Warba City Council Meeting 

May 9, 2005

The Warba city council meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. The pledge of allegiance was read. All members were present. Minutes were discussed and a motion was made by Ellen Coffel, seconded by Jason Foley. Approved 5-0. Treasurer’s report was read. A motion by Niki Mistelske, seconded by Amy Marrier to accept the treasurer’s report. Approved 5-0. Bills were read and a motion by Dana Marrier, seconded by Jason Foley to pay the bills. Approved 5-0.

GUESTS: Northern Lights Community school is a charter school and is a project-based learning school. Mary Jo Wimmer stated that this first year, 70 students will be accepted with a 1-to 15-teacher student ratio. Rene Lauer stated the same and that parents being in the school is encouraged, to work on projects with the students. Karen Fleming says they have toured many charter schools and have picked up many ideas of how they would like to run their school. They are proposing grades 6-12 to be placed in the old Warba Elementary School. The school is free and project based. The second year 85 students would be accepted and a cap of 105 in subsequent years would be the limit. There will be five teachers to start the first year. enrollment is by first come first serve and a Waiting list. September 2005 would be the start of the school. This will be the first Charter school in Itasca County. There might be extra curricular activities for these students. YMCA will be used and the teachers would like to use the ball field for activities. Itasca Orchestra and John Downing will be assisting with the musical aspects. This school will be Independent School District #4146. They requested that we set up a community meeting to discuss this more. What ideas does the community have to help them? 

Utility: The severe weather siren did work this last month. Brian Borgman reported that everything was going well with the water and sewer and they are looking at putting in a time delay so the train doesn’t through off the system. A street light was installed at the North Shallow Lake Road. As soon as things dry up, Ken Seibert will begin mowing. Kelly McCauley mentioned that the County would appreciate it if people kept their signs in the yard more to avoid the large equipment hitting them for the plowing and grading of the roads. Ken Siebert will install the sign on the Beck Road. 

Zoning: Jason Foley reported that he met with several of the members and he will get some updating done to the zoning book and will keep everyone updated.

Community Center: Ellen Coffel reported that Pat Beers has been working on the community center sign. National Night Out is August 2nd, 2005. Ellen Coffel would appreciate any help she can get organizing and collecting donations for the event. 

Recreation: Nothing new in recreation. Jason Foley is going to put together an idea for the council to consider for an annual event.

Fire: Meeting next Tuesday the 17th of May.

Cemetery: Becky McCauley reported that she does have a list of owners of the lots and would like to know contact people for the owned lots. Gary Hildreth has worked very hard to keep the Cemetery looking terrific. The jail crew raked for free this year and Frank Fairchild will be mowing. 

Other: Year-end is completed and Amy Marrier handed out the results. May 21st at 10 a.m. is the feasibility study for the Shallow Lake Association.

Correspondence: LMC sent a letter regarding the Liability Coverage Wavier Form, refund from the IRS in the amount of $109.64, letter regarding the unemployment audit that was May 2, 2005, letter from the PCA regarding Discharge Monitoring Reports.

Old Business: The Catholic Church might be closing. Dana Marrier reported no new news on the tax-free JOBZ program. 

New Business: None

A motion was made by Ellen Coffel to adjourn the meeting seconded by Jason Foley. Approved 5-0. 

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Amy Marrier - City Clerk