DIDA Struggles to Implement Blueprint Program
IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, July 23, 2009 - This morning the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) held their regular monthly meeting in the Women's Club Room, on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 AM by DIDA Chairman George Goerig. DIDA Secretary Jane Bowman recorded the roll. Authority Members present for this morning's meeting included: Chairman Goerig (Owner of DLG Services), newly re-appointed Vice-Chairman Joe Karius (Publisher and General Manager of the Daily Globe); Eva-Smith Furgason (Manager of Northwind Natural Foods Co-op); newly appointed Gail Johnston (Co-Owner of Gogebic Area Thrift & Copper Grounds Coffee); Louise Demasi (Owner Pizza King Joe's); Mayor Bruce Noren; and Cory Gresham (Citizen at Large). Also in attendance at this morning's meeting were Community Development Director Dan Peterson; Chamber of Commerce President Trish Massi; Ironwood businesswomen, Nancy Gotta and Mary Wait; City Manager Scott Erickson; citizen Lily Palmer; and at the request of the City Manager, IPSD Officer Brandon Snyder. Representing the press at this morning's meeting were Kelsi Stoltenow, newly hired reporter for the Daily Globe and yours truly.
Bowman reported that member Steve Frank was absent from the meeting and the DIDA currently has one vacancy. At the last meeting, Frank announced that he would not be present at today's meeting, and he resigned his position on the DIDA at last Monday's City Commission meeting. In the past three weeks, three DIDA members left the Authority. Jackie Powers opted not to re-apply after her term expired. Wayne Ozark and Steve Frank both resigned out of frustration.
In a recent Superior Chronicle Letter to the Editor Ozark explained his reasons for resigning:
I have recently resigned from the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA). I would like to state that I have nothing but respect for the others on the Board. My problem exists with the City of Ironwood.
As a member of the DIDA I was part of a team that is supposed to promote and support the Downtown area and its businesses. How can I support a city who is trying to put me and others out of business? Property tax, water rates, Hovey. The city was happy when the Board made heavy decisions like flower baskets and Xmas decorations.
As time progressed and we started addressing issues, it seemed our Mayor showed up less and the Community Development director also. It took three meetings to get a blight concern taken care of! It seemed the City was "uncomfortable" approaching this individual while others got letters without delay! I am SICK of the "GOOD OLE BOY" system in this town! These people want window dressing not real reform! You can whitewash a tomb, but all that is inside is DECAY!
At last Monday's City Commission meeting, Steve Frank announced that he, too, wished to resign from the Authority. Prior to making the announcement, he pointed out to the Commission what really happened at the special DIDA & City Commission Sharon's Demolition meetings. Here is a verbatim transcript of his address to the City Commission:
First, I want to clear the air and accurately relate what happened after the last meeting.
Tom Laabs approached Jim Albert and myself and said, "It won't cost the city a god-damned thing!"
To which I replied, "Would you like to listen to our reasoning?"
"Listen to you? I listen to you too much allready. Keep pushing me. Keep pushing me and see what it gets you. I'm sick of you. All you ever do is whine. The two of you have never done anything for Ironwood."
He then walked away.
AFTER he was gone I returned to the room and said, "This town is a joke. Things have to change. And George you're not the damned dictator of the DIDA."
The Globe reported that I swore and yelled at Tom Laabs. Hmmm. Tom Laabs wasn't even there. And as far as "damned dictator," well, you'll hear "damned" in church and I stand by "dictator." The Globe also reported that George Goerig was justified in his actions because the law states that the public is allowed to comment based on rules set by the organization. The agenda clearly shows that public comment occurs before other agenda items. Mr. Albert indicated that he wished to comment on that item (the only actionable item on the agenda) and Mr. Goerig acknowledged that he could speak when that item was discussed. Mr. Goerig then arbitrarily refused to allow comment until after the vote was taken. His only explanation: "I'm running this meeting." Sounds like a dictator to me. This coming from the same chairperson who has admitted that in the two months since receiving the Blueprint Plan, he has "skimmed" it.
I said "the Globe reported". That's all I can say because the libelous coverage of the meeting and the two previous meetings had no by-line attached. Oddly, no reporter from the Globe was at any of those meetings. I can only assume that Joe Karius, vice-chairman of the DIDA and General Manager of the Globe wrote them. A conflict of interest? Not in Ironwood.
