Posted: 7/31/07
City council approves two
tax abatement corrections
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Caledonia City Council approved tax abatement corrections for Winona Controls and the Kittleson Mall business during its July 23 meeting.
Joyce Iverson, who serves as the EDA director for both the city and Houston County, explained an error was made in property tax projections when abatement applications were being computed for the two business. The software program used to make the applications subtracted the improvements from the land values a second time, which flawed the final numbers.
The revised figures would provide Winona Controls with a tax abatement not to exceed $7,500, instead of the $6,000 figure previously approved by the council. The Kittleson Mall abatement limit was increased from $5,000 to $6,200.
Iverson explained both the city and county EDAs had reviewed the amended abatement limits and approved them.
In other council action:
Mullholland request approved
The council approved a request by Kenny and Jenny Mullholland, 811 South Winnebago Street, to change their existing carport into an enclosed garage. The proposed garage will at 11 by 24 feet and located approximately eight feet from the north property line.
The Mullholland proposal required a two-foot setback on the north property line.
According to Zoning Administrator Mike Gerardy, letters to sent out to neighboring property owners concerning the Mullholland request and no one voiced any objects.
Crossing guard agreement
The council approved a joint agreement with the Caledonia School District to provide crossing guards on Highways 44 and 76, near Quillins IGA. Crossing guards will be paid $13.14 per hour and the city and school district will jointly provide a crossing guard one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. According to City Administrator Bob Nelson, the crossing guard program costs the city between $1,500 and $2,000 per year.
Back-up generator
The council gave Gerardy permission to advertise for bids for the installation of a 125 KW Kohler generator, which will be used to provide emergency power to city hall, the city auditorium, and fire hall in the event of a power outage.
Councilman Paul Fisch asked if local contractors would be able to bid on this project. Gerardy said that they could. The large generator will be located north of the city auditorium.
Caledonia Argus
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Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com