Warba City Council Meeting Minutes

May 15, 2000

The Warba city council met at 6:30 p.m.
Call to order by: Mayor Kelly McCauley.
Present: Lois Holmes, Darlene Adolps, Kelly McCauley, Becky McCauley. Ellen Coffel, Doug Mericle.

Minutes of the April meeting were read, there was one correction, it now reads, a motion by Kelly, seconded Doug to increase the maintenance for utility by 7%.  Corrected minutes were approved 4-0.  Treasurer’s report was presented.  A motion by Darlene to accept the report, seconded by Becky.  Approved 4-0.  

Outstanding bills were presented for payment.  Becky moved to pay bills, seconded by Ellen, approved 4-0.

Guests: Bessy Casper from Floodwood attended the meeting to present her plan to purchase the Northwoods Cafe building, also to have Morton Building remodel and build a 20x40 addition on the North end.  The building will be used for a leather wearing apparel shop, living quarters and a U.P.S. pickup site.  She would employ 2-4 persons.  A motion by Darlene to accept the plan and variances on the property were proper as for distance from the city alley property. Seconded by Ellen, approved 4-0.

Committee Reports: 

Community Center: One table is damaged, needs repair or replacement.  The furnace check up was completed by CAP repairman.  Pat Gilsvik reported the Craft Club has good attendance, the Kids Club has been started by members of the Craft Club.  Reading times, games, music and craft days are planned for the children.  Pat requested purchasing a round table.  The attendance for the Mon. and Wed. afternoon is low.  

Recreation: Becky reported a tiller is needed for the ball field work.  Jim Ackerman will try to locate a tiller and operator.  The DNR grant information is not positive.

Weed Meeting: Darlene reported on the weed meeting.  City property should be inspected and toxic weeds should be sprayed. 

Fire: Ellen reported on the Fire Board Meeting.  The 1970 tanker needs replacing.  The department wants to continue receiving the $500 from each twp. and city to go into the purchasing fund.

Correspondence: The following was received from city residents on new buildings or improvements: Bob and Pat Gilsvick, a new hip roof on an out building.  Doug and Deb Mericle, a new garage building.  Ellen Coffel, a new storage shed.

No response was received from MN Dot regarding the Rec area ditch drainage, Kelly will contact them.  MPCA sent a compliance monitoring survey to be completed by utility maintenance and the council.  Jim Ackerman attended our meeting to assist, Jim will provide information to the council for locating a licensed water/sewer operator and get an estimate for the cost of hiring a person.  Jim will attend the June meeting to provide information for the council to make a decision.  Jim advised that NE technical in Virginia should do all the testing.  The flow meter must be installed.  Darlene will call Mike Roer to locate an installer. MPCA requested all reports be signed by a council member.  Jim Hietala has been working to repair the water system.  More parts are needed.  Late water bill patrons have been contacted and some have paid.  There is no explanation for the loss of water periodically.  Becky has received information from 11 small cities comparing water/sewer rates and wages of council, clerk and treasurer.  Council wage increase was tabled for June.  Utility rate increase was tabled for June.

New Business: Dana Marrier requested a copy of the city minutes to put on his web site.  The council will check with LMC Research Dept. for appropriate action and then respond to Dana. 

Council approved: Bob Henry, hire to level the dirt piles on the city alley property near Lake St. and 3rd Ave N.  Willy Lindahl was hired to mow the grass for the city, $6.00 per hour.  Bob Henry to haul 4 loads of black dirt over to Felix road which is posted for 5 tons.  Darlene to purchase a large calendar to put in the office to mark monthly and quarterly reports for utility and other things to do.

Discussion: inspection of property in the city limits for spring cleaning. Tabled for June,  Darlene will call Sportsmax to determine their final date to determine the water shut off day.

A motion by Doug to adjourn , seconded by Becky -meeting adjourned Darlene Adolfs, clerk