Warba City Council Meeting

December 17^th 2002

The Warba City Council met at 6:30 p.m.  Call to order by mayor Kelly McCauley.  Present: Kelly McCauley, Darlene Adolfs, Lois Holmes, Ellen Coffel, Becky McCauley, absent: Doug Mericle.  Guests: Dana and Amy Marrier, Jerry Carey, Brian Borgman, John Mattonen, Ed Zebinski, Pat Gilsvick and Frank Fairchild.  The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.  The minutes of the November meeting were read, a motion by Becky, a second by Ellen to accept, approved 4-0.  Treasurer’s report was presented.  A motion by Ellen, seconded by Darlene, Approved 4-0.  Outstanding bills were presented and a motion by Becky to pay bills, seconded by Ellen, approved 4-0. 

Committee Reports:  Community Center reports that no one applied for the cleaning position at the community center.  The kitchen sink has been leaking and the council approved purchasing a new sink.  Front sidewalk has risen from frost again.  Council approved that Darlene continue to handle the Saturday night music night and air conditioner project.  Music night folks donated food to the food shelf.  Grand Rapids Herald Review newsperson will be contacted to write an article about the donation by music forks.

Recreation:  Ellen reported that the ice rink would be open soon.  Rick Steinhart did not finish the toilet project and he was asked to cover holes and put a fence around the area.  They are checking into a new lighting system for the rink.

Fire:  Ellen reported that the dept is waiting for material for the roof.  There is no message from the state on ISO on the new rating at this time.  Jerry asked why the Fire Department did not apply for a Blandin grant for the new tanker?  There are five new people signed for new training. 

Cemetery:  Becky reported that Frank will do the spring cleaning.  Kelly was asked to inspect the roadway for gravel as needed.  Cost for digging is now $300 year round. 

Correspondence:  Paul Reuvers wrote that the court case is being appealed and the gate remains locked.  Darlene will write Paul to ask if all correspondence needs to be sent to Kent Nyberg after which he bills the city for each letter he reads.  MPCA sent a letter to request that the city have some areas burned, keep the fence in order and gates locked.

Guests:  Ed Zebinski spoke to the council about Jobs 2020 concerning improving economic diversity in Itasca County.  The next meeting will be held January 17^th at the Sawmill Inn.  Amy will attend.

John Mattonen advised the council that he is willing to assist the city council in looking at what the city needs and to develop capital improvements.  John would look at infrastructure for the city and assist with plans and grants.  Brian Borgman stated that the ponds need to be developed further before the city would be able to continue to grow.

Old Business:  Brian and Jerry reported on utility work.  Itasca Electric will be contracted to fix items at the pump house.  Dana spoke about possibilities of getting high speed Internet for the city.  He will do more research.  Ellen did research concerning adding late water bills to person’s year-end taxes.  A letter will be sent to Leroy Boleman concerning late utility notice.

New Business:  Council approved:  Dana will attend the LMC newly elected officials meeting in Grand Rapids.  Amy has been given approval to contact the Calumet Clerk to get additional information for clerk duties and computer use.  Several council members signed for using surplus services.  Doug, Dana and Ken will meet to review job descriptions, wages and details for the new maintenance.  Ken Seibert will be the new maintenance person effective January 1, 2003.  Jerry will be available for assistance when needed. 

A motion by Ellen, seconded by Becky to contact ONVOY Phone Company to ask for a pay phone.  Approved 4-0.  A motion by Darlene, seconded by Ellen to change the date of the city council meeting to the “second Monday” of each month, at 6:30 p.m.  Approved 4-0.

The City Council presented Kelly McCauley (18 years), Darlene Adolfs (10 years) and Jerry Carey (MANY years) with a certificate of appreciation for the many years served with the city of Warba.

A motion by Becky to adjourn, seconded by Ellen, approved 4-0.

Respectfully,

Darlene Adolfs- City Clerk