In Ironwood we operate by different rules.
City commissioners promise land deals to people despite the vote of the Planning Commission and majority of the City Commission. These same commissioners attempt to blackmail groups of concerned citizens who only want to make Ironwood better.
This is from a report of a meeting that was closed to the public.
As we were wrapping up, Scott asked about developing three acres on the southeast corner of Bonnie and Ayer. “This is important for some City Commissioners.” ... Scott implied that without the City receiving our blessings to sell at least those three acres, they will not approve any of this for anyone, AND they may decide to sell more of the land along Ayer Street.
DIDA meetings end in one hour. It doesn't matter what needs to be addressed and a majority maintains that we are powerless to do anything. I haven't been in that majority. I've maintained that we could accomplish a lot if only we had the desire. But that's the problem. We don't have the desire. Nor do we have the ability, intelligence -- whatever you want to call it. Hiawatha, that gay icon of Ironwood (yes he's gay, he recently came out of the closet, according to the graffiti on his base) looks out on an ore car that after more than two years still has "FU Bitch" spray-painted on the side.
And today I saw pictures of 632 McLeod. I understand that there's a "process" involved. When your house is on fire, there's a process involved in putting it out. If months later it was still burning you'd come to the conclusion that the process doesn't work. This house is across the street from the Curry House one of the historic sites I intended to list on the brochure I've been designing as part of the Blueprint Plan. I don't think so. The tires are still in the lot across from this historic building that would also have been in the brochure.
I was originally going to say that I don't care anymore. But unfortunately for me I do care. I also give up. I'm tired of wasting my time, my energy, and my health on a lost cause. Effective immediately I resign from the DIDA and in so doing become the third person in as many weeks to do so. I'd wish you luck, but Ironwood never needed luck. It needed a few dedicated people who truly wanted to make a difference. You had them. You drove them away.
The first order of business for the DIDA this morning was to administer the oath of office for Joe Karius and Gail Johnston. Jane Bowman administered the oath and both members were sworn in.
The second order of business for the Authority was to accept the resignation of Steve Frank to the authority. Chairman Goerig handed out copies of the City Commission minutes showing where Frank had resigned. Louise Demasi made a motion to accept Frank's resignation and Joe Karius seconded her motion. The DIDA voted unanimously to accept Mr. Frank's resignation.
Following the vote on Frank's resignation, the Authority voted to approve the minutes from the last regular DIDA meeting and the special "Sharon's Place" meeting.
After the minutes were approved, the DIDA unanimously voted to approve the amended docket. Under "Other Business" Chairman Goerig added an item to discuss and consider the possibility of holding a downtown "Farmers Market."
When Chairman Goerig asked if there were any citizens wishing to address the Authority on agenda items, this reporter explained that the Women's Club Room was not an acceptable venue to be holding public meetings. I am hearing impaired. The echo in the room is so bad that it is nearly impossible to hear what is going on. I am partially reliant on lipreading, but the blinding direct sunlight from the second floor windows often make that option nearly impossible. Ms. Gotta was scheduled to give a presentation on the history of Hiawatha and her slide projector's fan motor made it even more difficult to hear.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as described on the ADA website:
A common problem is that many city governments often fail to provide qualified interpreters or assistive listening devices for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at public events or meetings.
Many times, individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing are unable to participate in government-sponsored events or public meetings and unable to benefit from city programs and services when they are not provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services.
According to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), city governments are required to ensure that communications with individuals with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. Thus, city governments must provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services for people with disabilities (e.g., qualified interpreters, notetakers, computer-aided transcription services, assistive listening systems, written materials, audio recordings, computer disks, large print, and Brailled materials) to ensure that individuals with disabilities will be able to participate in the range of city services and programs. City governments must give primary consideration to the type of auxiliary aid or service that an individual with a disability requests.
A sign language interpreter at a public meeting may be needed to provide effective communication for people who are deaf.
The type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication will vary in accordance with the length and complexity of the communication involved and the needs of the individual. For example, sign language interpreters are not required for all interactions with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Employees can often communicate effectively with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through standard written materials and exchange of written notes. For simple transactions like paying bills or filing applications, these methods may be sufficient. For more complex or extensive communications, however, such as court hearings, public meetings, and interrogation by police officers, interpreters or assistive listening systems are likely to be necessary.
