Village of Laurium
Regular Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Present for Roll Call: Bausano,
Harju, Junot, Koskiniemi, Lanctot and Rastello.
Guests: Karen
Anderson, Paul Baroni, Jon Koskiniemi, Daniel Mukavetz, Garrett Neese, Brittany
Poyhonen, Edward Sever, Edward M. Vertin, and Daniel Zubiena.
The meeting was
called to order in the Village Council Chambers by President Bausano at 5:30PM.
A motion was made by
Rastello and seconded by Junot to approve the agenda with the addition of the Sergeant position in the
Police/Fire Committee report. Carried
6-0.
A motion was made by
Lanctot and seconded by Rastello to approve the minutes from the January 18, 2005 regular council meeting. Yes – Lanctot, Rastello, Bausano, Junot and
Harju. Abstain – Koskiniemi. Carried 5-0.
A motion was made by
Junot and seconded by Lanctot to approve payment of the merchandise accounts in the amount of $49,123.79 and approve the prepaid bills in the amount of
$78,873.47. Carried 6-0.
A letter of resignation was received from Mary Turner. The council accepted her resignation with regret.
The Copper Country Homecoming will be held again this year in Houghton. The coordinators are looking for displays for the event.
Mary Kay Grabig, manager of Torch Lake Federal Credit Union sent a letter to the council regarding a recent solicitation from the fire department. Mrs. Grabig also expressed an interest in handling some of the village’s banking needs.
Linda Adamczewski of 232 Hecla Street sent a letter about Ordinance #135 – Sidewalk Plowing. She felt residents should have been notified individually of this ordinance and didn’t think they should have to pay for this service if it wasn’t wanted. The council amended this ordinance for the safety of pedestrians and the clerk should send a letter to Ms. Adamczewski to state this decision.
The council was notified that Nancy McCabe submitted a letter to the editor of the Daily Mining Gazette complimenting the Street Department for their good service.
A motion was made by Koskiniemi and seconded by Harju to donate an hour and a half of ice time to be raffled for the Pigs-n-Heat hockey game. Carried 6-0.
A motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Koskiniemi to appoint Mark Bonenfant to the Trustee position vacated by Mary Turner. Carried 6-0.
Committee Reports
Finance: A motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Rastello to hold a special meeting on Monday, February 21, 2005 at 4:00PM for a budget work session. The public hearing for the budget will be on Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 5:00PM. A special meeting will follow at 5:15PM to amend last year’s budget and approve next year’s budget. Carried 6-0.
Recreation: The annual Mite Tournament will be held February 24-27 at the George Gipp Arena.
Public Safety – Police: A motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Harju to appoint Robert Kyllonen to fill the sergeant position vacated by Paul Baroni. Carried 6-0. Prior to the March 15, 2005 council meeting, the police and fire departments and their committees will meet with Jerry Adair from MI Twp. Par Plan about risk management.
Public Safety – Fire: The monthly report was submitted. More discussion on unauthorized soliciting on behalf of the village took place. The council should approve all soliciting and Chief Mukavetz will handle this matter with the fire department.
Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: Budget information will be reported at the work session.
Property/Buildings/Ordinance: Three properties are still in non-compliance with the orders given at the November 29, 2004 hearing. Letters will be sent to these 3 property owners with at least 10 days notice of the next hearing of the Appeals Board (the village council). This hearing will take place at the regular council meeting on March 15, 2005. The owners must comply within 60 days of this hearing.
Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: No report.
Old Business: A motion was made by Rastello and seconded by Junot to appoint Jackie A. Aalto, CPA as the village’s auditor. Carried 6-0.
New Business: A letter of thanks will be sent to Mary Turner for her service on the council. The special election for snow removal millage renewal will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2005.
At 6:25PM, a motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Koskiniemi to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Golus, Clerk
Village of Laurium