|
Variance request at 511 West Washington approved by city
|
|
|
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Caledonia City Council approved a variance request made by Jeff Ostern, 511 West Washington Street, to make the construction of a 30 by 36 foot house and 30 by 40 foot garage possible. Ostern’s lot size allows for a maximum garage size of 1,008 square feet, requiring a 192 square foot variance.
The council approved the variance for the over-size garage, but with the stipulation that the house had to be totally enclosed before construction of the garage could begin. Because Ostern wanted to make sure all the concrete work could be completed before winter sets in, the council will allow the concrete work for the garage before the house is enclosed.
“The city ordinance was written so that the primary structure must be built first,” City Administrator Bob Nelson explained. “In the past, there were several parties who built their garages first, and decided to live in the garages for a time before the houses were completed.”
In other council action:
Front-end loader ordered
City Administrative Coordinator Mike Gerardy requested the city order a new front-end loader for the street department now. The city has been leasing a front-end loader from St. Joseph’s Equipment Company of St. Joseph’s Ridge, Wis. for a number of years.
The lease is for two years, and then the city orders a new front-end loader. Regardless of how many hours the city puts on the machine during the two-year lease, the piece of equipment is under warranty.
The city will order the front-end loader now, with delivery in January. The city will not be billed until January, and the expense will be part of the 2009 budget.
Garage door timers
Caledonia Area Ambulance Service Director Mike Tornstrom requested authorization to install garage door timers on both overhead doors for the ambulance department. The timers would close the doors within a short time after the ambulance departs the garage. There have been occasions when drivers have neglected to close the garage doors on the way out, or have not pressed the closure button with sufficient force to make them operate.
“With winter coming on, there is a concern for loss of heat and the high cost of heating fuels,” Tornstrom stated in a memo to the council.
The system Tornstrom was looking at would also include a keyless entry pad, which would operate one of the overhead doors.
“During non business hours, there is only one way into the ambulance station. And that is through the service door out front. Ambulance crew members nor I have access to the police department or the back door to the station should the main service door fail to open,” Tornstrom stated.
“I think an alternative entry, such as the exterior keypad outside to open one of the garage doors, would be a good idea,” Tornstrom added.
The council approved the request, not to exceed $300.
Train the trainer
“The training department would like to conduct a CPR/first aid instructor course for two of our EMT’s,” Tornstrom also pointed out. “Estimated total cost would be $250 - $300, which would cover books and instructor fees. This class would be taught by Kelli Tornstrom, who is an instructor trainer certified through the AH and FSH. Kelli has requested that her prep and instructor time be paid (10 to 12 hours) which is a large portion of the cost of this class. EMT’s would volunteer their time to take this short course, but would agree to assist or conduct a couple CPR or first aid classes in the future.”
Tornstrom’s request was approved.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
