IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - The regular meeting of the Ironwood City Commission was called to order by Mayor Bruce Noren at 5:30 PM CST yesterday in the Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building.

Following the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, City Clerk Karen Gullan recorded the roll. All members of the Commission were present for last evening's meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA

The first order of business was to approve the Consent Agenda. There were no objections or changes to the Consent Agenda, so with one motion, the following actions were unanimously taken by the Commission: (1) the approval of Minutes for the March 10th Regular City Commission Meeting; (2) the minutes for two other meetings were reviewed and placed on file – the Recreation, Cultural, Life Enrichment Committee Meeting minutes for February 18^th and the Ironwood Economic Development Corporation Meeting minutes for March 13^th; (3) the approval of the sale of: D.A.V. Northland Chapter #66 "Forget-Me-Not Flowers"on May 8th and 9^th; (4) the approval of Resolution #08-004 scheduling public hearings April 14th, at 5:15 PM to hear comments relative to condemnation of a structure at 305 South West Street and Resolution #08-005 at 5:20 PM for condemnation of a structure at 1100 East. Cloverland Drive (5) the approval of Resolution #08-006 entering into loan contract with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the City of Ironwood Local Jobs Today Program for the reconstruction work along Alfred Wright Boulevard from Lime Street to Lowell Street and along Lowell Street from Alfred Wright Boulevard to McLeod Avenue and authorize the Mayor Bruce A. Noren and City Clerk Karen M. Gullan to sign said contract; and (6) the approval of Resolution #08-007 entering into Advance Construction Contract with MDOT for the reconstruction work along Alfred Wright Boulevard from Lime Street to Lowell Street and along Lowell Street from Alfred Wright Boulevard to McLeod Avenue and authorize the Mayor Bruce A. Noren and City Clerk Karen M. Gullan to sign said contract.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Following the approval of the Consent Agenda, the Commission received and placed on file Statements of Revenue and Expenditures and Monthly Cash Reports from City Finance Director Julie Frederickson. According to Ms. Frederickson, everything is looking "pretty good" and things are pretty much "under budget."

City Commissioner Tom Laabs asked Ms. Frederickson for a clarification on the Library expenditures. Ms. Frederickson explained that the Library revenues will be increasing and that many of the expenditures will be covered by grant money that the Library is waiting to receive.

CITY CLERK'S YEAR-END REPORT

City Clerk Karen Gullan presented her year-end report to the Commission, Monday night. Ms. Gullan explained to the Commission that her office does a large amount of record-keeping as well as many other duties. She mentioned that the janitorial staff often does double duties at the IPSD.

Two elections were held in the past year – a school election as well as a general election. The Clerk's office processed all of the absentee ballots for the elections. Karen reminded the Commission that she has attended virtually every City Commission meeting, and is responsible for keeping the minutes, advertising the meetings, and keeping all of the records for the meetings. She mentioned that they are responsible for preparing the City Commission's payroll.

She informed the Commission that her office handled 48 Freedom of Information requests which generated $351.48. They prepared 950 purchase orders. The City Clerk's office is responsible for handling City mail, and they process passport applications. They participate in the City Deer Hunt program, and she noted that 78 deer permits were issued and 70 anterless deer were taken. She mentioned the Clerk's office coordinates the training for the deer hunt.

She cut her message short by saying that none of the things her office did could be achieved without the great staff that is at the Memorial Building.

ASSESSOR/BUILDING INSPECTOR YEAR-END REPORT

City Assessor and Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt gave his year-end report to the Commission. Hewitt explained to the Commission that he plays a dual role as property assessor and building inspector. He explained that the State is requiring a City-Wide reappraisal of City property.

He explained that building permits were down from previous years and so were resulting revenues. Hewitt assumed the decrease is due to the economy.

Mayor Noren asked Hewitt if there were any kind of inspections done when a business applies for a business license. Hewitt told the Commission that there was none.

CIVIC CENTER BALLOT LANGUAGE

The Commission heard George Goerig and Scott Stevens discuss the Civic Center and their need for continued tax millage. Goerig told the Commission that he had contacted several other communities, and they all offered to write letters of support for the Civic Center, but none of them offered any financial support. Goerig told the Commission that all surrounding communities are in the same financial boat as Ironwood.

