Warba City Council Meeting Minutes

November 20th, 2001

The Warba City Council met at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.  Present:  Kelly McCauley, Ellen Coffel, Doug Mericle, Becky McCauley, Lois Holmes, Darlene Adolfs.  Jerry Carey, Tim Satrang also attended.

Guests:  Tarry Edington, Dana & Amy Marrier, Lori Hamm, Ruth Tatter.

Call to order by Mayor McCauley.  Minutes from the October meeting were read.  A Motion to approve the minutes by Becky, seconded by Doug, approved 5-0.  Treasurers report was presented.  A motion by Ellen, seconded by Darlene to accept, approved 5-0.  Outstanding bills were presented.  A motion by Doug, seconded by Becky to pay bills, approved 5-0.

Committee Reports:   

Community Center:  Amy Marrier and Darlene Adolfs have been working on a Blandin Grant to purchase a larger TV for the Community Center.  After Amy's presentation, Ellen made a motion to proceed with the grant and to use Community Center funds if necessary, to meet the grant specifications seconded by Kelly and approved 5-0.  A motion by Kelly, seconded by Ellen to discontinue the dues for the Warba Exercise Group, approved 5-0.

Recreation:  Lori Hamm reported on the Blandin Grant for the playground, for a pavilion and rink lights and had forms signed.  

Fire:  Ellen reported that the loan papers for the new truck are complete and everything is on schedule.

Building Quality Communities:  B.Q.C. and Open Forum have merged into one group that is now called the Open Forum.  The next Open Forum meeting will be held Thursday, December 6th, 2001 from 4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m.  There were also discussions about the need for a generator in case of emergencies.  Tabled.  Pat Gilsvik provided an emergency information survey that she received from Trout Lake.  The survey included information such as whom in the community owned snowmobiles, generators, wood burning stoves, etc.  

Correspondence:  A letter was received from the Minnesota Department of Revenue regarding the Taconite School Replacement Aid.  Warba will receive $1540.  A statement of claims and summons from Itasca County Court was received regarding the Vitela Johnson water bill.  Court date is 11-20-01.  Hawkins Chemical requested a letter authorizing their employees to enter the water tower area.  Workman's Comp. claim information was received for Jerry's eye injury which occurred at the recreation hydrant project.  

Old Business:  Tim and Jerry reported on the utility work and water reports were good from Minnesota Department of Health.  The licenses for Warba Liquor were signed.  The gate problem with Terry Peterson is not resolved at this time.  Darlene will call the League of Minnesota Cities to get information on the proper procedures recording all reads in the city limits.

New Business:  Tarry Edington from Itasca Housing and Redevelopment Authority attended and spoke about affordable housing.  Increased housing would benefit the city with an increased tax base, and provide low and moderate income families, seniors and disabled households with decent, safe, and affordable rental housing opportunities.  Tabled for further discussion.  

Ruth Tatter of Early Child Family Education attended and thanked the council for being able to hold their meetings at the Community Center.  ECFE meets every Thursday during the school year.  Ruth asked if there would be available space for a highchair and a cabinet for toys that would be available for use by the local youth and purchased with grant monies.  The council approved the additional toys and additional items needed can be stored in the center.

Kelly checked with Itasca Zoning concerning a request to dump items at the old dump site.  Zoning office advised that there should be NO DUMPING of any kind at this site except for a "one time" occasion if something arises with the city needs.  They request that a gate should be installed to keep violators out.  Project tabled for 2002.  

Kelly reported that he and the Council attended Itasca County Court at 2:30pm on November 20, 2001.  Vitela Johnson and Bob King reported their case to the Judge.  Kelly, the Council and Jerry reported the problem of the unpaid water bill at the Vitela Johnson rental unit.  The Judge heard the case and will rule on it.  We will hear by letter from the Judge.

Christmas lights will be installed soon.  The furnace in the Community Center was malfunctioning and a repairman will be contacted.  

A motion by Doug, seconded by Ellen to adjourn approved meeting adjourned.

 Respectfully, 

Darlene Adolfs, Clerk