I then asked to speak on the following agenda items: (3) the swearing in of Joe Karius to the DIDA; (4) the resignation of Steve Frank; (8) the Hiawatha presentation; (9) the Blueprint Plan update; and (11)
Since items (3) and (4) had already taken place, the Chairman allowed this reporter to comment on these items. I pointed out to the Authority that DIDA Vice-Chairman Joe Karius' appointment was a gross violation of the City Charter and that it exhibited an extreme "conflict of interest." I explained that Karius' objectivity in reporting City meetings, etc. is tainted because the Globe receives advertising revenues from the City of Ironwood amounting to over $10,000 annually. I also stated that it is an extremely inappropriate for a sitting member of any City board to act as a reporter for his own meeting.
As far as Steve Frank's resignation goes, this reporter explained to the Authority that in less than three weeks, three quality people quit the DIDA due to poor leadership and the basic dysfunction of the Authority.
Before Ms. Gotta was about to give her presentation on Hiawatha, this reporter asked why the DIDA would give an audience on Hiawatha when they refused to allow Ken Hazel from the Friends of the Miners Memorial Heritage Park to give a presentation on the MMHP. Louise Demasi explained that Hiawatha was mentioned in the Blueprint Plan, and it was suggested that the City consider moving the statue from it's present location.
Ms. Gotta further explained that people are forever bringing up relocating the statue, and she wanted to spread light on what went into the creation and installation of the "World's Tallest Indian." She went on to give a very informative, entertaining presentation & slideshow demonstrating the community-wide effort that made Hiawatha possible. Following the meeting, I asked Ms. Gotta to share her slideshow with the Chronicle, and she has agreed to allow us to post a photo history of the Hiawatha project. As soon as we receive the photos, we will post them for our readers to examine. It's a fastinating story and I encourage people to check it out once it is available.
Following her presentation, Joe Karius, who served on the 40th Anniversary Committee for Hiawatha, told Ms. Gotta that he believes the current DIDA board is not interested in relocating the statue. He went on to say that her slideshow clearly demonstrates what a huge undertaking it would be to relocate the landmark, and he pointed out that the fiberglass structure would, more than likely, be damaged by any attempts to move it.
Ms. Gotta suggested that signage and other options be adopted to showcase the statue and allow it to once again become a tourist attraction for the City and the area. This reporter explained to the Authority what an impact Hiawatha once was to the Ironwood area. I mentioned how virtually everything Ironwood once featured Hiawatha and how well-known that statue once was.
Dan Petersen then gave an update on the Blueprint Plan. He explained that George Goerig and he had gone business-t0-business handing out invitations to local businesspeople to attend next Thursday's DIDA Blueprint Gathering at Tacconelli's. He explained that he told the people he talked to that he welcomed their involvement in the Blueprint plan, and he said he would hand out CD ROM's that highlighted available City services at the meeting.
When this reporter was given an opportunity to speak on the Blueprint plan, I expressed my concern that the DIDA and the City Commission are spending $15,000 to tear down a downtown building the City doesn't even own. I was going to read a prepared statement at that time. Instead I have opted to present that statement as an Open Letter to the DIDA -- particularly to Chairmain George Goerig and Vice-Chairman Joe Karius. Here is my Open Letter:
Mr. Goerig, you said you merely “skimmed” the Blueprint Plan. Did you ever “skim” the U.S. Constitution by any chance? Perhaps you should actually read the “Bill of Rights” so that you understand and respect the laws of this land and the rights of others.
Mr. Karius, judging by your blind endorsement of the Hovey project, it’s obvious you have never read their “Market Survey” that claims Fred Gygi employs 65 people in Ironwood and the Country Kitchen has over 120 employees. Did you read the City Charter by any chance? Perhaps you should. Take a close look at the “Conflicts of Interest” section. The fact that you serve on a City board – accepting City money for advertising – while also report on meetings for this Authority is a major conflict. I’ve heard of multi-tasking, but how can you possibly give an unbiased, accurate report of these proceedings while serving as an active, effective member of this board?