Goerig told the Commission that the County would consider putting a County-wide millage proposal on the ballot. But Stevens warned that communities that are far away from Ironwood would, more than likely, vote down such a proposal. Mayor Bruce Noren suggested to Goerig and Stevens that the approach the County and request that a County-wide millage be proposed.

Stevens pointed out to the Commission that the City will be caught holding the bag if they close the Civic Center. The College owns the property, and if they want the building to be removed, they can insist that the City tear it down. Stevens said the Civic Center board was considering a liquor license as an option towards becoming more self-sufficient. With a liquor license, Stevens explained, the Center can be used for wedding receptions and the like.

CITY-WIDE APPRAISAL CONTRACT

The Commission approved a contract with Accurate Appraisal Company for the City-Wide Reappraisal Services. Commissioner Burchell questioned whether the company was bonded or not. He stated that he didn't see anything mentioned in the contract regarding bonding. City Manager Scott Erickson pointed out that the RFP specified that they were bonded.

ENGINEERING CONTRACT - JESSEVILLE PROJECT

The Commission also approved Engineering Service Contracts with Coleman Engineering for the Jesseville Water & Sewer Projects.

METER READING MATTERS

After a little discussion the Commission renewed the Meter Reading Contract to Xcel Energy with an increase of 2 cents per meter for the one year contract. And they also awarded lowest bid to HD Waterworks Supply the water meter reader programmer bid in the amount of $7,700. Bob Tervonen showed the Commission the difference between the old meter reader and the new.

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONING ORDINANCE

The Commission was introduced to Ordinance No. 464, Book 4, an Ordinance providing for the amendment to the "Code of Ordinances, City of Ironwood, Michigan, "Chapter 34, (Entitled "Zoning") by adding a new section, which new section shall be designated as section 34-476 to 34-485 of Article X - "Entitled Planned Unit Development (PUD)."

City Manager Scott Erickson explained to the Commission that extensive changes to the overall zoning ordinances have been made. He went on to say that the Planning Commission was waiting for the new Community Development Director to review the revisions before moving forward.

The Planning Commission requested to have the "PUD" portion of the ordinance introduced to the Commission, at this time, so that it can be independently approved at the next regular City Commission meeting. According to the City Charter, the Commission cannot approve the ordinance at the same meeting that it is introduced.

Mr. Erickson explained that the Planning Commission was trying to "maintain the integrity" of the commercial zoning on US-2 along Cloverland Drive. He further explained that Mr. Steve Buda and his wife were trying to sell their property, but the buyer cannot qualify for a Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) loan because their residential property is zoned commercial. MSHDA will not lend money to purchase commercial property as a residence. The Planning Commission believed that the PUD would be a useful tool that would allow the Buda property (as well as others) to have a "multiple zoning" status. According to the Planning Commission, MSHDA would approve the buyer's loan if the property was so zoned.

After Scott Erickson introduced the ordinance, Mayor Bruce Noren asked the Commission if any of them had any questions or comments.

Commissioner Tom Laabs said, "Questions... I've got three of them! One of them comes under the Criteria for Qualifications and it says, `Use of this option shall not be for the purpose of avoiding applicable zoning requirements.' And it's not, right?"

Scott Erickson replied, "Correct!"

"And the next one, under D," Laabs continued, "`This Planned Unit Development shall not be allowed solely as a means of increasing density or as a substitute for a variance request.' And it's not, right?"

"Well that's part of the... you know..." Erickson started.

"You know, the Planning Commission is our eyes and ears," Laabs interrupted, "And the very last one comes under Submission of Preliminary Final Site Plans Schedules of Completion of Public PUDS and it says, `Review and approval of the final site plans should comply with the Marquette City Zoning Ordinances."

Commissioner Burchell then pointed out the process that would need to be followed to apply the PUD in the Buda case. Several questions arose regarding the process and the time frame involved.

The Buda's first approached the City with a re-zoning request four months ago.

This reporter addressed the Commission after realizing that further delays were in store for the Buda's. First, there would be a two week delay before the City Commission, at their next meeting, could adopt the new PUD ordinance. Then the issue would go back to the Planning Commission at their next regular meeting. Then there would have to be a public hearing and all surrounding neighbors would have to be notified. Then it would have to come before the City again for final approval.

