Superior Chronicle -- City Commission

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, August 25, 2008 - The Ironwood City Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting last night at 5:30 PM. The meeting was held at the City Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building.

The meeting was called to order by Acting-Mayor Suzanne Toth at 5:30 PM. Toth was sitting in the center chair because Mayor Bruce Noren was excused, as was Commissioner Bob Burchell. Following the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Jane Bowman, filling in for City Clerk, Karen Gullan, took roll. Commissioner Tom Laabs, Commissioner Suzanne Toth, and Commissioner Gemma Lamb were present. City staff members in attendance included: City Attorney A. Dennis Cossi; City Manager Scott Erickson; Community Development Director Dan Petersen; Projects Director Don Bertels; Financial Director Julie Frederickson; Ironwood Public Safety Director Bob Erspamer and City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt. Representing the media were Ralph Ansami, Ironwood Daily Globe reporter; Steve Frank, Superior Chronicle photographer; and yours truly.

The first order of business was to approve the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda is meant to be a system used to quickly pass mundane activities like approving meeting minutes; authorizing small purchases and actions; and solving minor issues. Consent Agenda items are NOT meant to be things that require the Commission to roll call vote upon, like larger expenses or other major issues.

Though the Consent Agenda, the Commission unanomimously took the following actions:

Approved Minutes - Approved the Minutes for the August 11th Regular City Commission Meeting.
Reviewed and Placed on File:

Ironwood Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of June 4th
Ironwood Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes of June 24th & July 24th

Water System Upgrades - Authorized advertisement for bids for Water System Upgrades (Chlorine Room Addition, High Service Pump Replacement, Flow Meter & Mt. Zion Reservoir Mixer).

The Commission unanimoulsy approved authorization.

Norrie Dam Repair - Approved submittal of a permit application to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for consideration of the Norrie Park Dam Repair.

The Commission unanimously approved the measure.

IVFD Non-Profit - Approved Resolution #08-017 recognizing the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department as a Non-profit Organization.

The Commission voted unanimously to classify the IVFD as non-profit.

Sale of IPSD Jeep - Authorized advertisement for bids to sell IPSD Jeep Cherokee with a minimum bid of $250.00

Scott Struzl questioned the cost of the vehicle, and IPSD Director explained that the SUV was in very rough shape.

Zoning Public Hearing - Scheduled a Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) Public Hearing for Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:05 PM to hear a dimensional variance request for property located at 332 West Southland Avenue
Zoning Ordinance Hearing - Scheduled a Public Hearing for Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:15 PM to introduce Ordinance No. 468, Book 4 an Ordinance to entirely repeal existing Chapter 34 (entitles "Zoning"), including Section 34-1 through 34-495 of the Code of the City of Ironwood, and to amend said code by adopting in place thereof new sections which shall be designated as Chapter 34, Sections 34-1 through 34-506, together with table of contents and all subsections thereof, and to be Chapter 34 (entitles "Zoning"), of the City of Ironwood Code of Ordinances.
Norrie Location Housing Improvements - Scheduled a Public Hearing for Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:25 PM to review the status of the 2006 Housing Resources Fund Grant and to hear comment on the proposed 2008 Housing Grant Application for the component of homeowner assistance in the Norrie Location in the amount of $200,000.

This reporter asked that the following item be placed on the regular agenda. "Approve request to allow after hours use of a city grader to grade the main snowmobile trail through town." Since it involved spending tax dollars, I felt the issue needed to be placed on the regular agenda. When it was I questioned the fact that the item was on the consent agenda and the fact that it was special interests spending City taxdollars. Because of the conversation, Tom Laabs mentioned the fact that the DNR helped maintain and groom the rest of the trail... He asked if they would be willing to kick in some money to maintain the remainder of the trail. George Goerig told the Commission that he would do his best to find out if there was DNR funding available.

On the regular agenda, the City Commission took the following actions:

Monthly Cash Reports - They received and placed on file from Finance Director Julie Frederickson:
- Monthly Cash Reports.
Deer Management Bow Hunt - They discussed and considered Resolution #08-015 governing the 2008 Comprehensive Deer Management Bow Hunt, setting rules and standards and setting fees and conduct a drawing for the "Earn-A-Buck" incentive.

Steve Frank expressed concern about the hunt, considering the new hiking trail is in such close proximity to the declared hunt area.
They unanimously approved the resolution as well.

