City Commission & DIDA Hold Joint Meeting to Discuss Downtown Developments

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Friday, December 4, 2009 - The monthly meeting of the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) was held yesterday after a joint workshop with City Commission members to discuss the pre-application for the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) for downtown enhancements.

A call to order for the workshop was made at 8:00 AM, followed by a recording of the roll by DIDA Secretary Jane Bowman. Present at the joint workshop were: Mayor and DIDA member Bob Burchell; DIDA Chairman George Goerig; DIDA Vice-Chairman Joe Karius; City Manager Scott Erickson; Commission member William Lucius; Commission member Kim Corcoran; Commission member Gemma Gorilla Lamb; DIDA member William Penrose; Commission member Rick Semo; DIDA member Eva Smith-Furgason; DIDA member Gail Johnston; and DIDA member Rick Tippett.

The workshop was started by City Manager Scott Erickson. He explained that the workshop was a place to converse, and share ideas, but it was not a place to take action. Mr. Erickson stated that this past summer, DIDA, the City Commission, many business people, and residents were involved in developing a downtown blueprint plan. The plan is a “road map” to revitalizing Ironwood. The state said the most Ironwood can receive in this first phase of grants is $650,000. The complete list of cost estimates is as follows:

Cost Estimates for CDBG Downtown Enhancement Grant City of Ironwood
Original: 07/04/09 - Amended 10/26/09	Original Recommendation	Amended Recommendation
McLEOD AVENUE CITY-OWNED PARKING LOT
Pulverize and Pave	$20,000	$20,000
Lighting (six poles, purchased and installed)	$30,000	$30,000
Landscaping	$15,000	$15,000
TOTAL FOR McLEOD AVENUE PARKING LOT	$65,000	$65,000
AYER STREET CITY-OWNED PARKING LOT
Pulverize and Pave	$10,000	$10,000
Lighting (six poles, purchased and installed)	$30,000	$30,000
Landscaping	$15,000	$15,000
TOTAL FOR AYER STREET PARKING LOT	$55,000	$55,000
DEPOT PARK ACQUISITION/DEVELOPMENT
Acquisition of Rail Grade	$60,000	Eliminated
Demolition of Building	$15,000	Eliminated
Walking Pat (10' Wide)	$20,000	Eliminated
Lighting (12 lights, purchased and installed)	$60,000	Eliminated
Removal of Pavement (Frederick Street)	$10,000	Eliminated
Curb Removal (Frederick Street)	$4,000	Eliminated
Restoration (Top soil, mulch, grade)	$10,000	Eliminated
Commission Public Art (sculpture)	$50,000	Eliminated
Parking Lot Construction	$15,000	Eliminated
TOTAL FOR DEPOT PARK	$244,000	Eliminated
STREET LIGHTING
Street Lighting for Silver Street (10 purchased and installed)	$60,000	$60,000
Street Lighting for Douglas Boulevard (15 purchased and installed)	$90,000	$90,000
TOTAL FOR STREET LIGHTING	$140,000	$140,000
STREET STRIPING REMOVAL/REPLACE WITH SIGNS
Sandblast current pavement markings	$5,000	$5,000
Purchase and Install Signage	$3,000	$3,000
TOTAL FOR STREET STRIPING REMOVAL	$8,000	$8,000
POCKET PARK
Reconstruct Brick Walkway	$3,000	$3,000
Paint/patch/fix wall adjacent to pocket park	$20,000	$20,000
Commission Public Art	$20,000	$20,000
TOTAL FOR POCKET PARK IMPROVEMENTS	$43,000	$43,000
PARKING ADJACENT TO MEMORIAL BUILDING
Acquisition of Land/Building	$50,000	$50,000
Demolition of Building	$30,000	$30,000
Paving	$10,000	$10,000
Landscaping	$5,000	$5,000
TOTAL FOR PARKING NEXT TO MEMORIAL BUILDING	$95,000	$95,000
LIBRARY EXPANSION
Fees and Services	$181,000	Eliminated
Construction Costs	$1,200,000	Eliminated
Interior Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment	$146,000	Eliminated
Owner Direct Soft Costs	$232,000	Eliminated
TOTAL FOR LIBRARY EXPANSION	$1,759,000	Eliminated
THEATRE IMPROVEMENTS
Theatre Rooftop Vents and Durolast Roof	$37,000	Eliminated
Tuck-pointing	$50,000	Eliminated
Theatre Under-Floor Radiant Heating System	$43,000	Eliminated
Theatre Air Conditioning System	$120,000	Eliminated
Insulation of West and South Walls	$40,000	Eliminated
TOTAL FOR THEATRE IMPROVEMENTS	$290,000	Eliminated
MISCELLANEOUS COMPONENTS
Benches/Flower Pots/Trash Receptacles*	$40,000	$50,000
Banner Hangers for Posts	$7,500	$7,500
Wrought Iron Banners (Summer)	$26,000	$26,000
Wrought Iron Banners (Winter)	$26,000	$26,000
Wayfinder Signage*	$15,000	$20,000
Build Public Restrooms*	$50,000	$75,000
Posts to Hang Banners from (purchased and installed)	$15,000	$15,000
Transition/Continuity Walls for vacant lots (5 lots)	$25,000	$25,000
TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS COMPONENTS	$204,500	$244,000
TOTAL PROJECT ESTIMATE	$2,903,500	$650,000

