Village of Laurium
Regular Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Present for Roll Call:
Bausano, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello, Turner and Zei.
Absent: Harrell.
Guests: Pat Coleman,
Tina Hodges,
The meeting was
called to order in the Village Council Chambers by Pro Tem Bausano at 5:30PM.
Julie Sprenger gave an update of the National Registry District status. Jane Busch has been hired as a consultant and Jeremiah Mason as a Technician. A tour of the village was made with Bob Christianson of SHPO, who was very positive about what he saw. A form is being developed to mail to residents to help gather information about their properties. A press release will be prepared for the paper about this form and the property inventories.
Pat Coleman of Upper Peninsula Engineers and Architects was present to discuss grants and how to prepare for them. He indicated that public input is needed to find out where the problems are or what people would like to see accomplished. These projects then need to be prioritized so that when grants become available, the village is ready to proceed. A motion was made by Rastello and seconded by Turner to budget $1000.00 to have UPEA set up public meetings and submit a report on the results. Yes – Rastello, Turner, Bausano, Junot and Zei. No – Lanctot. Carried 5-1. Rastello will head this committee effort (Community Relations) with help from Tina Hodges.
A thank you note was received from Stacey Pilling for the use of the George Gipp Arena for the start of the Coppertown Marathon.
A motion was made by Lanctot and seconded by Zei to get a 1/8 page ad in the Calumet High School yearbook with the same logo as last year for $50.00. Carried 6-0.
Tina Hodges has been making plans for the Christmas tree/tree lighting ceremony. She would like to have activities for the children and will be asking for support from the fire department, council and the community for these events.
A motion was made by Zei and seconded by Junot to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2003 regular council meeting. Carried 6-0.
A motion was made by Junot and seconded by Rastello to approve payment of the merchandise accounts in the amount of $26,608.63. Carried 6-0.
Committee Reports
Finance: The tax receipts are down from last year. Spreadsheets were distributed indicating the cash flow problems. Village Administrator Vertin recommended beginning the budget process for next year now. The Rural Development Grant /Loan Program was discussed. The village could possibly obtain a new fire truck and police vehicle through this program. A motion was made by Junot and seconded by Lanctot to submit the pre-application for a 25% grant to Rural Development. The deadline is Friday in order to qualify for the 25% grant. There is a one-year time frame to submit an application at this rate. Carried 6-0.
Recreation: The fencing for the tennis court will arrive tomorrow from Marquette Fence Company. The delivery charge is $50.00. Rules need to be established for parking at the baseball tournament. The front gate is to be locked now. A parking area should be made with the railroad ties over by the horseshoe pits. CHS will be using the arena next week for building Homecoming floats.
Public Safety – Police/Fire: A motion was made by Junot and seconded by Turner to approve the village share of a 50/50 matching grant which has been submitted for two portable radios and a generator. Yes – Bausano, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello, and Turner. Abstain – Zei. Carried 5-0.
Streets/Equipment/Sanitation: A motion was made by Zei and seconded by Rastello to accept the bid of $2850.00 from Houghton Truck Parts & Repair for a used transmission for #747 Sno-Go. Carried 6-0. A request was made from a potential property owner to have the village fill in an open ditch. Zei recommended that property owners erect a fence rather than set precedence on ditch filling. NHCW&SA will be asked about the safety and liability for these ditches. The Kodiak dump truck is back from Green Bay with the necessary repairs.
Property/Building/Ordinance: Two letters for unsafe structures have gone out. The Houghton County Building Inspector is handling the unsafe property owned by Tim Lyons on the 200 block of Hecla Street. There has been a change in the housing laws that advise municipalities to go before a judge for condemning structures. Attorney Vairo will look it over to see if this should be adopted partially or as a whole to our current ordinance.
Beautification/Parks/Community Relations: The Daniell Park bandshell has been repainted and repaired.
Old Business: A motion was made by Junot and seconded by Lanctot to appoint Randal Golus to fill the vacancy on the Laurium Housing Commission and in the future, allow residents of Calumet Township to apply for positions on the Laurium Housing Commission as well. Yes – Bausano, Junot, Lanctot, Turner and Zei. Abstain – Rastello. Carried 5-0.
New Business: At 6:52PM, a motion was made by Junot and seconded by Zei to enter into executive session to discuss DPW grievances and Police union negotiations. Carried 6-0.
The meeting returned to regular session at 7:37PM.
Present for Roll Call: Bausano, Junot, Lanctot, Rastello, Turner and Zei.
A discussion of enforcing the existing parking meters and obtaining new ones as needed was held. The matter was referred to the police committee.
A special meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2003 for a work session to discuss the village finances.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia M. Golus, Clerk
Village of Laurium