Commission Holds Workgroup to Hear from Other Groups

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - The team-building workshop began at 5:30 on Monday night at Gogebic Community College, in the Lindquist Center's Cafeteria. City manager Scott Erickson welcomed everybody to the workshop, saying it was a chance for the City Commission to hear from other groups, and educate each other as to what is going on, as far as the group's work in the community. He said that the city commission will be doing some goal setting at the end of a long series of workshops, to learn what's going on in the community, and ultimately put together some goals for the city, to be worked on over the next couple of years.

Mayor Bob Burchell gave an overview for the evening, thanking everyone for coming out. He explained that the purpose of the group is to introduce the City Commission to meet various representatives from groups in town who are all working on their individual projects to bring Ironwood into a new era. He said it was a chance to bring all the groups together and see what they are working on, as the commission doesn't have a lot of background on the members. The mayor went on to say that this is the first in a series of about a half a dozen workshops to take place over the next six weeks. Among the workshops he stressed were: Workshop for non-motorized trails, December 10th, 2009, and Workshop for Motor Sport policy, December 22, 2009. Both workshops are at 5:30 PM, in the Women's Club Room, at the Memorial Building. He stated that the goal, at the end of the six to eight week period, is for the City Commission to sit down and do the goal setting, and try to implement the goals over the next two years.

Introductions were then made around the table. Mayor Burchell introduced the Commission members first: Kim Corcoran, Gemma Lamb, himself, Will Lucious, and Rick Semo. He encouraged all present to contact them with concerns. Everyone else present then introduced himself or herself.

The workshop was then turned over to Will Andresen, representing the Next Generation Initiative, which has been an initiative for a year. He explained that the most important thing is that they have over 100 people in the two county areas, Iron County and Gogebic County, working on the goal of attracting young people to the area, and retaining our high school students and college students, and young professionals, already living here. Although it is primarily geared towards young people, Mr. Andresen said that they found that the things they used to attract and retain young people worked on people of all ages as well. He went on to say that the population of the Gogebic range has been declining steadily for eighty years, basically since the 1920's, and the population has gotten older and older. He explained that the Next Generation Initiative is basically geared toward bringing in people in general, young people included, to support our tax base, our schools, and our businesses. He explained that in a few more years there will be twice as many people entering retirement, as there will be people entering the workforce.

 He said, "We will be shifting from trying to find jobs to trying to find people, as time goes on." Will said that creating jobs is their number one priority, and currently there are 22 to 24 groups right now that are doing economic development, job creation, infrastructure development, and tourism. He said his group is different. they are not trying to do traditional economic development. They are focusing on creating the type of community that will be attractive to young people. Mr. Andresen said that Rebecca Ryan was here about a year ago, and she stated that of 75% of people 28 and younger, it is more important to find the right place than the right job. This is key, he said. Will said he believes we are the right place young people are looking for. According to Michigan Cool Cities Survey, the top ten things today's young people are looking for are:

1. Scenic Beauty
2. Safe Streets
3. Affordability
4. Good Place to Raise a Family
5. Good Public Schools
6. Sense of Community
7. Low Traffic
8. Concern for the Environment
9. Close to Friends and Family
10. Walkable Streets

The was some question as to whether the survey was fair, and not based on big city people's choices, so a poll was done with the same age group—under 40—from Gogebic Range people, and the results are listed here: Top ten factors for selecting a place to live:

1. Safe Streets
2. Place to raise a Family
3. Affordable
4. Public Schools
5. Scenic Beauty
6. Sense of Community
7. Walkable Streets
8. Low Traffic
9. Close to Friends and Family
10. Beaches/Waterfront

The top ten lists were basically the same, except our concern was for beaches/waterfront, instead of the environment. The results, he said, offer them four opportunities to attract and retain young people. These four opportunities became what they are calling the Next Generation Initiative, which has four separate work groups, led by four people in the community and has over one hundred people involved in all four of those workgroups. The first two workgroups are working to attract young people from out side the area. The second two are working on the young people that we have.

The first workgroup is called Attract Young Workers by Strengthening our Niche. The niche is nature-based outdoor recreation. People are moving here primarily for five factors: the four seasons, adventure sports, trails, parks, and water. He said they are taking what they are good at and making it better, and getting more people to move here. This group is proposing a trail system that would connect Wakefield to Montreal, and all the cities in between. Each community would have their own bike/walking trail that they could connect to. This concept should make people think this is a real nice area to live.

