Posted: 8/21/07
Council to look into noise complaint brought up at August 13 meeting
By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor
The city of Caledonia will be looking into a noise nuisance complaint issued by Peggy Purcell during the August 13 city council meeting.
Purcell, who has lived at 116 North Hokah since 1999, said noised produced at the Miken Sports facility at 315 West Lincoln Street has become unbearable. She said numerous complaints issued to Miken management has not improved the situation. She requested the cityís help.
Purcell said the sound of balls striking the high-tech bats produced at the Caledonia facility is "very intrusive and is not compatible with our neighborhood setting."
She said during the spring, summer, and fall the ear-piercing sound of balls being hit by bats begins as early as 6 a.m. and continues on until after midnight, sometimes seven days a week.
Purcell contacted Miken management on July 5 and was promised sound panels would be installed, as well as air conditioning so the doors to the facility would be closed. She was also promised bat-testing activities would only be conducted during regular working hours, and not on the weekends. She said the only thing she could see that has changed is the doors are closed now when bat testing is conducted. But that hasnít really helped the situation.
It was noted Miken is planning on moving its bat testing to another facility and the noise problem would be remedied shortly. Purcell said a definite date of the move was not mentioned and would like to have the bat testing conducted during regular business hours.
City Administrator Bob Nelson said he felt the city needed to document the noise problem and enter into negotiations with Miken if it is determined a noise problem exists.
Purcell added she isnít the only person living in the vicinity of Mikenís testing facility who feels there is a noise problem. She was acting as a spokesperson for the group.
"I certainly hope if and when Miken moves out of that facility, the city will screen whoever moves into the building to make sure we donít have to put up with more noise like this," Purcell added. "My neighbors and I have been putting up with this for three years. We all want to see this problem solved."
In other council action:
Bids awarded electrical projects
Hoskins Electric of Caledonia was the low bidder on two city projects. The first was the installation project for the 125 KW generator that will be located just north of the city municipal building.
Hoskins bid to pour a cement pad, install the generator, and connect it to city hall, the city auditorium, and the fire hall was $41,440. The city received two bids for the project. The other bid was from PT Electric for $60,480.
Hoskins also submitted the low bid on the wiring project for the new electric shop the city is constructing near the wastewater treatment plant. The low bid was $16,123. The city received two other bids, from Bradís Electric for $19,390, and from PT Electric for $20,112.
Liquor license discussed
Janice Kutina of Starlite Blowing Center of Caledonia told the council she felt the $1,600 yearly liquor license was quite a bit higher than what surrounding cities charged. She mentioned Spring Grove only charges $450 per year, and others in the area were under $1,000 per year. She added the local bowling alley isnít even open for three months during the summer, so they are actually paying $1,600 for just nine months.
Nelson said he would check with other area cities and report back to the council in the near future.
Zoning request nixed
By a 4-1 vote, the council denied a zoning request made by Paulette Lawson, 825 North Kingston Street to construct a 28 by 36 foot house and two attached garages on her property. The reason the request was denied is because a 16 by 64 foot mobile house already exists on the property and city zoning ordinances only allow one dwelling per lot.
Councilmembers Randi Vick, Paul Fisch, Gary Klug and Mayor Mike Morey voted in favor of the motion to deny the request, while councilman Bob Standish voted against the motion.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com