DIDA Chairman Goerig Violates Citizen's Rights

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, August 27, 2009 - The Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting this morning in the Women's Club Room on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building.

At 8:00 AM DIDA Chairman George Goerig called the meeting to order. DIDA Secretary Jane Bowman recorded the roll. DIDA members Louise Demasi; Corey Gresham; Eva Smith-Furgason; Gail Johnston; Vice-Chairman Joe Karius; and Chairman Goerig were in attendance. Mayor Bruce Noren was absent and there are two vacancies on the DIDA. Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the Authority, Jackie Powers chose not to re-apply; Wayne Ozark and Steve Frank resigned. City staffers present at the meeting included: DIDA Secretary Jane Bowman; City Manager Scott Erickson; and Community Development Director Dan Petersen. Citizens in attendance at this morning's meeting consisted of Dave Martin (on behalf of Former Mayor & Downtown Businessman Roy Ahonen) and Becky Schwartz (co-owner of Creative Spirits Rubber Stamping and Scrapbooking). Representing the press at the meeting were: Margaret Levra, representative of the Globe; Lou Bonagura, photo-journalist from IronwoodInfo.com; and yours truly. Ironwood Public Safety Officer Adam Clemens was at the meeting to keep the peace.

Routine Matters

The first order of business for the Authority was to approve the minutes for the July 23, 2009 Regular Meeting and the  August 7, 2009 Special Meeting. Without discussion, the DIDA unanimously approved the minutes as presented.

The second order of business for the Authority was to approve the docket. Louise Demasi immediately made a motion to remove Item 6(e) from the agenda. Item 6(e) was to, "Discuss and consider setting a joint meeting with City Commission to discuss the Blueprint Implementation."

Demasi, who is running for the City Commission in November, said the idea was an excellent one. However, she believed it was pointless to have the meeting with the current Commission since the election could yield an entirely different set of members. She said since the DIDA would have to work with the Commission for the next two years, she suggested that it would be better to have the meeting after the election.

Karius, who is the publisher and general manager of the Globe, agreed with Demasi. He added that he believed that since the Authority was "in the early stages" of the Blueprint Program, with grant applications pending, that postponing the meeting would be a wise option.

Eva Smith-Furgason disagreed, stating that a meeting between the DIDA and the City Commission was first discussed when the Blueprint Plan was finalized and presented by Doyle Hyett in May, and the constant delays have resulted in non-production. She said postponing the meeting for two more months was pointless considering it was the DIDA that has been assigned the task of implementing the Blueprint Plan -- not the City Commission.

Louise Demasi asked Smith-Furgason why it even necessary to meet with the City Commission if they had nothing to do with the Blueprint Plan. Smith-Furgason told Demasi that the DIDA had to be accountable to someone.

Demasi scoffed at Smith-Furgason as Vice-Chairman Karius and Chairman Goerig rolled their eyes. Demasi insisted that it was foolish to meet with the present Commission when an entirely different Commission could be in power after the November election.

"If you feel that the Downtown is doing so great..." Smith-Furgason told Demasi, "...so fantastic that we don't need to do anything innovative and work on implementing the Blueprint Plan..."

"That's not what I said," Demasi interrupted, "Let's do what I said!"

"I would have followed this to a 'T'!" Smith-Furgason said.

Chairman Goerig interrupted stating that Ms. Smith-Furgason could make her own motion if she wished to keep the item on the agenda, but a motion was made and seconded and was on the table to remove it from the agenda. 

When Doyle Hyett presented the Blueprint Plan in May, he gave a specific plan of attack to implement the program. He insisted that the City and the DIDA start by doing "small, free or inexpensive improvements" to the core block of the Downtown (Aurora Street from Suffolk to Lowell), that made a big impact on the general appearance of the street. He suggested buying more flowers. Flowers were a cheap fix, according to Hyett. He said the City should install banners. He recommended that someone approach Jacquarts to ask them to provide them for free or at cost. He suggested that the DIDA encourage businesses in the core block to spruce up their buildings with paint. He suggested sweeping the sidewalks, and killing weeds. He strongly advised AGAINST building public restrooms because they are, without fail, vandalized, and the often become havens for criminal activity.

Since Mr. Hyett made his presentation, the DIDA has done NONE of the initial improvements he suggested. Instead, the Authority, at Mr. Goerig's direction, spend their entire fund balance -- $5,000 -- and the City Commission spend $10,000 of City  taxpayer money -- to tear down the Sharon's/Powers Place building on Aurora Street -- a building the City doesn't even own.

