IP&RC Holds Very Brief Meeting Monday

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - The Ironwood Parks and Recreation Committee held its regular monthly meeting in the Women's Club Room at the Ironwood Memorial Building last night. Sam Davey, acting chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Members in attendance included: Sam Davey; Marion True; John Wyssling; Annette Burchell; Laura Thomas; and new member Marcy Kusz. Also present at last night's meeting was Dan Petersen, the City of Ironwood's Community Development Director; Steve Frank and Lily Palmer, members of the Trail Plan Subcommittee; and local businessman, Jerry Pisani. Representing the press at last night's meeting were Arvo Toolanen and Lou Bonagura, IronwoodInfo.com; and yours truly.

TRAIL PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT

The first order of business at last night's meeting was to receive an update from the Trail Plan Subcommittee. Acting Chairman Sam Davey asked who was going to give the report.

"Who's taking it?" Davey asked, "Who knows the most?"

New IP&RC member Marcy Kusz quickly nominated Lily Palmer to give the presentation.

"Thanks for putting me on the spot," Palmer said with a smile.

According to Palmer the Subcommittee has gathered two or three times since the last regular meeting of the IP&RC. She explained that the Subcommittee split into several groups, each with specific tasks. One of the groups was appointed the task of identifying and plotting the various existing trails throughout the City. The ultimate goal of that group is to develop a quality "working map" of the City's trail system.

Palmer said the Subcommittee was also focusing on the area's history; mining heritage; etc., doing research that would be helpful in incorporating those features into the trail system. She explained that the trails could be used as a cultural, educational tool in the future.

She went on to reveal that the Subcommittee has also worked out a "time-frame" schedule to show how they would like the proceed with the trail system development. Specific dates are listed on that schedule that would allow for the City to plan for public and Commission workshops and to formally present the trail plan via public hearings.

Palmer told the IP&RC that the Subcommittee would like to get a "blanket" approval from the Committee and the City Commission that would allow for the usage of the City-owned land for future trails as they will appear in the soon to be released trail system map.

Sam Davey added to Palmer's presentation by stating that the IP&RC will be seeking grant money from any and all available sources based on the trails historical significance. He said he would like to see the Norrie Park CC Camps added to the trail plan.

Dan Petersen asked what kind of time frame was established for completing the trail plan. Sam Davey told Petersen that current plans call for a February start date. At that time, Davey pointed out, the presentations to the City Commission; the workshops; and the public hearings would be initiated. Annette Burchell suggested that the process would officially begin with the next meeting of the IP&RC where everything would be finalized.

Palmer told the IP&RC that an "All Boards" workshop has been scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM.  This meeting would allow the City Commission; the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA); the Ironwood Planning Commission (IPC); and the IP&RC to be brought up to speed on the proposed trail plan.

A public workshop is tentatively planned for Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 6:00 PM, to allow for public input. She said changes would be made to the trail plan based on the feedback the Committee receives from the workshop. She said that the City Commission would then have to review the revised plan and then schedule a public hearing.

BYLAWS FOR THE IP&RC

Sam Davey announced to the rest of the IP&RC that it appears there has never been a set of bylaws or a mission statement established by the Committee.

Dan Petersen told the Committee that he did an extensive search, and was unable to find any evidence of the existence of IP&RC bylaws, parks plan or any enabling legislation. He said he found evidence that the Committee was established in 1988, but he was not able to find any documents that gave the Committee any kind of direction or goal. Petersen told the Committee that he feels it is necessary to formally adopt a mission statement; a complete set of bylaws and enabling legislation that will defind the IP&RC. He pointed out that the group is now more active than at any other time, and he told the IP&RC that formally adopting these things should be considered.

Petersen told the Committee that he would put together a draft set of bylaws and present it to the IP&RC members for approval. He explained that the City Commission would have to approve the IP&RC's bylaws as well.

Sam Davey then asked, "Does anyone have any new business, since there is none on our list?" He continued with a smile, "This is really a pathetic meeting!"

Marcy Kusz, the newest member of the IP&RC spoke up. Before she could continue with her thought, Davey interrupted by introducing and welcoming her as the Committee's newest member. Kusz continued by suggesting that the City consider establishing and maintaining municipal volleyball courts. She pointed out that the only courts available in town were owned by local taverns. In fact, she said, the only one she could think of was Don & GG's. She said she believed that City-owned courts would get a lot of use, and they could be used to establish leagues and tournaments to draw people to the area.

She pointed out that there are four courts near the Carey softball field on Highway 77. She said that those courts are always being used, and she thought that Ironwood could replicate what is being done there.

Laura Thomas suggested a possible location downtown -- on the old railroad grade behind Coleman Engineering and along the old "warehouse district" on Ayer Street. She said the area should be better utilized to draw people to the Ironwood area. She envisions flee markets and other events being established in the area. The Committee agreed.

Marion True asked what the future plans were for the tennis courts near the City Little League field. Davey explained that the City wanted to eventually build a second field there. He also asked if there were any plans to establish a bike path between Hurley, Ironwood, Bessemer, and Wakefield. He was told that such a trail was proposed, however surfacing costs could be prohibitive. Dan Petersen brought to the IP&RC members' attention a letter from Charles Supercynski relating to the possibility of creating a "Heritage Trail."

Before last night's meeting was adjourned, Dan Petersen updated the Committee on grant proposals for the skatepark, Longyear Park, and the tennis courts. The MDNR rejected the application for a grants for the tennis courts and for Longyear Park, but the skatepark grant is still a possibility. John Wyssling urged Petersen to make certain that the park gets opened. He said it has been a process that has taken way too long.