Village of Laurium

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, January 20, 2004

 

Present for Roll Call: Bausano, Harrell, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello and Zei.

 

Absent: Turner.

 

Guests: Robert Foley, Sean Jacques, James Koskiniemi, Jon Koskiniemi, James Lemler, Daniel Mukavetz, Garrett Neese, Edward Sever, Edward M. Vertin, Edward Yarbrough, and Betty Zei.

 

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

 

Correspondence

 

Veronica Davison will be celebrating her 100th birthday tomorrow.  A certificate of achievement was signed by President Harrell and will be presented to her.

 

Robert Foley was present to give the council an update on the status of the National Registry grant.  It is on budget and on schedule.  On February 10, 2004, at 6:00PM, a meeting will be held at the Village Hall for residents and property owners.  Jane Busch, the project’s consultant and John Rosemergy from the KNHP will be present to answer questions regarding the grant and the National Registry District.

 

Minutes

 

A motion was made by Junot and seconded by Bausano to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2003 regular council meeting.  Carried 6-0.

 

A motion was made by Bausano and seconded by Junot to approve the minutes of the December 22, 2003 special council meeting.  Carried 6-0.

 

A motion was made by Junot and seconded by Bausano to approve payment of the merchandise accounts in the amount of $25,960.93 and the prepaid bills in the amount of $50,612.75.  Carried 6-0.

 

Committee Reports

 

Finance: A motion was made by Bausano and seconded by Rastello to discuss the list of proposed cuts at the next meeting after all of the council members and departments have a chance to review the list.  Carried 6-0.

 

Recreation: Other than a small problem with the compressor, the Arena is running well.

 

Public Safety – Police/Fire:  A motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Junot to approve the officers of the Laurium Fire Department.  Yes – Bausano, Harrell, Junot, Lanctot and Rastello.  Abstain – Zei.  Carried 5-0.  (A list of the officers and their annual report follow the minutes).

 

Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: Bruce Joosten will be off 30 more days according to his doctor’s slip.

 

Property/Building/Ordinance: Lanctot met with Attorney Vairo on January 13, 2004 regarding the unsafe building ordinance.  Vairo recommends the village mirror the City of Houghton’s Unsafe Building Ordinance and will have a copy of it for the next meeting.  He is familiar with the ordinance, as are the courts. If necessary, the village can recoup their demolition costs either through the courts or by placing a lien on the property.   Lanctot has not been able to contact Tim Lyons regarding his building on the 200 block of Hecla Street.  A fair deal will try to be negotiated with him and this property.

 

Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: No report.

 

Old Business: None.

 

New Business: The Laurium Hospital Finance Authority held a public hearing on January 16, 2004 to discuss the refinancing of the KMMC Health Center.  A motion was made by Bausano and seconded by Junot to approve the resolution for the refunding bond for Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center. Carried 6-0.  At 6:05PM, a motion was made by Bausano and seconded by Rastello to enter into executive session to discuss Police and DPW Union negotiations.  Carried 6-0.

 

At 7:02PM, the meeting returned to regular session.

Present for Roll Call: Bausano, Harrell, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello and Zei.

Absent: Turner.

 

The attorney’s written opinion is still pending on whether or not money from the Trust Fund can be used in the General Fund. The council would like an estimate of what it would cost in attorney fees to settle this matter. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 7:14PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Patricia M. Golus, Clerk

Village of Laurium