When Smith-Furgason tried to point out the "small things that would have a big impact" suggested by HyettPalma and the Blueprint Plan, Goerig interrupted stating that she wasn't discussing the merits of the motion on the table -- removing the item to set up a joint meeting with the DIDA and the City Commission. Realizing that she was wasting her breath, Smith-Furgason quit speaking and Goerig called for a vote on amending the docket. The Approved the docket as amended by a vote of 5 to 1. Smith-Furgason voted "NO."

Citizens' Addresses on Agenda Items

Chairman Goerig asked citizens in attendance if they wanted to address the Authority on any agenda items. This reporter asked to speak on Item #6, Blueprint Implementation.

Goerig asked, "Before or after the vote." I opted to speak BEFORE the DIDA voted.

This is a "new rule" imposed by Chairman Goerig, without the blessing or the approval of the DIDA. The reason for allowing citizen comment at public meetings is to give residents and taxpayers a voice -- to allow the Authority a chance to answer any questions, and to let the public express their opinions, so that the DIDA can make informed and educated decisions of issues before them. DIDA bylaws do not require citizens to declare WHEN -- before or after the vote -- they will be addressing the Authority. It makes no sense for a citizen to voice his opinion AFTER a vote is made.

Blueprint Implementation

When I was given the opportunity to speak, I pointed out to the Authority that ATV traffic on City streets has become a serious problem ever since Trail #2 has been opened up to ATV use. I explained that the vehicles are driving recklessly -- ignoring safety rules and street signs -- and even trespassing on private property at excessive speeds.

I then asked how ATVs fit into the Blueprint Plan.

"How comfortable are people going to be shopping in Downtown Ironwood when you're taking a chance of getting hit with an out-of-control ORV?" I asked, "And there's no rules for the things! They can do whatever they want."

Goerig responded with, "Okay!"

"Okay?" I asked, "And that's your answer?"

"It's not question and answer," Goerig responded, "It's public comment!"

"Oh, that's right! We can't possibly interact!" I said sarcastically.

Goerig went back to the agenda and continued the meeting. He explained that Roy Ahonen was supposed to have an audience with the Authority, but he was unable to make it. Dave Martin was in attendance, and he was asked by Ahonen to represent him.

Farmers Market/Flea Market

(a) Audience with Roy Ahonen - Martin explained that he's been working with Roy Ahonen to establish an Indoor/Outdoor flea market in the old Pamida building. He explained that the market is open every Friday, and their first effort was two weeks ago. Vendors were very pleased with their sales in the past two weeks, and the market is already starting to attract people. He said, considering the market is brand new, turn-out has been rather good. According to Martin, Ahonen planned on running the market two days a week -- Friday and Saturday. Fridays would be primarily Flea Market items and Saturday would be mainly a farmers market.

He told the Authority that Ahonen is well aware that the DIDA is attempting to create a Downtown Farmers Market. Martin suggested that the DIDA work with Ahonen instead of competing against him. According to Martin, Ahonen has been considering the venture for quite some time -- long before the DIDA had considered the idea.

Goerig said he wouldn't have a problem with that. Karius asked if any farm vendors were currently serving the flea market. Martin said that there has been one farm vendor each of the first two weeks, and this week, it appears there will be a second one.

Karius asked if the farmers were notified that they were welcome. Martin explained that he talked to the vendors at the Iron County Farmers Market and he was told that most of them are starting to wrap up their seasons already. He said he believes that some of the late season crop farmers might want to set up, and that plans were in the works to contact them.

Martin said if the Depot Farmers Market doesn't happen until next year, at least the two events can build off of one another. Gail Johnston, who is working to establish the Downtown Flea market said she'd be happy to work with Ahonen. Goerig offered Martin the use of the DIDA sandwich-board signs. He explained that they have changeable signs that can be made to promote the Pamida event. Those signs can be placed at two locations along US-2.

(b) Discuss and consider action on Tax Increment Financing in DDA District - Dan Petersen explained how the TIF district works. He told the Authority that it is a mechanism used to recapture tax funds for use in the Downtown District. The funds generated will not increase taxes to Downtown Businesses, they are simply readjusted and earmarked to be used in the District. Petersen also to the Authority that changes to the TIF District should be made to include businesses that are not currently part of the district. This would also increase revenues for the Authority's budget. The DIDA voted unanimously to allow Dan Petersen to do whatever needs to initiate the TIF adjustment.

(c) Discuss OPRA Ordinance - This ordinance would allow for certain improvements for the Downtown. It allows "tax freezes" as incentives for people to rehabilitate obsolete buildings in the City. For example, if the a building's taxes are currently $1,000 annually, and someone purchases the building -- spending $100,000 to rehab it -- the taxes would remain for a pre-determined length of time at $1,000.