"The issue I would have, if I were the Buda's, is the time frame!" I said, "We're talking months before there is a resolution to this problem. The own a house that is commercially zoned. They can't sell their house because it's commercially zoned. It makes no sense! It's a residence! Now, I don't understand why the Planning Commission cannot just simply turn that over to residential property, just to help these people out, and then do the PUD overlay for future development. It's ridiculous to continue this! If I were these people, I'd be suing the City by now! You've just destroyed the sale of their property. Now, at what point are you going to say, `Well, we'll toss this hot potato around for decades and finally get something accomplished. I mean, these people are trying to sell their house. You're talking several months away, before this is ever resolved."

Scott Erickson then stated that this process could be done in two weeks. Keith Johnson pointed out the soonest it could be done is in three.

"The City isn't saying that he can't sell his property," Commission Burchell said, "We're not prohibiting him from selling his property. He's just limited by some of the choices to sell that property. Just like your land, you couldn't sell your property to a farmer to open up a farm, right?"

"But I don't own a farm either, sir! I own a commercial building. They own a residence that is zoned commercial. No commercial entity could buy that property and build a business on it. It's not big enough! They would have to buy several parcels of land and make sure they were all zoned commercial."

"The Planning Commission is trying to make the town a little more attractive," said Burchell, "for a person to build a house in town, so some of the ordinances are being expanded to fit more with what people are looking for in lot sizes and things like that! That's why residences cannot be built on probably 90% of our existing lots in the City."

"Mr. Burchell, with all due respect, I understand what you are talking about. However we're talking about a strip of land that is absolutely useless for commercial use. It's a residential home. You couldn't even build another house there if that house were to burn down."

Mayor Noren posed a question. "Isn't the issue the financing mechanisms that the people are using. It's not a zoning issue. They can buy it as a house. It's a strategy of funding. It's a financing issue."

Mr. Buda said, "If they have 20% to put down! How many people have 20% to put down on a house?"

"Well, sometimes, people shouldn't buy a house if they don't have enough money to put down on it..." Mr. Burchell started.

"Did you have enough money the first time you bought a house? I know I sure didn't!" Buda interrupted.

"No!" said Burchell, "I didn't. But I didn't buy a house the first time I wanted to either!"

Mr. Buda told the Commission that secondary mortgages are where the problems begin. He said primary lenders will usually be more liberal about lending, however, they require a 20% down payment.

This reporter reminded the Commission that ALL lending in this country is becoming more and more difficult because of the economy.

Steve Frank then addressed the Commission. "I don't see what the rush was to zone this property commercial. When Wal-Mart came in, they bought up residential property and then they applied and had it re-zoned. It's not like there is a shortage of potential property on our highway right now – the old K-Mart lot comes to mind as does Hardees restaurant -- things like that. I guess if a large enough business wanted to come in and buy up your house and every single lot next to you and then apply to have it re-zoned there wouldn't be a problem with that. I guess I don't see the rush."

"At the very same meeting," this reporter added, "With very little discussion, Mr. Marks had his residential property zoned commercial when his property isn't large enough to be a commercial entity either. So I don't see what's been gained by doing this."

"Your simplifying this by making it look like it's a silly thing to do!" responded Burchell.

"Where is the long term plan, then sir?" I asked.

"The long term plan is what this whole thing is based on!" Burchell replied.

"To turn a bunch of small properties that can't be commercial into useless properties to anybody?" I asked.

"Well, the Planning Commission doesn't feel that way!" Burchell answered.

"Obviously! But I think the Buda's have a different opinion, and I certainly do!"

"But the Buda's are leaving Ironwood!" Burchell retorted, "Do you want us to bend over backwards for people leaving the area?" The Buda's purchased a home in the Township.

Commissioner Toth asked the Budas when the purchased their property. Mr. Buda told Suzanne that his father-in-law purchased the property in 1989, and Steve and his wife purchased it from him in 1990. According to Mr. Buda, nobody seems to know when the property was converted to being commercial.

The Commission unanimously voted to approve the PUD Zoning Ordinance.

MANAGER'S REPORT

Scott Erickson gave his Manger's Report to the Commission. He discussed the following topics:

(1) He noticed in the Daily Globe that it was "pothole season." He stated that the DPW crews were called out to repair pot holes. He told those in attendance to let the City know if they are aware of any potholes that need attention.