*denotes increased cost estimates

The workshop, he said, is to see what should be on the pre-application. Mr. Erickson said because something is eliminated on the proposal, it just means it is not going to be proposed right now. The main focus is going to be the revitalization of downtown Ironwood. This is just the beginning of a five-year plan, he stressed.

The meeting was then turned over to George Goerig, (DIDA Chairman), to hear his ideas for the revitalization projects for Ironwood. Mr. Goerig stated that it is a 10% matching grant, opposed to a 20%, as believed previously. He emphasized, as did Mr. Erickson, that we have not been invited to apply for the grant. It was explained that once the state could agree on the numbers proposed by DIDA, they might be invited to apply. After going through the blueprint list, he said, they came up with the enclosed cost estimate sheet. After submitting the list to the state, the state came back with $650,000 maximum grant money, as opposed to the $2,903,500 submitted. The state also said no to including the theatre and library projects, in this first phase. Mr. Goerig pointed out how much money is in the DIDA account, $9,499.64, and stated that they are responsible for maintaining the Pocket Park, as well as snow removal around the Pocket Park. He also cleared up the misconception about the city’s flower baskets. He said that businesses purchase the baskets, while the DIDA maintains the baskets, paying for all related expenses incurred with the baskets. He said they are trying to get this grant to help with the many expenses, as well as revitalization of downtown.

The city’s manager, Mr. Erickson, stated that even when the grant is submitted there is no guarantee that the whole amount will be approved. Mr. Erickson said some of the more controversial items on the list included the proposed Depot Park, and the acquisition of the railroad grade nearby, turning it into a park. The other controversial issue is restrooms. He said restrooms are not encouraged by the plan. Restrooms downtown have been as issue for many years, and he encouraged that any decision that may be reached be carried out with caution. A question by Rick Semo, as to whether allocated funds could be used for other things than it designated for was answered by Mr. Erickson, who said if money was saved on something, such as needing fewer light poles than expected, than yes, said money could be allocated for something else. He said that flexibility was usually allowed, as long as it was minimal.

Eva Smith-Furgason (Northwind Natural Foods Co-op Manager, DIDA Member), mentioned how when DIDA came together, there was a motion to remove the Depot Park Acquisition, to which Eva said she offered an alternate proposition, which included removing the public art, and leaving in the Park Acquisition proposal. Eva stressed how important land acquisition is. She also stated it was proposed to remove parking adjacent to the Memorial Building. The other issue brought up by Eva Smith-Furgason was public restrooms. She stated that at the meeting in May, by the Hyatt-Palma Consultants, they advised very strongly against public restrooms, due to the invitation of crime, for one thing. Smith-Furgason pointed out that there are other public restrooms open during the times when the proposed new ones would be opened. The issue of banners was also mentioned by Eva, pointing out that summer and winter banners, as opposed to year round banners, will require payment of someone to constantly change them. $250,000 is the amount Eva’s proposed changes would save. The Depot Park Acquisition, she said, will complete the blueprint for downtown, and is imperative, as the park would offer somewhere for families to go in downtown Ironwood. Eva demonstrated how taking the Park acquisition out of the equation is not the best choice, given that the same amount of money, $250,000 can be saved other ways.