Suicide Prevention Week - They discussed and considered Resolution #08-016 recognizing the week of September 7th as "Suicide Prevention Week" in the City of Ironwood.

Pat Gallinagh gave a presentation after Acting Mayor Suzanne Toth read the resolution.
The Commission unanimously approved passing the resolution.

Special Event Water Rate - They tabled Resolution #08-018 amending the City of Ironwood General Appropriations Act and Fee Schedule adopting a "Special Event" Water Rate until the next regular City Commission meeting.

Manager's Report - Scott Erickson addressed the Commission and present the following information:

Alfred Wright Boulevard - The road bed is in place, the sidewalks, and the gutters are down. It is doubtful that the project will be fully complete before the school opener deadline. School buses will be able to get through, but the job will not be completed by the 2nd of September.
Greenbush Steet - Next week, the underground work will begin on this project. There will be a neightorhood meeting later this week or earlier next week to let the people who live in the area what to expect.
Hydrant Replacement Project - According to Don Betels, five hydrants have been replaced to date. Erickson told the Commission that the contractor ran into problems on Pine Street. He said some hydrants go in easy, so are more difficult. He said sometimes things they find underground need to be corrected and the City crews need to be called out.
Memorial Building Repointing Project - Erickson told the Commission that Wayne Nasi is just finishing up the repointing of the building. He mentioned that a flashing was added to the tops of the cap rail on the building. The flashing prevents water infiltration into the building and beneath the stonework of the building.
Building Demolition- Houses on Marquette Street, Curry Street, and South West Street have been removed. The house on Cloverland Drive will be removed on Wednesday according to City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt.
Blight Committee Meeting - A meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 (tonight) at 5:30 in the Women's Club Room.
City Audit - The appraisal company from Appleton, Wisconsin is back in town and they are working towards completing the State-mandated City-wide reappraisal of real property.

Other Matters - Tom Laabs asked Bernie Finco how much junk they hauled out of the building on South West Street when they tore the building down. He mentioned he used to drive by the building and it was completely packed with junk. Scott Erickson mentioned that the demolition took longer than usual as a result of all the debris inside the building.

Suzanne Toth mentioned that she was fortunate enough to me Wisconsin Governor Doyle at her place of employment, and she half-jokingly suggested "Why don't you adopt us?" (Meaning the U.P.) She said that Doyle said, he'd love to and that he has been giving the matter some thought.

A member of the audience yelled out, "Whatever happened to the 52nd State of Superior?" Toth responded, "Well, don't we have to have a 51st State first?" Scott Erickson said he would like being part of Wisconsin because the funding is so much better there.

Questions and Comments from the Audience - Before the meeting adjourned, the citizens in attendance were given a chance to speak on issues not on the agenda, as always:

City Crews Working On Contracted Jobs - This reporter previously asked City Manager Erickson why City crews were working on contracted jobs. I mentioned that Commissioner Laabs and John Kasieta both previously suggested that City crews install the new hydrants. I reminded Erickson that he said, at the time, that the City crews did not have the time to do the hydrants. I asked that the City Manager provide time sheets showing how many City man-hours were spent this summer "assisting contractors." Erickson told the Commission that problems that were unique happened, and the City was responsible for correcting these problems. I suggested that these "unique" problems should have been predicted considering the age of the City's water supply and waste lines. Commissioner Laabs expressed concern that the contractors could back-charge for waiting for the City to repair problems that have nothing to do with the replacement of hydrants.
Revamping the Blight Committee - Steve Frank addressed the City Commission regarding an idea he has for improving the current Blight Committee.
Frank pointed out that the current Blight Committee isn't very effective. The Committee doesn't have any power. It doesn't keep minutes at its meetings, and it could, in his mind, use some improvement.

He recommends reformulating the Blight Committee to have:

Two City Commission members
Two Planning Commission members
Two Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) members
Three members of the general public

City Attorney A. Dennis Cossi pointed out that the City is not permitted to have permanent standing committees according to the Charter. He jokingly suggested that Mr. Frank should volunteer to serve on that Committee. Mr. Frank, being a member of the DIDA would welcome that opportunity.

Suzanne Toth suggested that the issue be discussed at tomorrow night's meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. Immediately following the meeting's adjournment, City officials posed for "Suicide Prevention Week" photos with Pat Gallinagh.

