Warba City Council Meeting

City Council Meeting 3/10/03

Call to order by Mayor Dana Marrier.  Pledge of Allegiance was read.  Member present: Dana & Amy Marrier, Lois Holmes, Becky McCauley, and Ellen Coffel.  Members absent: Doug Mericle.  Guests: Tim Satrang, Brian Borgman, Jerry Carey, Ken Seibert, John Mattonen, Pat Gilsvik, Mark Carlson and Sally Grand Rapids Insurance.  

Minutes were read by Amy Marrier.  Becky McCauley made a motion and Ellen Coffel seconded it to approve the corrected minutes.  Approved 4-0. 

Lois Holmes read the treasurer’s report.  A motion by Ellen Coffel with a second by Becky McCauley.  Approved 4-0.

Outstanding bills were presented and Becky McCauley motioned that we pay bills and Ellen Coffel seconded it.  Approved 4-0.

Sally from Grand Rapids Insurance came to the meeting to discuss our insurance rates.  City $2453, Fire $2636, and Recreation Department $90.  Work Comp went down slightly.  There is a $250 deductible for everything covered for the city.  Sally discussed a sewer backup coverage of $10,000 costing the city an additional $105 a year on our policy.  The city must have an inspection and reoccurring documentation of what’s being worked on. 

Discussion regarding the hour meter in the well room by the water tower took place and James Hitala will be meeting with Brian, the owner of Itasca Electric, to see what can be done to repair the meter. 

Discussion about the fluoride in the well room took place, and Ken Seibert monitors the tower every other day.  Amy Marrier will change where report is being sent to from Jerry Carey to Ken Seibert on fluoride report cards from the state.

Ken Seibert reported that the hydrant by the recreation rink is frozen.  We will look into fixing it in the spring.  Doug Mericle will talk to the recreation board about repair.

Recreation:  No one showed for the meeting last week. 

Fire:  Ellen Coffel proposed the budget for 2004 and the annual fireboard report was read. 

There was an increase, but some of the gear is over 25 years old and is beginning to rot due to the fact that it’s made of rubber.  A motion by Amy Marrier seconded by Ellen Coffel to accept the budget.  Approved 3, Opposed 1.  Dana Marrier mentioned the fire board should think about a budget that starts putting away money for future uses.   

Cemetery:  Becky McCauley is going to call Marion to find out about the investment report that Amy Marrier received.  Becky McCauley discussed the perpetual fund and that the cemetery board was investigating it.  An angry letter was received regarding a footstone being where a headstone should be.  There is no set standard on this.  Becky McCauley is looking into a bulletin board at the cemetery. 

Other:  Lois Holmes will be picking up the statement at the Bank the day of the council meeting.  7-8 people did not pay their utility bills.  Lois Holmes has made arrangements with all late payments to collect monies owed.

Correspondence:  Becky McCauley reported on the Wastewater meeting.  Becky McCauley said there were many grant programs available but you had to have an actual project lined up and then you would be put on a list.

Amy Marrier read the letter on the ongoing lawsuit regarding Terry Peterson and his gate.  The gate has not been removed or opened as was court ordered.  

Ellen Coffel floor waxing:  Busy Bee Quality Cleaning.  $350 for strip and re-wax.  Deep Scrub  would be ½ price.  J&G Thran Incorporated 35 cents a square foot to strip and wax.  Just scrub and burnished was 22 cents a square foot.  Maintenance Company $325 for strip and wax.

City council tabled Nyberg as their attorney at $120 per hour.

Dana Marrier made a motion and Ellen Coffel seconded it to keep the rates the same for the Community Center this year.  Dumpster day tabled. 

National night out will be the first Tuesday in August.  There will not be an annual food shelf meeting this year 2003.  Dana Marrier read the letter regarding fireworks and it was tabled.

The cities insurance company would like to see a certificate of insurance from people that are renting the community center.  Then they are liable if something happens during the usage.  A lot of homeowners insurance have eliminated liquor liability.  May want to add onto rental lease.  If someone falls on your premises and are on Medicare, your premises insurance will be exhausted before Medicare will cover any bills. 

Dana Marrier adjourned the meeting with a motion from Becky McCauley and a second from Ellen Coffel.  Approved 4-0.

Respectfully,

Amy Marrier – City Clerk