Warba City Council Meeting
January 13th, 2003
Call to order by Mayor Dana Marrier. The pledge of allegiance was read. Members present, Doug Mericle, Ellen Coffel, Becky McCauley, Dana & Amy Marrier, and Lois Holmes. Guests were Bessie from Casper’s Leather, Tim Satrang, Tim Robinson from Meadows Net, JP from Superior Broadband, and Ken Seibert. The minutes of the December meeting were read and a motion by Ellen seconded by Doug to accept, approved 5-0. The treasurers report was read and a motion by Becky seconded by Amy to accept, approved. 5-0. Outstanding bill were presented and a motion by Ellen seconded by Doug to accept, approved 5-0.
Jerry is requesting an additional check from the city claiming a discrepancy from the past. Amy will investigate the matter further.
Tim Robinson attended the meeting representing www.meadows.net Meadows Net deals with High Speed Internet at 24.95 per month to $500-600 per month depending on how fast you want it. Installation is based on line of sight and how far you are from the source.
JP from Superior Broadband www.superiorbroadband.com offered another option for installing Fixed Wireless Services, which are actual radio waves. An individual could receive signal from up to 10 miles away depending on line of sight. This service runs approximately $500 for installation and $100 per month for service. The signal is transmitted from an antenna which is installed on the individuals roof. The first option JP discussed was to build an infrastructure for us, and then train someone to run it in which it would be left here with us. The second option was to build it for us with a monthly fee of $200 to maintain and add new clients in which it would be our network. The third option would be that we would build it at our own expense. And the fourth and final option would be to see if we could shoot the signal from Grand Rapids to us. Warba could possibly become the base ISP costing the individual consumer generally $50 per month. Antenna problems are one of the few downfalls.
Bessie from Casper’s Leather www.caspersleather.com came with concerns regarding the dog ordinance. We assured her that the ordinance was regarding unleashed dogs without owner companion running wild in town. Also, we won’t destroy a pet until we actually reach the pet owner and they say they will not claim the pet.
Community Center: Cleaning position. A motion by Ellen seconded by Becky to hire Gina Saric. Approved 5-0.
A motion by Ellen Seconded by Doug to accept cleaning solutions quote for waxing the Community Center floor. Approved 4-0 and abstain by Becky.
Community Center rental rates: tabled
A motion by Dana seconded by Becky to renew food shelf lease for another year. Approved 5-0.
Recreation: The warming house will no longer be opened due to lack of participation or use. Recreation meeting Tuesday 1/14/03.
Fire: None
Cemetery: None
Other: The Herald Review is Warba’s official newspaper by a motion by Amy with a second by Doug. Approved 5-0 Warba’s official bank will remain the Grand Rapids State Bank by a motion by Doug seconded by Becky. Approved 5-0. Edward Jones Account is the cities official utility account however Amy needs to contact Carolyn regarding any fees if we pull out of that account. The City Attorney will be Kent Nyberg and Ellen will call attorneys to find out more about other options for attorneys. Attorney tabled. Ellen will be acting Mayor when Dana cannot attend. A motion Becky seconded by Doug. Approved: 5-0
Committees: Amy will have Community Center, Recreation will be Doug with Ellen as a backup, Fire will be Ellen, Becky Cemetery, and Lois will have Food Shelf. A motion by Doug to accept the appointees, seconded by Becky. Approved 5-0.
Budget and dumpster day is tabled until the February meeting. Next open forum meeting, Amy will check with Rick Utech to see when he could do a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats). Let everyone on council know when the meeting will be scheduled for. Rick is asking that we have a representative from as many local areas as possible. Some names and locations of individuals were mentioned as: Feeley- Kathy King, Sago- Marsha Kingsly, County Commissioner John Dimich, and all local businesses. Post it as a special meeting 3 days in advance but this meeting will not be considered a special meeting with payment to City Council Representatives.
The Liquor license rate will remain the same as a motion by Becky seconded by Doug. Approved 5-0.
Utility: Tim Satrang came and asked if someone could take tap samples daily and Amy Volunteered if Tim would supply Amy with the sample equipment required. Tim mentioned some breaker problems that he and Brian will try to handle on their own if it’s a simple problem. Tim explained that there was a sight investigation done and some spots around the sewer ponds need repair due to burrow digging and vegetation with deep roots. No trespassing signs need to be put up and posted around the sewer area. Tim will look into the signs.
Old Business: December 29th Ken, Doug, and Dana met regarding Ken’s position. Ken requested that he be paid the same as the current maintenance man at $600 total divided into 2 checks of $300 each General and Utility. Discussion of wages regarding maintenance as a whole was discussed. Ken thought it was 600 hours per year averaging $10 per hour. Discussion on if the position should become an hourly rate position or salary. Ken was asked to track his hour’s verses duties. A motion by Ellen to pay Ken at the rate of $600 per month 300 General 300 Utility with the understanding that Ken will track his hours monthly to get a check, seconded by Becky but that it doesn’t include use of the lawnmower and training on the grass rig and hepatitis shots. Approved 4 Opposed 1.
New Business: A resolution was discussed regarding asking permission of City Council before putting up a structure. Amy will call the league of MN Cities regarding the purposed ordinance. Tabled. A motion by Becky seconded by Doug to accept the resolution on new date and place for council meeting. The motel requested a winter rate for their water bill. From December to March the Motel will get a residential water rate motioned by Ellen seconded by Becky. Approved 5-0. If there is a newsletter could it be sent to everyone, not just the city people? Amy will find out how much it would cost to send it to everyone within the city limits. Check with Darlene regarding numbering of the resolutions.
A motion by Doug to adjourn seconded by Ellen, approved 5-0.
Respectfully, Amy Marrier, Clerk