(d) Discuss and consider action on communication with Downtown Property Owners and Business Managers regarding Downtown Blueprint - Dan Petersen asked for $250 for postage to send out flyers reminding downtown businesses about the City's Parking Policy and also to promote the SISU Ski Fest. Demasi made a motion to give Petersen the $250 and to let him send out the information.

Karius voiced objection to the fact that a private business venture -- the SISU Ski Fest -- was getting free postage on the DIDA's dime. Demasi said, she had no problem with that because it doesn't cost anything extra to throw a flyer in with the information the DIDA already wants to distribute. She said as long as the SISU Ski Fest ends up Downtown, the event will help businesses in the Downtown.

A vote was taken and the Authority voted unanimously to allow Petersen to send out the flyers as he proposed.

Christmas Wreaths

Dan Petersen briefed the Authority on what was done regarding wreaths last year. He said no action needed to be taken yet, but he wanted to have the members consider the issue for a future meeting. Demasi said it was only fair for all area wreath manufacturers to be given a chance to bid on the City wreaths. No action was taken.

SISU Ski Fest

The group is working on locating a banner downtown. It cannot be located on Business US-2. Demasi suggested placing it on south of Aurora on Suffolk or East of Suffolk on Aurora on a building. Goerig said with a permit, a banner can be placed on Business US-2.

Petersen told the Authority that 42 people are registered for the race.

Smith-Furgason said she would like to see a plan for what the organizers want the DIDA to do. She said she'd also like a list of sponsors so the individual businesses can be promoted.

Staff Updates

The Miners Memorial Mural has established a checking account and they have taken over fund-raising efforts. They will no longer need the DIDA to hold funds for the project. Petersen explained that he would like to turn over the checks submitted thus far. Demasi insisted that copies of the checks be produced and someone signs for the checks to release any liability from the City or the DIDA. The Authority voted unanimously allow Petersen to release the checks to the Miners Memorial Mural organization.

Citizens' Addresses on Non-Agenda Items

"I'm a Downtown businessman. I pay TIF taxes in the City. You can count on one hand, how many people come to these meetings on a regular basis. How many business people come to these meetings? I wonder how many members of this committee actually pay TIF taxes -- actually pay DIDA taxes. How many of you are actually businesspeople yourselves? How many of you actually own your business?" I said.

"It's no mystery this is such a dysfunctional group! When somebody comes and asks a simple question... and you can't get a simple answer... there's something radically wrong with the way this whole thing's operated. You're supposed to be working with the Downtown businesses? And you won't listen to them? You won't let them have a voice? Or even answer a simple question? It's disgusting!" I said.

Then, anticipating the robotic answer I was about to receive, I sarcastically said, "Thank you for your comments!"

"Thank-you, Jim." Goerig said, "Anybody else?"

Lou Bonagura then asked, "I'd like to know the status on the tax auction and Sharon's Place, and did you get your money back? I'd like to make a comment also... I want to say I agree with what Jim said. So, that being said, please answer the question about Sharon's Place?"

Immediately, Dan Petersen replied, "Yeah, I did mean to bring that up, but I forgot. It did not go at the first auction." He went on to explain, and Scott Erickson verified that the City Commission met in closed session to discuss the dollar amount to be spent in the bidding process in Marquette.

Then Dave Martin explained that the organizers of Ahonen's Flea Market asked the City if they could borrow some barricade horses for traffic control during their Flea Market. When he went to get them he was told there would be a $250 deposit and a charge of $50 per horse. He said local business people who are paying taxes shouldn't be charged that kind of fee for the use of the horses. He asked the DIDA if the City was going to charge SISU an outrageous price for horse to block off roads.

Immediately, Chairman Goerig referred Martin's question over to Scott Erickson.  Erickson apologized and said there was a miscommunication.

Becky Schwartz then addressed the Authority. She held up a "lure brochure" for Wakefield that she picked up in Iron River. She said it was fabulous, and she said she wasn't sure if this was the proper place ask, but she wanted to know why Ironwood didn't have a similar brochure.

Eva Smith-Furgason tried to answer Ms. Schwartz's question by explaining that the Blueprint Plan suggests that the City create a "lure brochure" not unlike the one Ms. Schwartz presented.

Smith-Furgason said, "We received the recommendation on May 12th, however, this board doesn't see fit to meet together as a group and actually look at the things are in the Blueprint Plan, so they can implement them in a fashion that would be consistent with what was represented..."

