Warba City Council Meeting

City Council Meeting 9-8-03

The meeting was called to order at 6:30p.m.  The pledge of allegiance was read.  Members Becky McCauley, Ellen Coffel, Lois Holmes, Dana Marrier and Amy Marrier.  Members absent were Doug Mericle.  

Minutes were presented and Dana Marrier asked about the copy of the abstract for Jim and Paulette Heinrich.  Amy Marrier is to check with Kelly McCauley to see if he knows where it is.  Also Ellen Coffel mentioned that Kruger was spelled incorrectly under community center.  Motion by Ellen Coffel and seconded by Becky McCauley to change the spelling of Kruger and accept minutes as amended.  Approved 4-0.  Lois Holmes read the treasurer’s report.  A motion by Amy Marrier and seconded by Becky McCauley to accept the treasurer’s report.  Approved 4-0.   Bills to be paid were approved with a motion by Becky McCauley seconded by Ellen Coffel.  Approved 4-0.

John Richardson spoke briefly of zoning concerns wanting to know where we are at with the proposed project.  Dana Marrier mentioned the scenario of someone buying the church property and making considerably small lot sizes then going to the city for water and sewer if and when their systems ever failed.  Dana Marrier read the letter from Chad Sterle regarding zoning.  There was some further discussion regarding possibilities for zoning and council approved to have Chad Sterle gather some zoning materials.  The storm shelter update was also discussed as to where we were with the project. 

Utility:  No new news.  Amy Marrier is to check with the DOT regarding the incorrect population sign and distance to Grand Rapids.

Community Center:  There was a $100 donation from the Shallow Lake Association and Cathy Block donated $50 for the air conditioner fund.

Recreation:  Amy Marrier will be sending a quarterly Recreation and playground report to Robin Heinle and Cathy King.  

Fire:  Eric Locken contacted Ellen Coffel regarding setting up a fire meeting towards the end of the month.  Dana Marrier reviewed the purchasing fund for the fire department.

Cemetery:  Meeting October 21 at 6:00p.m.  Dana Marrier mentioned the idea of the fireproof cabinets for use of the cemetery too. 

Dana Marrier discussed Ken Seibert’s tornado siren bids.  Dana Marrier mentioned that we received two bids for the 911- tornado siren radio enabled thru Itasca County Sheriff’s dispatch.  The device is only activated on a tornado warning coming from the national weather service.  Ellen Coffel will ask the fire department for permission to put up the siren equipment.

Budget was discussed.  Ellen Coffel made a motion to accept the budget and Dana Marrier seconded it.  John Richardson asked why we maintain the ball field when its not used.  Doug Mericle will speak to Robin Heinle about making use of the ball field.

Tracy Schimtbauer asked for a donation towards the Halloween gathering in Goodland.  Council agreed to a $25 donation with a motion  by Ellen Coffel seconded by Becky McCauley.  $183 request for monies for historical society denied. 

Old Business:  The Internet antenna on the water tower was discussed.  The Fire Department and The City of Warba will have a free connection to the Internet and will eventually be supplied with new computers from Tim Robinson of www.Meadows.net.  Lois Holmes discussed switching over from Edward Jones to Grand Rapids State Bank.  The Cities savings account will need to be changed over as well.  The week of the 15th of September Lois Holmes and Amy Marrier will go to Grand Rapids State Bank and do all final changeovers. 

The property behind the elementary school was discussed.  Amy Marrier will contact Remax to get an idea of pricing on the parcel and complete a market analysis.   

Robin Heinle was given permission by the council to have a key to the administrative room. 

Amy Marrier made a motion and Becky McCauley seconded the motion to adjourn, approved 4-0.                   
Respectfully submitted by Amy Marrier, City Clerk