Warba City Council Meeting

July 14, 2003

Mayor Dana Marrier called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. The pledge of allegiance was read. Members present were Doug Mericle, Ellen Coffel, Becky McCauley, Lois Holmes, and Dana Marrier. Absent was Amy Marrier. Minutes were read and a motion by Doug Mericle seconded by Ellen Coffel to accept, approved 4-0. Treasurer's report was read and a motion by Becky McCauley seconded by Ellen Coffel to accept approved 4-0. Bills were presented Doug Mericle made a motion to accept and Becky McCauley seconded it. 

Community Center: Floor looks nice and there was an anonymous donation to the air conditioner fund of $500. Pine tree trimming on south side of building was tabled because Ken Seibert said the food shelter employees liked the shade. Trees need to be also trimmed for snowplow to get through town. Ken Seibert talked to Vitella Johnson to see if her trees could be trimmed. There will be more focus on the grading of the streets not alleys because when the alleys get graded sod comes up. The city may get gravel when needed from Itasca County.

Utility: A meeting took place regarding Rural Water Development and Dana Marrier summarized. Signs were distributed to be put up at the sewer ponds and water tower. 

Recreation: Robin Heinle and the Recreation board must approve all bills prior to payment delivery.  Bathrooms are not complete yet. 

Fire: Warren Spawn sent a check for Insurance for League of MN Cities regarding the fire department. Warba is still unable to use fire equipment to flush sewer mains as far as we know at this point. Ken Seibert is now mowing city land around fire hall. 

Cemetery: No Report

Correspondence: MN Revenue - exemption from the requirement to hold a truth in taxation hearing. Amy Marrier requested to get information about the Minnesota Small Cities Membership program. FEMA storm shelter project sent us information on waiting for federal government to transfer money to the state so we can proceed with the project. Itasca County property tax statement reviewed single-family request for proposal and said we would need to have plans and funds may be available. Tax-free jobs program allots land tax-free for 12 years per industry to help increase employees. There was some discussion on what to do with land behind the school. Questions on who has deed for that property, is it City of Warba or recreation property? We think its the City of Warba's property. Doug Mericle will research the title. There was a DNR water us fee increase.

Old Business: Update was given on the Terry Peterson case by a letter from Attorney Paul Reuvers.

New Business: Tax free zone not interested, 2003 law summaries were received. Amy Marrier reported that she has expenses for the council to consider from the MN Municipal Clerks Institute. Ellen Coffel made a motion to pay expenses and Becky McCauley seconded it. Approved 3-0 Dana Marrier abstained. Payment came in for motel utilities from Grand Rapids State Bank. Amy Marrier, though not present, requested to write the bank a Thank You. 

Ellen Coffel made a motion to recess for public hearing regarding 10 foot set back ordnance and Doug Mericle seconded it. 

Dana Marrier called meeting back to order at 8:15 P.M. 

Dana Marrier's notes were as follows, $1380 is needed from FEMA funding monies to pay the surveyors for the storm shelter project. Ellen Coffel made a motion to accept and Doug Mericle seconded it. Approved 3-0 Dana Marrier Abstained. Estimated aid cut LGA 2003 -$1919 and the same -$1919 for 2004. Ken Seibert painted the curbs and last Sheriff Medure said the radar wagon would be in our area soon.

Ellen Coffel made a motion to adjourn and Doug Mericle seconded it. Approved 4-0. 
Respectfully submitted by Becky McCauley