Warba City Council Meeting

April 14, 2003

Mayor Dana Marrier called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was performed.  Members present were Dana Marrier, Amy Marrier, Lois Holmes, and Ellen Coffel.  Members absent were Becky McCauley and Doug Mericle.  Minutes were distributed with the Agenda on Friday the 11th of April.  A motion by Ellen Coffel, seconded by Amy Marrier to accept the minutes.  Approved 3-0.  The Treasurer’s report was read, and a motion by Amy Marrier, seconded by Ellen Coffel to accept the report.  Approved 3-0.  Bills were presented, a motion by Dana Marrier seconded by Ellen Coffel to pay bills.  Approved 3-0. Guests:Jerry Sansburn, Rick Utech, Kenny Lindahl.

Guests:  Jerry Sansburn would like to build a 26X30 garage on his property.  Amy Marrier will find out if there are any guidelines on the project or restrictions by calling League of MN Cities Tuesday the 15th and get back to Jerry Sansburn with a reply. The council did not have any other objections to this project. Mr. Sansburns project was approved pending Amy Marrier’s findings from the League of MN Cities. 

Rick Utech brought information regarding tax free zones.  Rick Utech discussed a project in which the city would allow commercial buildings to go tax free for up to 12 years with the understanding that the particular business must provide so many $10 per hour jobs.  Arrowhead Regional Development is working on this project.  An individual city could become an applicant.  MN Department of Trade and Economic Development will be checking on these businesses frequently to make sure they fall within the guidelines of the agreement. 

Kenny Lindahl would like to build a cedar fence in front of his home.  Facing the Presbyterian Church only, not on Lake Street.  Kenny Lindahl received the go ahead to put up the fence.

John Mattonen reminded the council that there were upcoming deadlines of May 23rd, for Pollution Control Agency projects and May 1st for water/sewer projects. 

Committee Reports:

Utility: Amy Marrier asked Tim Satrang what Radon was and Tim Satrang explained that it’s an odorless gas.  In the March meeting protection around the well water system was discussed and it was decided at this meeting that the only protection that could be provided would consist of a fence around the system.  The well systems hour meter is still not functional.  Ken Seibert was waiting to hear from Brian Daigle.  Ken Seibert is going to call Brian Daigle and follow up with him.  Ken Seibert checked into a new cover for the storm sewer drain in front of the Hamm residence and at the playground.  A company named Neenh has a 9” cover for $87 and the 6” is $82.  Neenh will ship for a fee or you can pick the product up at their location.  Ken Seibert will check on the price of a flat cover as well.  Ken Seibert and Jerry Carey flushed the sewer lines out.  Jerry Carey has 1.5 hours labor but he will bank it for now.  Ken Seibert will be painting the door on the Quonset building.

Community Center:  Amy Marrier mentioned that we were having some issues with supplies and such disappearing that belonged to the community center.  Amy Marrier received the go ahead to change the key to the clerk/administrative room and keep all supplies and other stored in that room.  Also, Amy Marrier mentioned that we should move forward with the air conditioner project that Darlene Adolfs was working on.  Ellen Coffel made a motion and Dana Marrier seconded it to change the key and move forward with the air conditioner for the community center.  Floor waxing was tabled for another month. 

Recreation:  Unfortunately no one showed up at the last meeting over 5 weeks ago and Ellen Coffel has not heard where we stand.  Amy Marrier will call Lori Hamm and follow up to see when the next meeting is.

Fire:  Ellen Coffel shared the Joint Fire Contract with the Council.  The contract is due by May 1st, 2003.  Ellen Coffel informed the council that the flushing of the manholes might not be further permitted in the future.  Ellen Coffel will clarify the details and let the council know.

Cemetery:  Not present.

Other:  Ken Seibert is going to talk to Jerry Carey about getting training on what to look for in noxious weeds.  Amy Marrier posted the drinking water report at the Community Center and the Post Office for the community to view.  The city received at video and letter regarding outdated equipment replacement needs.  The video mostly discussed the need for criminal tracking computer equipment.  The city received the 2003 Real Estate Assessment packet including information about recent properties sold in the area.  The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust program sent the city an update on all open claims and the only open claim we have is with Terry Peterson regarding the road to our sewer ponds.  There will be an Itasca County Zoning meeting on Monday April 28 at 10:00 a.m. that Amy Marrier will be attending. 

Old Business:  The annual road contract was read and the city council made a change regarding having all Warba city streets bladed.  Amy Marrier made a motion to accept the amended contract with a second by Ellen Coffel.  Approved 3-0.  Amy Marrier will check into where we are at with the Peterson gate with Paul Reveurs.  Milton Maki still owes for 4th quarter 2002 and 1st quarter 2003.  Lois Holmes will send a certified letter to both the Grand Rapids State Bank and Milton Maki regarding his delinquent water bill.  The water will be shut off on April 15th  for the motel and home of Milton Maki.  Ken Seibert said he would charge $7 per hour for machine to mow this year.  Ken Seibert figured he would be mowing approximately 3.5 hours per week.  The council is undecided as to if they are going to purchase a mower at this time.

Ellen reported on her finding regarding an attorney for the city.  Chad Sterle from Dimich Law Office was the low bidder at $85 per hour.  The League covers larger cases against the city.  Amy will ask the league if we need a city attorney or if the League can represent us. 

New Business:  Amy will check into how Marble got the low income grant funding of $597,900.00 to recondition single-family homes and rentals. 

Dana presented Doug Mericle’s schedule to the Council and there was a discussion about his absence from the council meetings.  In accordance with the 90-day absence rule, MN State Statute 412.02, subd. 2b. The council is going to write Doug a letter regarding his absence.

Ellen made a motion and Amy seconded it for Dana to join the Minnesota Mayors Association.  Approved 3-0.

Ellen made a Motion and Amy Seconded it to adjourn the meeting.  Approved 3-0.   Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully,    Amy Marrier