notified of Ranzenbergerís plans.
A motion was made by Standish and seconded by councilman Randi Vick to approve the variance, and passed unanimously by the council.
In other council action-
New fence proposed
Gerardy reported city staff is planning to construct a new fence on the sewer plant property along Old Highway Drive. With the addition of the new salt shed, the city street department needs more room to keep supplies in a secured area. He explained plans call for a green-slatted privacy fence, which would be located southeast of the tree line. He added he would bring a cost estimate to the next council meeting.
AED units purchased
The council approved a motion to purchase two automated external defibrillators (AEDís) at a cost of $410 each. One of the AEDís will be used by the Caledonia Police Department and the other will be located in the city auditorium. The Caledonia American Legion donated money for the purchase of one of the two units.
Alarm system purchased
The council approved the purchase and installation of an auto dialer emergency notification system for the city liquor store. Ace Communications Group submitted a bid of $617.92 for the system.
According to Gerardy, in the event of an emergency at the liquor store, a button is pushed, which will connect the liquor store phone system with the 911 emergency system at the Houston County Sheriffís Office. The county dispatcher will be able to listen in on what is occurring at the liquor store and then take appropriate action.
Advertising approved
The council approved splitting the cost of a promotional ad to be published in Minnesota Trails magazine, which has a circulation of 40,000. The magazine is distributed at sports and recreation shows throughout the Upper Midwest. The cost of the ad is $434, which will be split with the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce.
Caledonia Argus
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Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com