Joe Karius, DIDA Vice-Chairman, responded, saying that the acquisition has been going on for some time, and that the Park project could be funded in year two. He said that while the park was a priority, other things were as well, such as the public art project, and parking, according to the Hyatt-Palma Plan. These things are very important, he said, because we should do things that are visible to the community, so people can see things are happening downtown, helping to develop support. Joe said the report said to proceed about public restrooms with extreme caution. Taking it upon himself, he contacted the City of Bayfield Chamber of Commerce, who said it costs approximately $4,000 per year to operate its public restrooms. They said they manage with a minimum of difficulty, and said they are well received in the community. Mr. Karius said he believes restrooms are an issue for visitors as well as shoppers, having had many people stop at his establishment, commenting on the vicinity of public restrooms.

Eva expressed concern that perhaps not enough time was spent discussing key topics. The issue of public restrooms was simplified by Eva, who stated that many businesses allow people to use their restrooms. In fact, she said, Bruce Noren suggested people who allow their restrooms to be used be given the Universal Symbol for public restroom, with the white writing(male and female symbols), on a blue background, along with a 10% discount on their water bill, or even a case of toilet paper. Smith-Furgason said that these decisions were made perhaps without enough time to deliberate.

Mayor Bob Burchell, after stating the goal of the workshop, which is basically to inform the City Commission as to what’s going on, sharing ideas, asked the workshop members to turn to page 57 of the Hyatt-Palma Plan. Mr. Burchell agreed with Mr. Erickson who said that many of the projects on the proposal could be pushed into the second, third, fourth, or even fifth years of the proposal. He stated that the Hyatt-Palma Plan is fairly clear about the plan for the first year, which is geared toward improving the “downtown streetscape”, as he put it.

The issue of parking was attempted to be tackled when William Lucius asked why so much was allocated for parking. It was explained to him why so much was needed, as businesses have expressed the need for more parking. Joe Karius explained that Hyatt-Palma said something needs to be done about parking. The poor shape of some city lots was discussed. William Penrose discussed the fact that nothing was noted anywhere dealing with substructures under parking lots, sewer, water, gas lines, and old tanks. City manager Erickson said, “We want to make sure everything is properly abandoned out there before we do any work.” In regards to Gemma lamb’s questions regarding remilling versus repavement, Mr. Erickson said they would propose pulverizing, which is pulverizing the old surface, and put a new asphalt surface down, and enhancements to the parking lots, including lighting. Gemma Lamb asked if it is possible to do $65,000 for the parking lots versus $120,000, because the Depot Park was really encouraged, and she would much rather see the money go into land acquisition and development. Also, she asked if the walking path could be eliminated, as well as adding a skating rink downtown, which would be a great addition to downtown, she said. Manager Erickson said snow removal would be an issue, to which he was assured it would be easily solved with the sidewalk removal machines.

Soil testing for the land acquisition site was brought up by Bill Penrose (Backstreet Cycle). Eva Smith-Furgason said she believed that a condition of the acquisition from the railroad was that no testing be done. Bill said soil testing is important, city manager Erickson agreed, and said it would be done , but wasn’t in the budget right now. William Penrose noted that a small clean up could cost a lot of money. Rick Semo asked if the blueprint worked, no offense intended, to which Scott Erickson said it is working in Houghton and other places. He said it should have a positive impact.

Bob Burchell pointed out that the Hyatt-Palma recommendations hold “big sway” with the state. Manager Erickson reiterated that this is the first phase. George Goerig pointed out that funding has to be obtained first, regardless of any blueprint.

Among other issues, Jane Bowman said the city is working on securing grant funding for downtown façade projects.

George pointed out that among other things, we have a Police presence downtown, and an enforcement of parking codes. Snow removal was a big topic, and it was pointed out that only so much has been allocated for snow removal, and it all comes from funding. Many businesses would like to do outdoor seating; however, many don’t have the space to do so.

Joe Karius, DIDA Vice-Chairman, said that a lot has been done and there wasn’t a need to go through the whole list. George Goerig, DIDA Chairman, pointed out that “We are trying to get invited to apply for the grant.”

$650,000 is the amount Scott Erickson said they have to work with, reminding everyone they will have to see what is possible.