"Eva, your out of order because you assume the board is taking actions that it's not..." Goerig interrupted.

Demasi interrupted, "You can call me out of order! You can call me out of here! I don't care what happens at this point..."

And then she began to lecture Smith-Furgason, "Eva, you constantly whine about the Blueprint! You were asked to do a number of projects and we needed help. Steve Frank took on a project... he's gone now... but, yes he took a project. He took a project... he took a project... You're too busy! So what are you worried about having..."

Smith-Furgason asked Goerig how Demasi wasn't out of order with all of her yelling.

Goerig told Demasi she was out of order and he moved on to "Other Business."

Other Business

Eva Smith-Furgason said she would like to see a copy of the DIDA's bylaws. She said she believes that business people with questions deserve to have their questions answered. She said it isn't right for them to be confined only to making comments because they pay the taxes that support the DIDA. She said she wants to see for herself where it says in the bylaws that citizens wishing to address the Authority on agenda and non-agenda items are restricted to comments only. She said she doesn't believe the bylaws disallow answers to simple questions by citizens.

Goerig told Smith-Furgason that a copy of the bylaws was included with her packet when she first joined the DIDA. Smith-Furgason said she would like an official review of the policy.

Joe Karius said he would like to help with the brochure but he believed that the City needed to get grant money first so that the brochures reflect the Blueprint improvements. He said that was the strategy he believed was in place.

Eva Smith-Furgason reiterated what Steve Frank said when he was a member of the DIDA. Downtown Ironwood has many beautiful things that could be featured in a brochure NOW -- the pocket park, the Library, the Memorial Building, the Theatre; the Post Office, etc.

George Goerig asked Scott Erickson if the barricade horses at Sharon's could be removed soon. Erickson told Goerig that the grass has now seemed to have taken root, and it would be safe to remove them. 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50 AM. 

EDITOR'S COMMENT: Both times when I asked questions of the DIDA, Chairman George Goerig REFUSED to allow my questions to be answered -- stating that it was a "comments" session and not a "questions and answers" session. Yet, all three of the other citizens in attendance asked questions and all three immediately received answers. This is clearly a case of discrimination. The First Amendment guarantees that government "public comment" rules be applied evenhandedly. For example, if one individual is allowed to speak for 15 minutes and the next is restricted to only 5 minutes the rules are not equally enforced. Likewise, if officials answer questions for one individual, the are obligated to answer questions for ALL individuals.

Some people make good leaders. Some do not. In order to be an effective leader, you have to be able to listen. You have to be willing accept the fact that you don't have a monopoly on good ideas. You need to have an open mind and you need to treat people with dignity and respect.

General John Pershing once said, “A competent leader can get efficient service from poor troops, while on the contrary an incapable leader can demoralize the best of troops.” In less than three weeks, the DIDA lost three very dedicated members who truly care about Downtown Ironwood and who want to see the Downtown succeed.

I have attended virtually every meeting of the DIDA in the past three years. I saw, first hand, the frustration that drove Jackie Powers, Steve Frank and Wayne Ozark away from the Authority. These are three very bright and creative individuals who are full of wonderful, innovative ideas. Because of poor leadership, the DIDA lost their input. If Eva Smith-Furgason continues to be ridiculed and ignored, it is likely she will quit as well.

George Goerig is not a leader. He needs to be removed from the DIDA. Ignorance and arrogance are a deadly combination. Unfortunately, Goerig and his companion Karius are rich in both. They have stifled each and every opportunity for the Authority to move forward and their efforts -- or the lack thereof -- have done nothing to improve the Downtown. 

In November, George Goerig is running for City Commission. I urge the voters of Ironwood to take a good, hard look at Goerig's track record with the DIDA and to consider his unhealthy relationship with Daily Globe publisher Joe Karius. I said it before and I'll say it again, how can the Globe objectively report on City events while Karius sits on a City board and his paper receives over $10,000 in advertising revenue from the City every year? How many abuses have been "covered up" because of this relationship? We've had enough corruption. Changes need to be made in the DIDA and the City Commission needs a complete overhaul.

It would be very foolish, however, to throw the baby out with the bath water. Commissioners Bob Burchell and Gemma Lamb have proven that they truly love Ironwood and they want to do what's best for its citizens. While the other three Commissioners were voting AGAINST the will of the people, Burchell and Lamb did their best to obtain facts; they listened to what people had to say; and they consistently voted accordingly.

I will not vote for George Goerig. How can a man who won't listen to me and won't answer my questions adequately represent me?