Warba City Council Meeting 

November  8, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was said. All members were present including Doug Mericle, Ellen Coffel, Becky McCauley, Lois Holmes, Dana Marrier and Amy Marrier. The minutes were discussed. A motion was made by Ellen Coffel to accept the minutes, seconded by Doug Mericle. Approved 5-0. Lois Holmes read the treasurers report and Dana Marrier asked about the Fire Department being at a negative balance. Dana Marrier made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and Amy Marrier seconded it. Approved 5-0. Bills were presented and a motion was made by Doug Mericle to accept them and seconded by Ellen Coffel. Approved 5-0. 

Utility: The Christmas decorations were put up and look spectacular! The city street lights received maintenance and all are functioning except the light at the Warba Liquor Store. Ken Seibert made a call to Lake Country Power to repair it and is waiting to hear back from them. The severe weather siren is still not working properly, Northern 2-Way is going to try to put up a new antenna. Jerry Carey has trapped 5 beavers and 2 muskrats at the sewer ponds so far.

Zoning: Only Ellen Coffel showed up to the last meeting. Doug Mericle announced he will stay on zoning even after serving his term as council person. 

Community Center: The Halloween party was a terrific success and there were many comments from the townspeople that a good time was had by all whom attended. Council decided that any parties in the future would be run through the Recreation Department. No additional money will be provided from the City or Community Center for parties in the future unless approved by council. However, the City of Warba’s Community Center/City Hall would offer to host the community parties free of charge with council approval.

Recreation: Quarterlies need to be turned in to Robin Heinle and Kathy King. Discussion took place about having a meeting to flood the ice rink. 

Fire: There is a meeting scheduled for January. The pension meeting will be tied together with the fire board meeting and Ellen Coffel would be a City representative for both. 

Cemetery: The 2004 dues were paid this month. There will be an $85.00 charge for the cremation if the Cemetery Board digs the grave and $50.00 if the Cemetery Board does not dig the grave as $35.00 is paid to the gravedigger. Emily Norton is working on a updated cemetery map. Al Holmes agreed to snow plow for $20.00 this winter. Mary Lou will check into getting benches from Mel Holmquist. Jill Hawk and Becky McCauley marked the cemetery for the winter with orange flags. Donation letters will be sent out in 2005. The next meeting will be February 24, 2005. 

Other: ELECTION RESULTS 

Guests: Tom Saxhaug of Grand Rapids Insurance Agency presented council with an updated insurance portfolio for 2005. The portfolio was discussed with council and coverage amounts were determined.

Correspondence: Lake Country Power sent a letter regarding Operation Round Up, the State Auditors Office sent a letter regarding a $10 variance for the fire department record keeping, Grand Rapids State Bank sent out their statement of condition, LMC sent out their annual reversionary city information, Minnesota Benefits Association sent out a 2005 MBA Scholarship notification, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sent Local Grant Applicant Information. 

Old Business: Discussion on the lots behind the antique mall took place. Feedback from Don Walstom was that he was not in a position to propose a business plan to council as of yet, he just wanted to find out if it may be possible to purchase the lots and the possible price. Doug Mericle wants to be able to sell the property owned by the city and wants to have a plan for the properties. Dana Marrier will contact Rick Utech about request for proposals. Becky McCauley wanted to know what the city would gain from selling the properties. Dana Marrier explained that troubling potholes on Highway 2 within the city have recently been repaired. 

New Business: Dana Marrier mentioned that the county is not grading all roads in Warba and asked if anyone knew why. Dana Marrier also spoke about Flex tool, the company that might be interested in moving to Warba. There is a meeting scheduled for Monday the 22 of November. Ellen Coffel mentioned that she received a call from Richard and Pat Beers about barking dogs and that it was a nuisance. Dana Marrier mentioned flood insurance on the Swan River. No structure in the city of Warba currently erect is in danger of being flooded. 

Doug Mericle made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Becky McCauley seconded it. Approved 5-0.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Amy Marrier - City Clerk