Street lighting, from Hurley to Ironwood, was discussed, as well as the Pocket Park, and leaving out the library and theatre at this time, and scaling back on public art, or eliminating it, were some other topics covered in the workshop. The meeting was called to a close by City Manager Erickson, who thanked everyone for their time, and coming to the meeting and respecting everyone’s opinion.

D.I.D.A. MEETING FOLLOWING WORKSHOP

The D.I.D.A. (Downtown Ironwood development Authority) meeting was called to order by George Goerig, Chairman. Roll call included Bob Burchell, mayor; Joe Karius, DIDA Vice-Chairman; Jane Bowman, George Goerig, chairman; Eva Smith-Furgason, Gail Johnston, Bill Penrose, Rick Tippett, and Gemma Gorilla Lamb.

A motion was passed to approve the October 22, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes and Special Meeting Minutes of November 12, 2009.

Approval of the docket was passed.

Citizens wishing to address the Authority on Agenda Items (3 minute limit), was opened up, whereupon the Authority heard from citizen Lily Palmer.

The next order of business was the Downtown Brochure . The action was to review and consider action on bid estimates for printing of the brochure. Eva Smith-Furgason presented a revised brochure for everyone present to examine. She said that the blue print plan calls for the DIDA publishing a glossy lure brochure, rather than promoting individual businesses, touting downtown as a unique historic and wholesome destination, and should be in high quality in all respects. Eva said the blueprint stated the brochures should be distributed area wide to welcome centers in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They should also be distributed to gas stations, lodging, and other locations that regional visitors and residents frequent. It was suggested to Eva that they should also go at the bridge when you are entering the U.P. At minimum, according to the blueprint plan, it should also be placed at GCC, the transportation center, housing the blue bus, the depot, they said Pocket Park; however, there is no place to put them, Ironwood Theatre, library, post office, Memorial Building, Civic Center, Convention/Visitor’s Bureau, fairgrounds office, businesses along US 2, including eight gas stations and approximately twelve hotels, the courthouse, gathering places in Hurley, Bessemer, and Wakefield, airports in Duluth, Wausau, Rhinelander, which could be easily done by handing them to the employees at our regional airport, and having them drop them off, and gathering places in Ashland. Eva’s estimate for the needed brochures is 5,000. A motion was made by Bob Burchell to approve the brochure as presented, and was seconded by Eva.

Bob expressed an interest about having pictures in the brochures with people in them, but said none could be found, and that right now is a not a good time of the year for pictures. Eva stated that the map on the back could be a lot better quality, and will. Bill Penrose said the downtown map could be bigger. George proposed to vote on it as is, and Bob proposed an amendment to make an expanded version of the downtown map, and to allow pictured to be added, if provided.

Eva stated that everything that is being pointed out on the map is historic, except Hiawatha. She stressed that this is the first brochure, focusing on what Ironwood actually owns. There is enough information to lead people to find more information.

A vote was called to approve the brochure as presented, with an expanded version of the map, and adding pictures if provided. The vote passed with 1 no vote by George Goerig.

A bid to approve printing of the brochure was passed with further discussion from Joe Karius, who said he’d like to reiterate that this decision is premature, saying there is no urgency in it.

The motion to approve Iron County Miner as printer of the brochures at the rate of 5,000 brochures for $390.00 was passed with 2 no votes and 7 yes votes.

Item number 7, consider resolution to approve $240.00 for snow removal around pocket park was passed unanimously.

Audience member Lily Palmer spoke up when it came to the consideration to submit the Community Development Block Grant for Downtown Enhancements. Lily said she knows there has been a lot of energy and cost associated with getting the blueprint plan in place, and she appreciates that, she said. She thanked the group for their efforts to work together to find the best solutions. She also encouraged the group to take some real action on the depot park, which shows what is unique about Ironwood. Lily said what we have here is our unique history and heritage, and Ironwood is here because of the iron mines. She went on to say the depot also encompasses our historical society. She said she hopes to see more interest in the historical society, to get more people interested in that, as it would certainly be a shame to lose that local knowledge and some of the people who have that local knowledge. Lily also said that any efforts vested in that area of our community would pay off in the long run.

Item number 8 was brought up: Consider approval to submit the Community Block Grant for Downtown Enhancements. George explained to William Penrose that the motion was to rescind previous motion. The motion to rescind the previous motion from October 22nd, 2009, was passed with 4 yes votes, and 3 no votes, taken by roll call vote by Jane Bowman. Upon further inspection, it was decided that there were not enough votes either way; therefore, motion failed. Joe Karius said he and others have been working very hard, since a year and a half ago. He said a lot of time was put into this.