[AUDIO]


3-Person Commission Dodges "Special Event" Water Rate Issue
IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, August 25, 2008 - The Ironwood City Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting last night at 5:30 PM. The meeting was held at the City Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building. The meeting was called to order by Acting-Mayor Suzanne Toth at 5:30 PM. Toth was sitting in the center chair because Mayor Bruce Noren was excused, as was Commissioner Bob Burchell. Following the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Jane Bowman, filling in for City Clerk, Karen Gullan, took roll. Commissioner Tom Laabs, Commissioner Suzanne Toth, and Commissioner Gemma Lamb were present. City staff members in attendance included: City Attorney A. Dennis Cossi; City Manager Scott Erickson; Community Development Director Dan Petersen; Projects Director Don Bertels; Financial Director Julie Frederickson; Ironwood Public Safety Director Bob Erspamer and City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt. Representing the media were Ralph Ansami, Ironwood Daily Globe reporter; Steve Frank, Superior Chronicle photographer; and yours truly. The first order of business was to approve the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda is meant to be a system used to quickly pass mundane activities like approving meeting minutes; authorizing small purchases and actions; and solving minor issues. Consent Agenda items are NOT meant to be things that require the Commission to roll call vote upon, like larger expenses or other major issues. Though the Consent Agenda, the Commission unanomimously took the following actions: Approved Minutes - Approved the Minutes for the August 11th Regular City Commission Meeting. Reviewed and Placed on File: Ironwood Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of June 4th Ironwood Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes of June 24th & July 24th Water System Upgrades - Authorized advertisement for bids for Water System Upgrades (Chlorine Room Addition, High Service Pump Replacement, Flow Meter & Mt. Zion Reservoir Mixer). The Commission unanimoulsy approved authorization. Norrie Dam Repair - Approved submittal of a permit application to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for consideration of the Norrie Park Dam Repair. The Commission unanimously approved the measure. IVFD Non-Profit - Approved Resolution #08-017 recognizing the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department as a Non-profit Organization. The Commission voted unanimously to classify the IVFD as non-profit. Sale of IPSD Jeep - Authorized advertisement for bids to sell IPSD Jeep Cherokee with a minimum bid of $250.00 Scott Struzl questioned the cost of the vehicle, and IPSD Director explained that the SUV was in very rough shape. Zoning Public Hearing - Scheduled a Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) Public Hearing for Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:05 PM to hear a dimensional variance request for property located at 332 West Southland Avenue Zoning Ordinance Hearing - Scheduled a Public Hearing for Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:15 PM to introduce Ordinance No. 468, Book 4 an Ordinance to entirely repeal existing Chapter 34 (entitles "Zoning"), including Section 34-1 through 34-495 of the Code of the City of Ironwood, and to amend said code by adopting in place thereof new sections which shall be designated as Chapter 34, Sections 34-1 through 34-506, together with table of contents and all subsections thereof, and to be Chapter 34 (entitles "Zoning"), of the City of Ironwood Code of Ordinances. Norrie Location Housing Improvements - Scheduled a Public Hearing for Monday, September 8, 2008 at 5:25 PM to review the status of the 2006 Housing Resources Fund Grant and to hear comment on the proposed 2008 Housing Grant Application for the component of homeowner assistance in the Norrie Location in the amount of $200,000. This reporter asked that the following item be placed on the regular agenda. "Approve request to allow after hours use of a city grader to grade the main snowmobile trail through town." Since it involved spending tax dollars, I felt the issue needed to be placed on the regular agenda. When it was I questioned the fact that the item was on the consent agenda and the fact that it was special interests spending City taxdollars. Because of the conversation, Tom Laabs mentioned the fact that the DNR helped maintain and groom the rest of the trail... He asked if they would be willing to kick in some money to maintain the remainder of the trail. George Goerig told the Commission that he would do his best to find out if there was DNR funding available. On the regular agenda, the City Commission took the following actions: Monthly Cash Reports - They received and placed on file from Finance Director Julie Frederickson: Monthly Cash Reports. Deer Management Bow Hunt - They discussed and considered Resolution #08-015 governing the 2008 Comprehensive Deer Management Bow Hunt, setting rules and standards and setting fees and conduct a drawing for the "Earn-A-Buck" incentive. Steve Frank expressed concern about the hunt, considering the new hiking trail is in such close proximity to the declared hunt area. They unanimously approved the resolution as well. Suicide Prevention Week - They discussed and