Village of Laurium

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, February 19, 2002

 

Present for Roll Call: Bausano, Bonenfant, Harrell, Johnson, Lutz, Twardzik and Zei.

 

Guests: Bruce Joosten, James Lemler, Daniel Mukavetz, Robert Taggart, Edward M. Vertin, and Dan Zubiena.

 

The meeting was called to order by President Bonenfant in the Village Council Chambers at 5:30PM.

 

Correspondence

 

Robert Taggart, a forester for UPPCo gave a brief presentation to the council about the tree trimming taking place in the Village.Ý Trees are being trimmed away from the power lines for safety reasons, reliability of service and health of the trees.Ý He indicated that there are grants available to the Village to replace older trees that have died.Ý UPPCo would assist the Village with the labor and equipment to plant these trees if necessary.

 

Last yearís sewer project caused yard and basement flooding problems for Ward Prideaux of 240 N Pewabic Street.Ý UP Engineering has submitted an estimate of $21,000 to correct this problem.Ý The cost would be split between NHCW&SA and the Village of Laurium street funds.Ý The Streets/Equipment/Sanitation committee will review the matter and have a decision for the March 2002 regular council meeting.

 

A motion was made by Zei and seconded by Johnson to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2002 regular council meeting.Ý Carried 7-0.

 

A motion was made by Johnson and seconded by Bausano to approve payment of the merchandise accounts in the amount of $21,742.21.Ý Carried 7-0.

 

Committee Reports

 

Finance:Ý A motion was made by Bausano and seconded by Twardzik to hold the Budget Hearing on February 26, 2002 at 5:30PM and a Special Meeting to follow at 5:45PM to approve the proposed budget for 2002-2003.Ý Carried 7-0.

 

Recreation: There have been several problems with the Zamboni and discussion of finding a replacement was held.Ý The mite tournament will be held February 21-24, 2002 at the arena.

 

Public Safety ñ Police/Fire: The Police Department would like to replace the engine on the Suburban.Ý Estimates to do this are between $2000-3000.Ý The Lumina would be sold to cover the cost of the Suburban repairs.Ý A motion was made by Harrell and seconded by Johnson to have the police department get an estimate from Parkway Chevrolet as to how much the Lumina is worth.Ý This would be the minimum bid to sell the car.Ý Carried 7-0.Ý A motion was made by Bausano and seconded by Harrell to take the $6000 UPPCo lease rental income less utilities, which would be approximately $3500, and establish a capital outlay budget line item for the Fire Department.Ý This would be for purchasing turnout gear, pagers, etc.Ý Yes ñ Bausano, Bonenfant, Harrell, Johnson, Lutz, and Twardzik.Ý Abstain ñ Zei.Ý Carried 6-0.

 

Trustee Bausano left the meeting at 6:20PM.

 

Personnel ñ Police/DPW: No report.

 

Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: The local and major streets will not be cut with the SnoGo until March 2002.Ý Vertin will try to get authorization from MDOT to cut M-26.Ý Once the new budget is in place, the committee will look into purchasing a new loader.

 

Property/Building/Ordinance: No report.

 

Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: Twardzik was contacted by Charlie Hopper who runs Pasty.com.Ý The Village can have a free website, Laurium.net, hosted on their server. ÝTwardzik will advise Mr. Hopper that we will use this free website. ÝTwardzik obtained a quotes for îWelcome to Lauriumî signs.Ý Belo Sign Service estimatedÝ $300 for 3- 4x8 signs with 3 colors and $450 for 3-4x8 signs with 6 colors.Ý Designotype Printers gave an estimate of $65 per 2x4 sign.Ý It would cost a minimum of $300 to design a logo.Ý The committee will look at options for designing a logo and keep working on this project.

 

Laurium Housing Commission: No report.

 

New Business: An open house will be held at the Keweenaw Kids Parent Resource Center & Adult Education run by BHK Child Development Board on Thursday, February 21, 2002 from 6-8PM.Ý President Bonenfant will try to attend.

 

Old Business: A motion was made by Johnson and seconded by Zei to agree to settle the garbage dispute with Hunter Watson, through Attorney Vairo, for half of our calculated cost which is $480.00.Ý Carried 6-0.Ý At 6:40PM, a motion was made by Johnson and seconded by Twardzik to enter into executive session to discuss DPW/Police union negotiations and the Rastello/Therrian lawsuit.Ý Carried 6-0.

 

The meeting returned to regular session at 7:19PM.

Present for Roll Call: Bonenfant, Harrell, Johnson, Lutz, Twardzik and Zei.

 

Absent: Bausano.

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:20PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Patricia M. Golus, Clerk

Village of Laurium