Bob Burchell expressed that this might be a good time to amend the motion to acquisition the railroad grade. Rick Tippett said the railroads are very difficult to deal with, and things move slowly. It was stated that railroad could give an agreement anytime, which would be favorable with the state. Scott Erickson said all action has been very preliminary in regards to the railroad. Bill Penrose asked if someone could talk to the railroad, and find out whatever they can in regards to acquisition. Mr. Erickson said yes, someone could.

Mr. Erickson said the Commission will meet December 14, 2009, to discuss these issues, and they could either approve the grant as is, or with amendments, or return it for more changes.

Bob Burchell, the Mayor, gave an update on the SISU Ski Fest. He said the fest currently had 135 people signed up, and they were hoping to have 300 sign up before the event. He said they are still in need of volunteers, for shoveling snow and other activities. Volunteers who are bringing in snow with trucks or loaders, include Mukavitz Heating, Gary Kuklinski at Cloverland Motors, Mark Ruppe at Globe Industries, Jake Dawsic-donated loader, and Emmrich’s donated loader. Mayor Burchell said the streets will be snowed in from Lahti’s to the Ironwood Carnegie Library.

A motion was passed to accept and place on file Louise Demasi’s resignation, with Scott Erickson saying the board will do a thank you letter thanking her for her contributions.

Citizens wishing to address the Authority on items not on the agenda (3 minute limit), was opened up, answered by Mr. Steve Frank, who addressed the Authority. I have posted his speech to the Authority here:

From the Blueprint:

Must be committed to and implemented in its entirety – for maximum possible success to occur.

Commit to and focus on doing what is in the best interest of Downtown AS A WHOLE – rather than allowing turf, egos, and the issues of the past to be used as the basis for decision-making.

The DIDA members should hold themselves – and each other – accountable for fulfilling those implementation responsibilities.

Any current DIDA member who is unable to commit to the community’s Downtown vision and the Blueprint recommendations – or to assuming personal responsibility for their implementation – should voluntarily resign from the board.

November 6th Globe editorial:

Adding to the degree of difficulty of serving on the commission is the history in recent years of ongoing, often harsh criticism of the mayor and the commission from special interest groups.

In theory and practice, there's nothing wrong with private citizens offering their views to the commission. For the most part, that's a good thing. However, there have been too many instances of personal attacks and unwarranted accusations aimed at commissioners and other city officials.

The incoming mayor and new commission should be afforded the time and the opportunity to do their important work, without having to weather unwarranted pressure and intimidation.

The city has a chance for a new start to deal effectively and positively with truly difficult issues in truly difficult times.

And yet the Globe runs a front page article on Nov. 24th with the headline,

Toth criticizes city recognition of site.

Did Toth lash out at a local business? Yes. Is it newsworthy? Perhaps. But the Globe has chosen not to report many issues that have been brought up at meetings. Specifically any suggestions or concerns mentioned by Mr. Albert or myself. Unless, of course, they find a way to twist our words, in an attempt to portray us in a negative light. In fact there was no mention of the Chronicle in their coverage of the Nov. 9th meeting. The Globe chose not only to publish one disgruntled individual’s rant but to devote an entire article to it.

Do any of you sitting here today have the ability to stop Mr. Karius in his campaign to discredit Mr. Albert? No. That will be up to a judge or jury. But all of you do have not only the ability, but also the responsibility, to remove Mr. Karius from the DIDA. He has repeatedly demonstrated his inability to separate his personal feelings from his duties as a DIDA member. Removing him is not only the ethical course of action but also an important step toward the successful implementation of the Blueprint plan and the future success of Downtown Ironwood.

Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mr. Frank was thanked for his comments, and the meeting was opened up for other business.

George Goerig requested that at the next meeting a motion be made to take and consider action to remove Eva Smith-Furgason from the Authority for insubordination.

Eva Smith-Furgason requested that the Commission be present at the next DIDA meeting to properly assess Mr. Goerig’s request that she be removed from the board for insubordination, to which Mr. Goerig accused her of insubordination. A motion to adjourn was made and was seconded.

The meeting was adjourned.