Posted: 7/17/07
City makes no decision on property plan
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Caledonia City Council decided to take a "wait and see" approach when dealing with a property improvement plan for the former "Big Johns" root beer stand property on North Kingston Street. Norman Snodgrass presented the council with plans to construct a home and two attached garages on the large lot at 825 No. Kingston during the July 9 council meeting.
Snodgrassí plans call for the demolition of a storage building, known as the old root beer stand, and constructing a 28 by 31-foot two-story house, and two garages, one measuring 24 by 28 feet and the other 20 by 26. The structures would be located on a 100 by 125-foot lot owned by his mother, Paulette Lawson. A non-conforming mobile home, occupied by Lawson, is located on the lot, which Snodgrass wants to keep.
According to Zoning Administrator Mike Gerardy, Snodgrassí plans meet all city zoning ordinances, but not the trailer.
Snodgrass said he realizes the trailer is nonconforming, but said he would be willing to sign an agreement to remove the trailer when his mother decides to move to another residence.
Snodgrass told the council he would like to build the garages first, which will serve as storage sheds for his building materials, as he constructs the house.
City Administrator Bob Nelson informed Snodgrass city ordinance doesnít allow a garage to be built on a piece of property first. "The house must be built first," Nelson said.
"The way Iíve got my finances set up, I wouldnít be able to complete the house right away," Snodgrass explained. "I guess I could finish the outside of it and use that for storage until I have enough money to complete the project."
"Weíre just concerned everyone else would want to build a garage first, then maybe not build the house, and weíd end up with a bunch of garages on lots without houses," Mayor Mike Morey said. "We donít want to set a precedent with this."
Snodgrass said he would like to have 36 months to complete his project. He asked the council if it would be possible to have an agreement drafted by the city and approved soon so he could get the project off the ground.
"I think itís great that you want to improve this piece of property," Councilman Gary Klug said. "But we need to have definite plans and a time frame."
"If we go ahead with this and have myself, Mike (Gerardy) and the city attorney work up an agreement, thatís going to take some time and will cost the city some money," Nelson said. "Then if your plans change, as they seem to do, we will have to revise the agreement, which will cost the city more money."
"I canít see all of this on one lot," Councilman Randi Vick said. "Would we be setting a precedent by approving this?
"The trailer is existing. When his mother moves out, the trailer would be removed. We would be getting rid of a noncomplying structure. That is to the cityís benefit. But I donít know if Norm is ready to work up an agreement," Nelson added.
It was pointed out Lawson is purchasing the property on a contract for deed, and doesnít have clear title of the property. Snodgrass said his mother was in the process of completing the purchase. He added he plans to purchase the lot from his mother within two or three years.
"There are too many variables right now," Morey said. He suggested Snodgrass come back with his plans once the land transaction has been completed and he has his "plans etched in stone."
Ambulance agreement approved
The council approved a cooperative agreement between Tri-State Ambulance, Inc. and the Caledonia Ambulance Service.
According to Ambulance Director Mike Tornstrom, the agreement was reviewed by the Minnesota League of Cities and already approved by Tri-State.
The agreement lays out the procedures for the Caledonia Ambulance Service providing basic life support services to patients and Tri-State providing advance life support intercept service. It also spelled out that Tri-State will be performing the services as an independent contractor and not as an employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer with the city of Caledonia.
City insurance coverage
The council was pleasantly surprised when they reviewed the cityís insurance policy, which is being provided by Danielson Insurance Agency of Caledonia.
According to the figures provided by Tom Danielson, the increase for 2007 was only about 2 percent, which is about half of the increase the city had anticipated.
ïMunicipal liability rates decreased by 3 percent.
ïAuto liability rates decreased by 3 percent.
ïAuto physical damage decreased by 3 percent.
ïProperty rates increased by 10 percent.
ïWorkers comp rates remained about the same.
Property values in Caledonia increased from $13,668,750 to $14,452,590. This increase includes the new $200,000 electrical building.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com