Warba City Council Meeting 

April 10, 2006

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

UTILITY:   The drinking water report is due by July 1, 2006.  The lift station continues to get plugged up with some type of material.  The storm drains will not have the sand cleaned out of them by the state this year.  The jail crew came through and brushed the Stenseth Road.  Ken Seibert was notified that Keith Essler and Kelly McCauley were planning on putting in double wide manufactured homes.  If this happens, the shut will not be easily accessible.  Council discussion concluded that the city would begin looking into changing the shut off location.  It was decided that the City must have easy access to the curb stop.  Dana Marrier agreed to discuss the plans with the Essler’s and the McCauley’s.  Ken Seibert asked council permission to purchase a torpedo heater for working on the sewer pumps.  Council agreed to permit the purchase.  Don Hawk stated that the Fire Department is planning on burning around the sewer ponds this year.  Dana Marrier also mentioned burning the lot behind the school.  Brian Borgman mentioned that more of the lab work for Utility will have to be sent out that previously. 

ZONING:  Mary Krumrei brought in a proposal from Keller Fence for the Jackie Essler property across from the Community Center.  Council thanked Mary for bringing in her plans for approval.  Niki Mistelske reported that she has been working meticulously regarding getting the Zoning material ready for council review.  Niki has completed 42 pages and has another 26 pages left to type and she will be ready for review.     

COMMUNITY CENTER:  Amy Marrier discussed some of the cleaning issues regarding the Community Center and lunches being served.  The school has been made aware of the cleaning issues.  The school needs to provide their own cleaning supplies including mop, bucket etc.  The wireless internet is coming very soon.  Ellen Coffel mentioned that there will be a Public Meeting April 24th at 7:00 pm for the Itasca Community Wildfire Protection Plan Task Force.  Also, starting next Tuesday for 7 weeks from 1-3:30 pm there will be a parenting class group meeting at the Community Center.  

RECREATION:  Don Hawk reported that Brad Anderson declined the application for the trails this year; however they were encouraged to apply for the grants available next year.  The rink is completed and lit.  

FIRE:  An employee of the Fire Department was bit by a dog and Amy Marrier is working with the League to try to resolve.  Ellen Coffel reported that retired fire department employees get $600 per year.  The 2005 paperwork was completed and mailed to the State.  The FD is going to get a current mutual contract together for review.  5% is needed from each entity for a FEMA grant for turn out gear and personal protection equipment.  Ellen Coffel also reported that the FD wants to purchase a new step up rig.  The gear will be hauled in the old rescue truck and they want to spend $10,000 to $20,000 on the truck.  $1000 per year will be the Cities cost.  The FD would like to use the Quonset to store the truck.  The Quonset is the only building the city currently has to store their belongings.  There is $10,000 in the truck purchasing fund however the FD does not want to drain their fund.  Ellen also mentioned that the Sheriff wants the City FD to purchase the same radios as the County at a cost of all three entities.  The County will be helping write grants for the radio equipment.  Amy Marrier reviewed a letter that she sent to the FD regarding Workman’s Compensation and the fact that they were not invoiced last year, nor did the City receive a payment for Workman’s Compensation from the Fire Department.  The next Fire Board meeting will be July 25, 2006 then October 24, 2005 both at 6:30 pm.  

CEMETERY:  Becky McCauley was absent.

OTHER:   The Warba Food Shelf will now be having an advisory board this will aid them in attaining some of the grants they would like to receive.  Ellen Coffel mentioned that the students testing averages were decent and they did quite well in a friendly competition against some of the other Charter Schools. 

Ellen Coffel reported that Becky Ogden has invited the community to several events they will be sponsoring.  There will be recycling bins outside of the school.  Chris the puppet maker will be showing people how to make puppets out of recycled items.  There will be a camping event to raise monies for the homeless.  Donations accepted will be canned goods, blankets and more.  Teams will be freshening up yards and cleaning up the river throughout the City of Warba.  Monday, April 17th will be a community wide clean up.  The school also mentioned that if anyone would like to have lunch at the Community Center, it is only $3.00.  Niki Mistelske mentioned that it would be a good idea for the students to affix some type of notification to local’s doors so they are aware of the programs the school is trying to put into place. 

CORRESPONDENCE:  The City received a letter from MN Revenue regarding State Fire Aid, letter from US Bankruptcy Court, newsletter from Environmental Services Administrator, LMC sent the annual 2006 City Policies book, review letter from Itasca Little league, letter from MN Pollution Control Agency regarding Warba Tire’s Petroleum Storage Tank, LMC free conference April 27 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Center, MN/DOT District One Utility Coordination Meeting information, LMC’s 2006 Annual Conference and Marketplace notification June 28-30 in St. Cloud, Water charge analysis rate workshop April 18th in St. Cloud for $100,  Itsaca County’s 5-year plan, Annual Report Summary 2005 for the Grand Rapids Area Library, LMC Safety and Loss Control Workshops $20 in Biwabik April 26, Lake Country Power Ballot. 

OLD BUSINESS:  Dana Marrier explained that the new laptops are linked.  Amy Marrier explained that they were working well.  The discussion on the sale of the Brownfield JOBZ area was tabled and will stay tabled until someone expresses interest in the property or new information arises. 

NEW BUSINESS:  The State Auditors Office awarded the city an additional month extension for 2006 year end. 

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

Respectfully submitted, 

Amy Marrier - City Clerk