(2) He reminded the Commission that the Street Load Limits are in effect.

(3) He mentioned that the City staff will be working for the next two months on the City's budget.

(4) On Monday, March 31, 2008, the first budget workshop will be held at 5:30 PM in the Women's Club Room.

(5) On Wednesday, March 26, 2008, there will be a special meeting of the Ironwood Planning Commission to review the Josephson's Nursing Home final site plan.

(6) On Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 4:00 PM the Skateboard Park Fundraising Meeting will be held.

(7) On Thursday, March 27, 2008, at 12:00 PM the DIDA will have their regular meeting.

(8) On Thursday, April 17, 2008, there will be a public informational meeting at the Iron County Highway Department to discuss the Norrie/Poplar Street Bridge.

(9) On Tuesday, April 08, 2008, at 5:00 PM, there will be a public informational meeting to answer questions and hear comments about the Alfred Wright Boulevard project.

(10) On Thursday, April 10, 2008, there will be an open house at 5:30 PM, at Tacconnelli's to welcome the new Community Development Director, Dan Petersen, to Ironwood.

CITIZEN'S COMMENTS

Louise Demasi questioned the Commission about emergency services. She reminded Mayor Noren that he told her two years ago that he was working on an emergency plan for the City. She also voiced a complaint about the current 911 system. She said that she called 911 two times. Both times the dispatcher asked her if her business was on Silver Street in Bessemer. She told the dispatcher both times that they needed to get a hold of the IPSD and tell them that Pizza King Joe's needs help and to go down there.

Ms. Demasi suggested that the City of Ironwood bring back their dispatchers. She told the Commission that 911 was simply not working.

Mayor Noren reminded Bob Erspamer and Scott Erickson that the City needs to start focusing on the emergency plan once again. IPSD Director Erspamer informed the Commission that the sirens would not be ordered until next year.

Then Ms. Demasi addressed Commissioner Burchell regarding his previous comments about the Buda family. "I've come to Commission meetings since I was on the Commission in `82. I don't know who these people are. But, to have anything to say to them like `Well, hello! You're moving out of the City aren't you? They've paid taxes since 1990 here. That's the first thing! The second thing is, whether they have 20% down, 5% down or 50% down, I was appalled to hear you say that!"

"That maybe somebody shouldn't buy a home if they can't afford it?" Burchell replied.

"That's not for you to judge!" explained Demasi.

"But it's not for the City to bend over and change the rules so that somebody can buy a house!" Burchell returned.

"It sure the hell is!" Ms. Demasi replied, "Since 1990, that man has been paying taxes in the City of Ironwood -- paying your $20 or $30 or whatever it's up to now; paying her salary; Keith Johnson's salary when he was there; his amount that he gets; and the rest of the City... and to be talked to like that... shame... shame... shame..."

"We're not in the credit business. We're not a loan agency!" Burchell retorted.

"You might not be a loan agency, if somebody can't sell a house or buy a house here in Ironwood, then the City has to see what they can do to help him to stay in the community! I'm sure if he moves into the Township he's going to shop at Super One, or the plaza, or K-Mart, so his tax dollars are still going to stay here. So what you just said, is `Anybody coming to Ironwood, don't bother to stop here, because we're not going to help you! Unless you plan on staying here permanently, and make sure you have the money to put down!' NO... NO... NO... NO..."

"That's not what I meant..."

"That's what you came off as saying..."

"It's not the first time I'm going to say something that's not..."

"I just want to say something," Demasi interrupted, "As a citizen, this is the first City Commission meeting I've attended since the new Commission took office. But let me tell you something, you got me back! I'll be a thorn in your side!"

Steve Frank addressed the Commission and told them that the school system has lost 28 students since the beginning of the year. He told the Commissioners that he believed that most families that move here will have difficulty purchasing a home. He said that home ownership is vitally important to a community. He pointed out that homeowners are more likely to take pride in the community and to volunteer and give back to the community. He told the Commission that people need to start working together.

Mr. Frank also asked if the City could create strict rules regarding the sale or transfer of commercial property in the City of Ironwood. He suggested that the law insures minimum standards for safety, plumbing and electrical. This idea had been suggested to the City Commission several times, but severely blighted buildings plague the downtown.

AUDIO    VIDEO

Jim Albert