Village of Laurium
Regular Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Present for Roll Call: Harrell,
Junot, Koskiniemi, Lanctot, Rastello and Turner.
Absent: Bausano.
Guests: Sue Cone,
Dennis Engman, Walter Hamel, Sean Jacques, Scott Madajewski, Summer Minnick,
Garrett Neese, Edward M. Vertin, Caroline Weber Kennedy, and Daniel
Zubiena.
The meeting was
called to order in the Village Council Chambers by President Harrell at 5:30PM.
Caroline Weber
Kennedy and Summer Minnick were present from the MML. A study was done regarding Proposal A and the Headlee
Amendment and how it affects the amount of taxes collected. The MML would like to see a change in the
municipal finance structure. Under the
current structure, the amount of taxes allowed to be collected each year is
decreasing. This along with the decrease
in state shared revenues is having a huge impact on local units of government.
Alan and Mary Rautio
were not present to discuss the open ditch
near their property at 500 Isle Royale Street.
Rastello spoke with the NHCW&SA and Attorney Vairo regarding this
ditch. The NHCW&SA would not be
willing to spend money on filling 400’ of this ditch since it does not improve
service. If only half was done and the
cost was split perhaps this would this be feasible. Attorney Vairo recommended that the village
does not set precedence and fill the ditch.
Rastello is to contact the Rautios with this information.
A motion was made by
Koskiniemi and seconded by Lanctot to approve the minutes from the regular council meeting on May 18, 2004 with one
change. Under
Streets/Equipment/Sanitation, it should read “Approval is needed from
NHCW&SA” not “A permanent easement is needed”. Yes – Harrell, Junot, Koskiniemi, Lanctot and
Turner. Abstain – Rastello. Carried 5-0.
A motion was made by
Junot and seconded by Turner to approve payment of the merchandise accounts in the amount of $21,422.75 and the prepaid bills in the amount of
$38,788.72. Carried 6-0.
Finance: The annual
audit will begin next month.
Recreation: Jim
and Teri Enrietti will be performing at the George Gipp Arena on July 4th
from 5:00-9:00PM. An estimate for a new
roof at the arena was received from Superior Polymer for $42,000.00. An ad will be placed in the paper looking for
non-alcoholic rentals at the arena for the summer months. Baseball will be sponsoring a pancake
breakfast at the arena on June 19th.
Public Safety – Police: A
motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Rastello to approve purchasing a
thermos and first aid kit for the juvenile program. Carried 6-0.
Due to the recent expenses associated with the police car, Lanctot
recommended that a new vehicle be purchased now and not wait until the fire
department hears on the FEMA grant.
Therefore the Rural Development grant/loan would not be used to purchase
this vehicle. Through Parkway Chevrolet,
a 2004 Tahoe can be purchased from a police department in Lansing that had five
extra vehicles. The price of this Tahoe
would be $28,774.50. A loan could be
taken from the Trust Fund to cover this expense. A motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by
Turner to approve the purchase of the 2004 Tahoe. Yes – Harrell, Junot, Lanctot and
Turner. No – Koskiniemi and
Rastello. Carried 4-2. Several complaints have been received
regarding barking and loose dogs. The
dog ordinance will be reviewed by the committee to see if any changes can be
made.
Public Safety – Fire: Sean
Jacques reported that the fire department was unsuccessful in obtaining the old
village steamer at the auction. He
thanked the council for the opportunity to get it back and the council thanked
the department for all of their time and effort.
Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: Bruce
Joosten will not be returning to work at the village. His last day was May 28, 2004.
Property/Buildings/Ordinance: Greg Kingstrom, an engineer at UP Engineers and Architects,
was considered for the hearing officer for the unsafe structure ordinance. He will be present at next month’s meeting so
the council can meet him. A decision
will be made on fees and whether or not he should be the hearing officer at
that time.
Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: No report.
Old Business: None.
New Business: The
proposed millage resolution was
presented. (A copy follows the minutes).
A motion was made by Rastello and seconded by Lanctot to hold a public
hearing on Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 5:15PM for discussion on the proposed
millage. A special meeting will follow
at 5:30PM to adopt the millage rate.
Carried 6-0. The Rotary Club will
be sponsoring an auction and asked if the village would be willing to
participate. It was decided that the
village does not have any surplus equipment or furniture to sell at this
time. At 7:43PM, a motion was made by
Koskiniemi and seconded by Junot to enter into executive session to discuss the DPW union negotiations. Carried 6-0.
The meeting returned
to regular session at 8:00PM.
Roll Call: Harrell,
Junot, Koskiniemi, Lanctot, Rastello and Turner.
Absent: Bausano.
A motion was made by
Junot and seconded by Turner to approve the DPW Union contract with a verbal
agreement subject to Village Attorney Vairo’s review of the contract
language. Carried 6-0.
At 8:01PM, a motion
was made by Rastello and seconded by Lanctot to adjourn.
Respectfully
submitted,
Patricia M. Golus,
Clerk
Village of Laurium