Exiting Commissioners Honored

IRONWOOD - Wednesday, December 26, 2007 - The City Commission met tonight at 5:10 PM for a public hearing to discuss changing the City Zoning map to reflect zoning changes that are a result of the expansion of Josephson's nursing home. The four properties involved were (1) 627 Pabst Street; (2) 119 Hibbert Street; (3) 123 Hibbert Street; and (4) 127 Hibbert Street. The properties were rezoned as R-2 (multi-family residential) from R-1 (single family residential).

A second public hearing was held to discuss a $24,000 USDA Rural Development Grant for a new patrol car and two public emergency warning sirens. The $24,000 grant is a 40% match. The City will have to pitch in the remaining 60%. The total cost of the project is approximately $61,000. The cost of the new patrol car is approximately $22,000, so the remaining money (roughly $39,000) will go toward the sirens.

The following actions were taken at the 5:30 PM regular meeting. The Commission:

(1) Accepted a bid from John Dragish for surplus property at 429 East Pine Street in the amount of $209 plus legal fees.

(2) Agreed to add the words "the City Charter" to the Rules of the City Commission under F, Miscellaneous, Section 2.

(3) Was furnished a Statement of Revenue & Expenditures and Monthly Cash Reports by Financial Director, Julie Frederickson. The Commission accepted both reports. Commissioner Laabs asked several questions about the Expenditures: (a) Why are we paying Gogebic County to plow Norrie Park Road? (b) What is the Annual Support Equalizer Tax paid to BS&A Software? (c) Why are we paying Ironwood Ready-Mix & Trucking for Skateboard Park Mesh? (d) Shouldn't the doughnut shop be responsible for some of the costs for US2-Curry sewer improvements? (e) Why is the City paying to repair the Vactor truck clutch now the Wakefield owns the truck? (f) Shouldn't the City be reimbursed for Snowmobile trail lease fees? (g) Why is the City buying tires from Ashland when we have local contractors than might be able to provide the same tires for an equal amount?

The following answers were given to Mr. Laabs questions: (a) An agreement was made several years ago with Gogebic County let them plow Norrie Park Road since they are right there anyway. (b) The fee is an "insurance policy" in case problems occur with the City's tax software. (c) According to City Manager, Scott Erickson, the agreement made with Moyle did not include the mess for the skate park. (d) According to Scott Erickson, the sewer was old and in poor repair. The City agreed to pick up the costs! (e) Before the new vactor truck came in, the City was forced to continue using it. While using the Vactor, the clutch burned out so it needed to be replaced, according to Erickson. (f) The City will look into getting money back for local Snowmobile trails. And (g) Ashland gets special assistance for through the State of Wisconsin when they sell to municipalities. Copies of the documents are posted and items discussed are marked with a red check.

(4) Awarded outgoing Planning Commission members, Brian Lindquist and Scott Stevens and former City Commissioner, John Kasieta plaques for their service to the community. Mr. Lindquist has been on the Planning Commission for twenty-one years, and this year has decided to step down.

(5) Discussed Landmark Appraisal Company's bid of $214,000 for the State-mandated reappraisal of the City of Ironwood. After a relatively long discussion, it was decided to attempt to get more than just that one bid, and perhaps find a contractor that is a bit more local.

During the Citizen's comments portion of the meeting, Steven Buda of 623 Cloverland Drive expressed his displeasure at not being able to sell his property because his land is zoned commercial. Banks would not finance the property because of the zoning. His property is too small for a commercial venture, but the commercial zoning makes financing difficult. The Commission agree there is little they can do about the situation.

To hear the entire City Commission meeting [CLICK HERE].

Brian Lindquist
receives his plaque.

Brian Lindquist, John
Wysling, John Kasieta, Bruce Noren, Scott Stevens

Steven Buda

Photos by
Steve Frank