The second workgroup is called the Promoting our Strengths workgroup, taking what we have and making it better. it is designed to attract people from outside the area to come here. They are developing a website that will promote our nature based outdoor recreation niche. The five things that are top of the list of factors for selecting a place to live are what will be promoted; safe streets, place to raise a family, affordable, public schools, and scenic beauty.

Those are the two groups that are working to attract people to the area. The next two groups are to retain our existing students, and young professionals. In a survey, 30% of local high schoolers plan on sticking around, of college students, only 22% plan on staying. The biggest reason for leaving was to find another job. Almost as big as that, is moving to find a place that fits lifestyles better. Mr. Andreson went on to say that there is a disconnect between young people moving here because of our nature based outdoor recreation, and people wanting to leave to find a more suitable lifestyle. he said we are not connecting our young people to the assets of the community as best we can. The third workgroup is working to connect our students to the community, through a photography contest, some service learning projects, some mentoring, and some entrepreneurship training, and trying to get them out into the woods, and to the trails.

This group is called Retain Students by Better Connecting them to the Community. He said that the fourth workgroup is very interesting. People are moving here because of their nature based outdoor recreation niche, our young people, and then find they don't know anybody. 90% of the people who grew up here rated the area as positive for friends and family, less than 50% of people that moved from someplace else rated it as positive. If they didn't have kids and they're not married, less than 40% rated the community as a positive for finding friends and family. Statistics show, he said, that 92% of locals plan on remaining in the area, while only 60% of transplants plan on staying in the area. He went on to say that he believes there is a correlation between not finding friends and deciding to move. He'd cited a couple that lived here for eight years before making any friends. When asked why they stayed, they said it was because of the snow, verifying that our snow is an asset. People move here for the snow, he said.

The fourth group is called Retain Young Workers by Building Social Capital, providing a social networking opportunity for people moving into the area and people already here, to provide networking. Will said that Lily Palmer is the head of that group. He said if the Strengthening Our Niche group is successful, it would boost tourism as well, while tourism is not their focus.

In conclusion, Will stated that the way people can help is by time or money. They have over 100 people involved, and can always use more people, or money. For example, he shared about getting local kids out on cross-country skis for the first time, and watching them love where they are. For $35.00, a kid, they can go with Team Gogebic, which will let them ski and receive lessons. People are encouraged to sponsor something like this.

More importantly, he said, is how the city can help. He stated that the city commission can help by thinking about these concepts, and think about the future like to see for the city of Ironwood, and to get everybody going in the same direction, working with all the groups: DIDA, Planning Commission, EDC, Chamber, IDC, and Beautiful Northwoods, Parks and Recreation, as a team, creating huge synergy. He said a successful community development effort has three sides: people and connections, public process, and activities, being the action we see. He said it all must be done, for success.

Mayor Bob Burchell then expressed a desire to engage the groups assembled in a less formal manner, to take formality away, for the sake of conversation. He said it is a good opportunity to reach the commission without formality.

He then turned the workshop over to John Wyssling, of the planning commission. At this time, city manager Erickson stated he was going to take notes.

Mr. Wyssling stated that the commission will be finishing goals set last year with an ordnance update, that included zoning updates, the GIS mapping system, important for development of the city, and working on the city streets. He said that a large portion of goals from the last couple of years have come close to being met. The new ordnances have been approved by the commission, said Mr. Wyssling, and they will be making addendums to it from time to time, for example, looking at energy efficient items that people want to put into their homes, such as solar and wind power. He said these things would be incorporated into their ordnances. He stated that their goals for the New Year would probably include something of this nature. Mr. Wyssling said that city streets are being repaved and restructured, and the infrastructure is changing underneath a lot of them. He said they work to find the needs of the city, in regards to the streets, which is ongoing, he said. The other thing they would probably be putting time into this year is additions and corrections and a future vision to our comprehensive plan. This then goes to the county, which is working on an overall comprehensive plan, for the entire area. The last update was done in 1981 he said, showing the need for updates.

Chairman of the DIDA (Downtown Ironwood development Authority), George Goerig, was called on next. "According to the blueprint plan, the DIDA is working to reverse the deterioration of downtown, including the blight." He stated that they are in the process of trying to get invited to apply for the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant).