In just three weeks, this Authority has lost three quality, active members – people who were willing to roll up their sleeves to make an effort to put the Blueprint Plan into action. These people quit because they got fed up. Their ideas were not valued and they felt they were wasting their time. “Investing” in the Sharon’s Place building – spending the DIDA’s entire fund balance plus an additional $10,000 from the City - $15,000 of local taxpayer’s hard earned money - to raze a building the City doesn’t even own is asinine.
The Blueprint Plan strongly recommends making a series of small changes – things that don’t require a big initial investment – as the first actions to be taken on the “Core” block. The idea is to put “window-dressing” on the block – showing improvement – that will “wow” funding agents such as MSHDA or the MEDC. Can you imagine how many cosmetic improvements could be made to our Downtown with the $15,000 this board and the City Commission foolishly wasted on the demolition of a building that, on the surface, doesn’t look much worse than other occupied buildings on the block?
Mr. Goerig, you believed at one time – based on the outward appearance of the building – that it was in good enough shape to be rehabilitated. Wouldn’t it make more sense to buy the building at auction ? If done correctly, the City could pay next to nothing for it. By purchasing the vacant building, the City would gain control it. Instead of tearing it down (for now) slap a coat of paint on it. Load the “core” block with flowers, banners, and benches. Snap a busload of pictures. Submit them to MSHDA. Once they see the City of Ironwood is serious about making changes in their Downtown, MSHDA and other funding agents will the provide money needed to put the Blueprint fully into action. Had you read the Blueprint Plan you would known that major spending for little or no significant improvement isn’t the approach HyettPalma recommended.
From the very beginning I have been against the Blueprint Plan. Not because I am opposed to the DIDA having a plan for improving the Downtown. I opposed the Blueprint Plan because I knew this dysfunctional Authority would never be able to put the plan into action. The slim majority is too narrow-minded, too uniformed, and too closed to accepting new ideas to be progressive. And God forbid, shame on anyone who dares to think in the City of Ironwood! Thinking and openly expressing ideas at City meetings only leads to venomous attacks in the word salad known to this community as the Daily Globe.
So, keep playing your games gentlemen – nobody will ever shut me up. I have my rights and I know them well, and nobody will take them away from me. Run your meetings Mr. Goering – play Hitler if you want, and Mr. Karius can continue to be your propaganda czar. But times have changed, gentlemen, these meetings are taped, and you will get caught up in your tricks and your lies.
Thank-you.
DIDA member Eva Smith-Furgason asked the Authority if there were any plans to structure a plan of attack for the Blueprint program. She explained that she has been extremely frustrated by the lack on organization the DIDA is demonstrating in the Blueprint's implementation. She said she was of the understanding that the City Commission was to oversee the Blueprint process. She asked if the Commission has offered any input into the project. She explained that the plan was received by the DIDA in May and it is now July -- with nothing being accomplished, other than wasting the DIDA's entire fund balance. She begged for accountability. She pointed out that the only person at today's meeting with a copy of the Blueprint plan was Dan Petersen. She said the DIDA has never sat down as a group and examined the plan to determine what it says and how it is to be implemented. She reminded the Authority that she has repeatedly requested that the board hold a special meeting to fully examine the plan and to decide what actions are best to take initially to make the plan effective.
Smith-Furgason pointed out that there is only a month left of the summer tourism season, and nothing has been done to improve the downtown.
Petersen explained that many of the changes will be evident as revenue resources are identified. The Blueprint plan, however, states that funding will be a result of low-cost, high impact, dramatic changes to the City's "Core" block (Aurora Street from Suffolk to Lowell). He also stated that establishing a connection with downtown businessess needs to be done in order to implement the plan.
Chairman Goerig, who appears to be making all of the key decisions regarding the implementation of the Blueprint plan, told Smith-Furgason that he'd be happy to sit down with her, one-on-one to explain what things have been done and are being done to put the plan into action. Smith-Furgason pointed out that his "control" regarding decisions is precisely the problem. Decisions, she contends, need to be made as a group -- not by any single individual of the group.
Smith-Furgason told Goerig that many people within the community have expressed concern that little, or nothing, has been done, and time is ticking.
Goerig responded to Eva's comments with, "Let's move on to Item 10, the Sisu Skifest."
Dan Petersen then gave a report on the progress made by the Skifest Committee. According to Petersen, there are still 41 entrants into the race. He explained that marketing has been minimal to date, but several big events are coming up that will give the Committee an opportunity to reach their "target" audience. He said the SISU website has been updated and he urged DIDA members to check it out.