considered Resolution #08-016 recognizing the week of September 7th as "Suicide Prevention Week" in the City of Ironwood. Pat Gallinagh gave a presentation after Acting Mayor Suzanne Toth read the resolution. The Commission unanimously approved passing the resolution. Special Event Water Rate - They tabled Resolution #08-018 amending the City of Ironwood General Appropriations Act and Fee Schedule adopting a "Special Event" Water Rate until the next regular City Commission meeting. Manager's Report - Scott Erickson addressed the Commission and present the following information: Alfred Wright Boulevard - The road bed is in place, the sidewalks, and the gutters are down. It is doubtful that the project will be fully complete before the school opener deadline. School buses will be able to get through, but the job will not be completed by the 2nd of September. Greenbush Steet - Next week, the underground work will begin on this project. There will be a neightorhood meeting later this week or earlier next week to let the people who live in the area what to expect. Hydrant Replacement Project - According to Don Betels, five hydrants have been replaced to date. Erickson told the Commission that the contractor ran into problems on Pine Street. He said some hydrants go in easy, so are more difficult. He said sometimes things they find underground need to be corrected and the City crews need to be called out. Memorial Building Repointing Project - Erickson told the Commission that Wayne Nasi is just finishing up the repointing of the building. He mentioned that a flashing was added to the tops of the cap rail on the building. The flashing prevents water infiltration into the building and beneath the stonework of the building. Building Demolition- Houses on Marquette Street, Curry Street, and South West Street have been removed. The house on Cloverland Drive will be removed on Wednesday according to City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt. Blight Committee Meeting - A meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 (tonight) at 5:30 in the Women's Club Room. City Audit - The appraisal company from Appleton, Wisconsin is back in town and they are working towards completing the State-mandated City-wide reappraisal of real property. Other Matters - Tom Laabs asked Bernie Finco how much junk they hauled out of the building on South West Street when they tore the building down. He mentioned he used to drive by the building and it was completely packed with junk. Scott Erickson mentioned that the demolition took longer than usual as a result of all the debris inside the building. Suzanne Toth mentioned that she was fortunate enough to me Wisconsin Governor Doyle at her place of employment, and she half-jokingly suggested "Why don't you adopt us?" (Meaning the U.P.) She said that Doyle said, he'd love to and that he has been giving the matter some thought. A member of the audience yelled out, "Whatever happened to the 52nd State of Superior?" Toth responded, "Well, don't we have to have a 51st State first?" Scott Erickson said he would like being part of Wisconsin because the funding is so much better there. Questions and Comments from the Audience - Before the meeting adjourned, the citizens in attendance were given a chance to speak on issues not on the agenda, as always: City Crews Working On Contracted Jobs - This reporter previously asked City Manager Erickson why City crews were working on contracted jobs. I mentioned that Commissioner Laabs and John Kasieta both previously suggested that City crews install the new hydrants. I reminded Erickson that he said, at the time, that the City crews did not have the time to do the hydrants. I asked that the City Manager provide time sheets showing how many City man-hours were spent this summer "assisting contractors." Erickson told the Commission that problems that were unique happened, and the City was responsible for correcting these problems. I suggested that these "unique" problems should have been predicted considering the age of the City's water supply and waste lines. Commissioner Laabs expressed concern that the contractors could back-charge for waiting for the City to repair problems that have nothing to do with the replacement of hydrants. Revamping the Blight Committee - Steve Frank addressed the City Commission regarding an idea he has for improving the current Blight Committee. Frank pointed out that the current Blight Committee isn't very effective. The Committee doesn't have any power. It doesn't keep minutes at its meetings, and it could, in his mind, use some improvement. He recommends reformulating the Blight Committee to have: Two City Commission members Two Planning Commission members Two Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) members Three members of the general public City Attorney A. Dennis Cossi pointed out that the City is not permitted to have permanent standing committees according to the Charter. He jokingly suggested that Mr. Frank should volunteer to serve on that Committee. Mr. Frank, being a member of the DIDA would welcome that opportunity. Suzanne Toth suggested that the issue be discussed at tomorrow night's meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. Immediately following the meeting's adjournment, City officials posed for "Suicide Prevention Week" photos with Pat Gallinagh. [AUDIO]

3-Person Commission Dodges "Special Event" Water Rate Issue