Regular Council Meeting
Present for Roll Call:
Bausano, Harrell, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello, Turner, and Zei.
Guests: Tina Hodges,
Sean Jacques, Bruce Joosten, Katie Joosten, Jim Koskiniemi, Jon Koskiniemi, Ashley
Kronshage, James Lemler, Garrett Neese, Sharon Turovaara, Edward M. Vertin, and
Daniel Zubiena.
The meeting was
called to order in the Village Council Chambers by President Harrell at
The Laurium Housing Commission will be
having an open house on
The League of Women Voters will be presenting
a public forum on
A motion was made by
Bausano and seconded by Junot to approve the minutes of the
A motion was made by
Junot and seconded by Bausano to approve payment of the merchandise accounts in the amount of $42,246.68. Carried 7-0.
A motion was made by
Junot and seconded by Lanctot to approve the prepaid bills in the amount of
$198,070.97. Carried
7-0.
Finance: A motion was
made by Junot and seconded by Turner to have a special meeting on
Recreation:
Rates for ice time will be increasing this season and will be determined before
the start of the season. A motion was
made by Bausano and seconded by Junot to have a separate checkbook for all of
the George Gipp Arena activities and another for all other recreation
purposes. Carried 7-0. A motion was made by Bausano and seconded by
Rastello to have the Halloween party again this year at the Arena during the
Trick or Treat hours. The cost would be
about the same as last year, roughly $300.00.
Carried 7-0. Council members are
encouraged to help.
Public Safety – Police/Fire: Lanctot reported that purchasing new parking meters will be
expensive and would not generate enough revenue to be feasible. Rastello reported that reconditioned meters
would cost considerably less. The
committee will continue to investigate options for meters. Vertin and two members of the fire department
met with a representative from Rural Development regarding the grant/loan. The pre-application was approved. Specs for the fire truck and police car will
be needed by January. The Fire
Department is also looking into a FEMA grant in conjunction with the USDA
grant/loan.
Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: Fall clean up will take place the next two weeks.
Property/Building/Ordinance: County Building Inspector Jerry Juntunen sent a letter to
Tim Lyons regarding his property at 242 Hecla Street. The building must be demolished and removed
in 30 days. Vertin will check with Attorney
Vairo on the specifics of village involvement in this case.
Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: A motion was made by Rastello and seconded by Turner to
authorize Tina Hodges of Tina’s Party Store to solicit businesses for funds to
help defray the $1000.00 cost of the study to be conducted by UP Engineers
& Architects. Vertin will write a
letter of introduction for her to take to these businesses. Carried 7-0.
Old Business: None.
New Business: A
draft of Ordinance #144 –
Telecommunications Act, more commonly know as the Metro Act, was distributed
to the council. This ordinance would
require standard permits/paperwork for telecommunication providers for work in
right-of-ways and generate money for the street funds. Vertin will consult Attorney Vairo on the
final language of the ordinance.
At 6:27PM, a motion
was made by Bausano and seconded by Lanctot to enter into executive session to
discuss Police union negotiations
and DPW union negotiations and grievances. Carried 7-0.
The meeting returned
to regular session at 7:18PM.
Present for Roll Call: Bausano,
Harrell, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello, Turner and Zei.
The condition of the
roof at the George Gipp Arena was discussed. Estimates will be sought for replacement
and/or repairs.
The meeting adjourned
at 7:23PM.
Respectfully
submitted,