Village of Laurium
Regular Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Present for Roll Call: Bausano,
Harrell, Rastello, Turner and Zei.
Absent: Junot and
Lanctot.
Guests: Russell
Helminen, Sean Jacques, Mark Johnson, Jim Koskiniemi, Daniel Mukavetz, Edward
Sever, Edward M. Vertin, Betty Zei, and Daniel Zubiena.
The meeting was
called to order in the Village Council Chambers by President Harrell at 5:30PM.
The Copper Country AmeriCorps sent a letter
looking for donations to their annual Alcohol Free Weekend held in
Houghton. The village will not be
contributing this year but individuals can donate if they choose.
Michigan-American Water Company has raised their rates by 11.66%. The last rate increase was in 2002 and since
then their revenues have gone down, but their expenses have gone up.
A motion was made by
Bausano and seconded by Turner to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2004 special council meeting, the
January 20, 2004 regular council meeting and the February 3, 2004 special
council meeting. Carried 5-0.
A motion was made by
Turner and seconded by Rastello to approve payment of the prepaid bills in the amount of $55,227.30 and the merchandise accounts in the amount of
$77,546.68. Carried 5-0.
Finance: A motion was
made by Bausano and seconded by Turner to hold the Budget Hearing/Special
Meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 5:30PM. The purpose of the special meeting is to
amend the current year’s budget and approve next year’s budget. Carried 5-0.
Recreation: The
annual Mite Tournament will be held at the George Gipp Arena February 26-29,
2004.
Public Safety – Police/Fire: Lydia Sjogren’s estate left $10,000.00 to the Laurium Fire
Department for the purchase of equipment.
The increase in water rates will affect the hydrant rentals, a large
portion of the fire department’s budget.
Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: No report.
Property/Building/Ordinance: No report.
Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: UP Engineers & Architect’s preliminary study with a
community meeting is still on hold. An
update will be given next month on the fundraising and status of this project.
Old Business: A
motion was made by Rastello and seconded by Bausano to adopt the resolution for
changing the pension benefits to an E-2 for the police department.
New Business: None.
The village General
Election will be held on March 8, 2004.
The meeting adjourned
at 5:50PM.
Respectfully
submitted,
Patricia M. Golus,
Clerk
Village of Laurium