He said he is working the Chicago Northwestern Railway trying to get easments on abandoned railroad right-of-ways for a portion of the race. Eva Smith-Furgason asked about sponsorships to the race and Petersen said he'd be glad to provide them to her. She suggested that the entire DIDA be given the information, suggesting that several local businesses may consider sponsoring the race if they had the necessary information.
Under "Staff Updates" this reporter wanted to let the DIDA know of a business that is opening in the Downtown -- Copper Grounds Coffee and of a business that has relocated out of the Downtown -- Anderson Detailing. I explained that Anderson Detailing has relocated back to his residence because he couldn't survive downtown. Lousie Demasi corrected me stating that the high cost of rent and overhead downtown is what forced Mr. Anderson to move back to his house. I explained that she merely substantiated my initial statement -- higher costs make it difficult to survive. This reporter failed to notify the DIDA that the clock shop on Aurora Street is relocating to Lake Street. I also failed to mention that two additional businesses have opened downtown -- a new beauty shop, Salon Metamorphose; and a new massage therapist, Body and Soul Massage Therapy, owned and operated by Helen Chrisanne Mullineux.
Dan Petersen explained to the Authority that the Chamber of Commerce will be making cut-backs. These changes of service were outlined at the most recent City Commission.
Petersen then turned the floor over to Mary Waits, allowing her to give a presentation on the Miner's Mural Project. Ms. Waits told the Authority that several articles have appeared in the Superior Chronicle regarding the murals, and that the next edition of the Superior Times would also feature an article she penned regarding the project. She reminded the Authority of how much murals could financially impact the community. She handed out brochures produced by the Friends of the Murals Committee and she told the DIDA members that donation jars have been distributed to local businesses. A copy of the brouchure will soon be available in .pdf format on the Chronicle.
Chairman Goerig allowed this reporter to address the DIDA on non-agenda items. I explained to the Authority that I fully agreed with Eva Smith-Furgason stating that if I were going to follow a plan, I would first sit down with the people I work with -- create a punch list of priorities, and then put the plan into action. I explained that the plan is not being followed, and that the DIDA as a group needs to sit down, analyse the plan, and divise a collective approach towards putting the plan into action.
Chairman Goerig then began to discuss his next "mini-pet project--" a Downtown Farmers' Market. When asked who decided to put this item on the agenda, Goerig suggested that it was originally Eva's idea. Eva explained that the idea was mentioned in the Blueprint Plan. She made it very clear that planning such an event this late in the season is impractical. She went on to say that Iron County has a wonderful Farmers Market in a structure protecting people and products from the elements. She said it would be foolish to try to compete with their Market since there is such a limited number of vendors in the area due to our short growing season. She said the Iron County market was held on Saturdays, and trying to compete with this long-established, well-run market, with a half-baked attempt is pointless.
Goerig handed out "sample" ads that the DIDA could buy from the Globe and North County Shopper. He asked Eva if she would like to head the operation of the Farmers Market. She said she would not, but she would be willing to contact local vendors. New DIDA member Gail Johnston said she would be willing to work to establish the market. Goerig suggested that the Depot would be the perfect place for the market to set up. Nancy Gotta suggested that a Wednesday market be established, incorporating music, dance and other entertainment. She said people would use local restaurants and shop downtown if the market was more of a social event.
Goerig attempted to have the DIDA commit to spending funds on print ads. Joe Karius suggested that the ads not be published until after the market is ready to open. The next DIDA meeting will be on the fourth week of August. That means that the earliest a Downtown Farmers Market can open would be the first part of September. Mary Waits, who was still observing the meeting, attempted to address the Authority, but the Chairman refused to allow her to speak.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: When so few people attend City meetings, ever effort should be made to allow them to be heard. Chairman Goerig is often rude to citizens when they ask to speak on agenda items. He attempts to run the DIDA meetings "with an Iron Fist" when he should be welcoming new ideas with "an open hand and an open mind." Sadly, Mr. Goerig's attempts at controlling the DIDA and the DIDA meetings have created a useless and ineffective body. Downtown Ironwood needs quality leadership if it is going to survive. Goerig fails miserably at providing the necessary leadership. Recently the Chronicle was informed that Mr. Goerig has taken out City Commission Candidate petitions. God help us all!