Jason Alonen was next, representing the Blight Committee. He explained that the city has been awarded a $464,000 NSP (neighborhood stabilization program) grant, which is for the demolition of up to twenty-five residential properties, in the centrally located downtown area. Right now, he said, they have five buildings/owners on board for demolition, and are looking for some more applicants. They have until next summer to find twenty more participants. He explained that if someone agrees to have his or her property torn down, there is a lien put on the property for five years. It was explained by Mayor Bob Burchell that they are encouraging people to donate their blight, rather than citing people for blight. It was explained by Jason that as of right now, only residential structures are eligible, no outbuildings. City manager Erickson explained that the other component of the grant is homebuyer's incentive, for qualified homebuyers. They might get help with down payment assistance, or property rehabilitation.

The meeting then went to Parks and Rec, which works under the Planning Commission. Sam Davey told how they now meet once a month, as opposed to once a year. So far they got two bike/walking paths alongside Alfred Wright Boulevard and Greenbush Street. They made a natural hiking trail at the cemetery, with plans to add more trails/bike trails in the area. They put in for a grant for upgrades at Curry Park, to draw more people. The other grant they put in for is for upgrades to Patterson Tennis Courts, to put in lights for night tennis. He said they would like a plan for motorized and non-motorized trails. Sam said they need direction, as to what they should be working on right now. It was explained that they operate with no budget, and trail work is done by volunteers. He said perhaps they should be separate from Planning, as half the members are on two committees.

Kim Kolesar, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that they are a non-profit organization, funded by individuals, businesses, and groups, who become member of the Ironwood Chamber. She expressed interest in working with other Chambers. They would like to move toward the business aspect, as they are listed as a business. She added that their goals might change in February.

Elaine Erickson, Library Director, stated that they are continuing to refine their goals, one of which is to attract people of all ages to the library, and to cement that enjoyment of reading.

"A national study said that people who read literature are more civically engaged, and volunteer, and participate in sports, among other things," Elaine said. Elaine stated what the library is doing, like reading to kids in schools, working with 4-H, and others. She stated that they are working hard with the business community, offering to do a display for local businesses. In hard economic times, people read more. Their marketing push, she explained is dream, discover, and do. You can dream through books, discover information, and do by participating in their programs. She said that would be a strong message this next year. They are also trying to achieve financial responsibility. A fact was shared that the library is funded half through speeding tickets. Michigan gives you 100% off your taxes for library donations. The library's state aid was cut by 40%, Elaine said. She said projects are in place to show that we are a community that likes to read. In March, The Call of The Wild is the big push, and they will have free copies of Call of the Wild, and will sponsor many other activities, including a gold rush.

Mark Bowman, who represents the Gogebic Iron Wastewater Authority, told the workshop that the facility is twenty-three years old, and is an infrastructure. He explained that the system is mechanical, and twenty-three years is old for the facility. The board recently started a facilities master plan, to take a comprehensive look at their facility, and will find short-term needs, and put assets where they should be, among other things. Mark explained that their budget is a million dollars a year. While Ironwood constitutes about 75% of ownership, it also constitutes about 75% of the cost of the wastewater plant. He said sewer is the larger part of the bill.

Bob Erspamer, Ironwood Public safety Director, expressed that his department has really, in the last few years, came together as a team. He wanted the workshop to know that when people have a concern at a meeting, it is dealt with after the meeting, whether it's the next day or the next week. Mr. Erspamer assured all present that in these tough economic times, his department has tried to be more resourceful. They have sought out grants, and hope to not have to use grants in the future.

Elaine Erickson commented on how helpful the city's staff is, and how knowledgeable they are.

Joe Metzger, of the Civic center, said their goal is to be free of debt within a couple months. Training of volunteers is going on right now, starting tonight. Polar Bears and Ice Crystals have volunteers, he said. He said they are looking at opening up some daytime hours also. The volunteer program has been key in paying off debt, he said. They hope to get more kids participating in programs at the center.

The Gogebic County EDC representative, Donna Scorse, responded to questions as to just what the function of the EDC is. Their mission statement, goals, and what they do are some things she cleared up.

"We are not just an Ironwood entity, we are Gogebic Range, we are Gogebic County. Our mission statement is one of fostering economic development in Gogebic County, by providing land use tools, Brownfield Redevelopment Programs, business planning, financial assistance to ongoing businesses and new businesses, while maintaining a positive business climate in the County." Donna told the group that she is the Brownfield Director of the committee of the Brownfield Authority. She also administers the county's revolving loan fund.

"The Gogebic County EDC is a business attraction and retention organization compromised of municipalities, civic organizations, business owners, educational facilities, the health care sector, utilities interested in the economic growth of Gogebic County. Our Efforts are ongoing as we strive to be consistent with our voice when we market our area," said Donna. She went on to say that the EDC has been working on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan in conjunction with an organization downstate, for two years. She expects to have a final draft by the end of the week, going for a final approval by the end of the month.

Donna told the group, "Once the plan is approved, it will provide a clean and common vision for the preferred use of our land in Gogebic County. It will clarify our opportunity for future planned business development, while balancing preservation. The plan will be a living and breathing document, as we consolidate our common vision for our area."

One of the goals of the EDC, according to Donna, is connecting with downstate, improving communication.

Mr. Lucius, Commission Member, asked about the revolving door fund, and was told that it is still very convoluted. By the end of December, funds from six entities will be put together, further complicating the issue. She went on to explain state requirements are extremely restrictive. For every $10,000 that she loans out in her revolving loan fund, she has to have job creation; from low to moderate-income people, one job for every $10,000. Donna explained that once these funds are in place, the state of Michigan has indicated within a year's time, if it is done successfully, they will put $2,000,000 into their fund, in addition to what they already have. It will not be a bad thing to regionalize, she said. There are many concerns, such as long waiting period, and bigger communities getting larger amounts than smaller ones.

John Garske, of Ironwood Industrial Development, said the Beautiful Northwoods formed one day when in response to wondering what positive thing can be done. The Industrial Development Corporation is a pseudo arm of the city of Ironwood, John said. Basically, their mission is to promote industrial development in industrial parks within the city limits, or the surrounding area. They are a private, nonprofit corporation made up of about sixteen people. Things they have done include construction of the Speculation Building in the Industrial Park, which has been there a little over three years, according to John. Their primary goal is to sell that building.

"Manufacturing is not at its prime right now," said Mr. Garske. They thought it was sold many times, to no avail. He went on to say they have tried to get a long-term strategic goal for the group, and part of it is to create a stronger website presence. They are working on a marketing plan that will involve the use of Gogebic Community College, and some of their staff. They maintain communication with the Chamber. They have also considered promotion outside of the industrial park. Gogebic County has 16-20 development groups, making it difficult at times.

Marcy Kusz mentioned that Ironwood will be hiring a consultant from Jefferson school District in Wisconsin. As well as schools, they will go into churches, and businesses, echoing their expectations for the kids.

"When I met with the consultants that we're going to be hiring, they talked about making sure that our commission is on board, that they are holding their meetings and themselves at the highest end of the character spectrum, just as we would expect from our kids," Marcy said.

Next fall the program will start, character building, for our future leaders, she said. Together we can all make a difference, she said. The goal is to have Ironwood recognized as a community of character, as Jefferson does; such as random acts of kindness. Each month will have a different emphasis on a positive trait.

The new members were welcomed and thanked for what they do. Jim Albert, Superior Chronicle, commented that the problem is communication, and perhaps a good IT specialist could help everybody is networked. Mayor Bob Burchell reminded everyone of a workshop January 7th on digital issues.

The floor was opened to the audience. Charlie Supercynski, president of Copper Peak. Charlie went on to say that our area has bad news and good news. The bad news first is that we can no longer depend on that segment of the economy like we could 10-15 years ago. The number of skiers today, he said, is 50-60% less than it was in the early eighties. He stressed that we have to promote tourism, in spring, summer, and fall. This past summer, a local businessman told Charlie he had his best season ever. We drew more people this summer than the previous one, he said. Spring, summer, and fall are our opportunity, he said. Copper Peak, our icon, he said, is an asset, that will bring people into the area. He stressed that we have to use our opportunity to market our assets, namely Copper Peak. Charlie stressed that we need to market Copper Peak, which is unique and different. The good news is the potential is huge. The quickest way to enhance economic development, in Charlie's opinion, is via tourism. The only thing to invest is to market the area, he said. Heritage tourism is the single most important reason people travel, he said. Iron mining built this area, and the epitome of that is Copper Peak.

"If we market the area, it will be a very quick boost to the economy," said Mr. Supercynski.

The meeting was adjourned for the networking segment.