Commission Okays Coleman Engineering Contract

IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, May 27. 2009 - Yesterday's Regular City Commission meeting was preceded by a Public Hearing to hear comment on the proposed amendments to the City of Ironwood's Economic Development Fund Reuse Plan. The proposed plan would allow the Ironwood Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to grant money to governmental and non-profit agencies engaged in economic development activities. This plan has been discussed at the last two IEDC meetings, so has the possibility of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) shifting the control of Revolving Loan Fund monies to regional entities rather than municipalities.

After City Manager Scott Erickson gave a brief overview of the proposed changes to the proposed changes to the plan, Mayor Bruce Noren and other Commissioners confessed that they hadn't had an opportunity to review the old plan and compare it to the newly proposed one. The Commission unanimously voted to table any decision on the plan. They asked Erickson to make it once again available for public review in the City Clerk's office (and at the suggestion of this reporter, post the proposed changes on the City website). They Commission will then hold another Public Hearing in two weeks to make a decision on the plan.

Following the public hearing, Mayor Bruce Noren called the regular City Commission meeting to order. The crowd in attendance stood up and bowed their heads for the Opening Prayer and then placed their hands on their hearts as they recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

City Clerk Karen Gullan called roll. All City Commissioners were present: Bob Burchell; Tom Laabs; Bruce Noren; Gemma Lamb; and Suzanne Toth. City Staff present at the meeting included: City Clerk Karen Gullan; City Manager Scott Erickson; City Attorney A. Dennis Cossi; Financial Director Julie Frederickson; Utilities Manager Bob Tervonen; City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt; and Ironwood Public Safety Director Bob Erspamer. In the audience were several representatives of the Gogebic Range Trail Authority; several IPSD officers and City workers; two recent L.L. Wright High School Graduates;  DIDA Director and Civic Center Board Member George Goerig; Civic Center Board Member John Kasieta; and several representatives from Coleman Engineering Company. Representing the press was Daily Globe photo-journalist Ralph Ansami and for the Chronicle, yours truly.

CONSENT AGENDA

The first real order of business for the Commission was to approve the Consent Agenda. By unanimously approving the Consent Agenda, the Commission took action on the following mundane and/0r routine matters:

1. They approved the May 11th Regular City Commission Meeting Minutes.
2. They review and placed on file the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority (DIDA) Meeting Minutes of April 23rd.
3. They scheduled a Budget Public Hearing for June 8, 2009 at 5:15 PM to hear comment relative to the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Proposed Budget, Schedule of Rates for City Services and Property Tax Millage Rate levied to support the proposed Budget.

STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENDITURES & MONTHLY CASH REPORTS

After unanimously approving the Consent Agenda the Commission received and placed on file from Financial Director Julie Frederickson the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures and the Monthly Cash Reports. Frederickson stated there was nothing outstanding or out of the ordinary to report. She stated that upcoming projects will greatly affect future reports once they are posted. None of the Commissioners had any questions for Frederickson and they unanimously voted to receive and place the financial documents on file.

CITY COMMISSION SCHOLARSHIPS

The City Commission then presented Ironwood City Commission Scholarships to two recent L.L. Wright High School graduates -- Kari Strand and Elizabeth Perkis. With the Mayor's urging, each of the girls gave a brief thank-you speech to the Commission. Noren told the girls they had were welcome to sit in on the rest of the meeting or if they chose, they could leave. Demonstrating the intelligence that made them eligible for the scholarships, they both left the meeting as soon as humanly possible.

As the ladies left the Commission Chambers, Mayor Noren commented with a smile, "They are smart young ladies!"

The Scholarship program was established two years ago by the Ironwood City Commission and they are funded entirely through the generosity of the City Commissioners. Each have donated stipend funds to the scholarship fund.

ZONING ORDINANCE

The Commission briefly discussed the newly drafted Zoning Ordinance. Each of the Commissioners had previously gone over the document with a fine tooth comb, so no discussion was needed to vote on the issue.  The Commission unanimously voted to the repeal of the existing Zoning Ordinances, and replace them with an entirely rewritten version of the Code.

ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR JESSIEVILLE PROJECT

The next item for the Commission to consider was the approval of an engineering service agreement with Coleman Engineering for Phase II and III of the Jessieville/Norrie Water & Sewer Stimulus Projects. Scott Erickson explained that Phase II and III of the project wasn't originally to be considered, however, due to fact that the City received Stimulus funds for the project, it was now necessary to secure an engineering company to begin implementation of the other project phases. There are basically two reasons why the City Manager did not recommend seeking bids for these two phases of the project: (1) Coleman Engineering was hired to do Phase I and is extremely familiar with the project, which will eliminate unnecessary delays; and (2) Coleman Engineering was an instrumental factor in receiving the Stimulus Package to complete the project.

John Gaske briefly addressed the Commission and explaining that Scott did a good job outlining the Company's role in Jessieville. He stressed the fact that timing was very important with the project. Tom Laabs asked if Coleman's 15% and 16% fees were "fast track" or standard and he questioned how they ranked nationally. Garske responded that the fees are USDA standard. In fact, it was pointed out that a chart showing standard fees was included with the proposal. According to the chart, Coleman's fees were "middle to low" when compared to national standards. Garske jokingly said, "So if you could add a couple bucks here..."

With a grin, Laabs responded with, "Is that what you need?"

Laabs also asked if the contract was based on an hourly rate with a "not-to-exceed" clause. He was told by City Manager Erickson that it was.

Bruce Noren explained to those in attendance that certain things needed to be done in order to secure the Stimulus funds. He said that Coleman Engineering was extremely helpful in that process, and he suggested that it was only right that, "you dance with the lady your brought to the ball."

Gemma Lamb made a motion to approve the Coleman contract. Bob Burchell seconded Lamb's motion and the Commission voted unanimously to approve the contract.

SPECIAL EVENT WATER USE 

Scott Erickson briefed the Commission on the Gogebic County Fair, and their need for water. He reviewed the ordinance that was created for special events water rates. The Commission, without discussion, and only a brief comment by Noren regarding reduced fair funding, unanimously granted the request for a "Special Event" water rate to the Gogebic County Fair for August 20-23, 2009.

ATV USE ON TRAIL NUMBER 2

After members of the Gogebic Range Trail Authority briefly explained their desire to open up Trail Number 2 to ATV use (Existing snowmobile trail adjacent to US 2), Mayor Bruce Noren and other Commissioners expressed concerns regarding dust generated on the trails. Gordy Koski and Brad Newberry explained that they met with the DNR and they said that a special liquid polyurethane coating can be layered over the trail that would greatly reduce the dust.

After much consideration, the Commission voted to table the issue until the Trail Authority was able to test the coating in a special test area. If the results show positive improvement then the Commission can re-examine the issue at a later date.

Louise Demasi stated that Skip Lombardo's house on Ayer Street gets covered with red ore dust daily because of the ATV's using the trail.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Several issues should be considered regarding the use of ATV's on these trails. First of all, it might be a good idea to lay down a bed of used, ground up, asphalt from nearby road projects on areas of the trail that would be greatly affected by dust. Old asphalt is commonly used for such purposes, and it can be compressed so that it becomes quite stable. Secondly, it must be remembered that most coatings used for dust control will only be effective if they are properly and routinely applied. The City needs to set strict guidelines for the Authority to follow to insure that dust is not an issue in residential areas. And finally, just as lakes often have "no-wake zones" in swimming areas and channels, the trails could have strict speed-limits in residential areas. ATV's generate a great deal of dust when they travel at a high rate of speed. Forcing ATV users to "slow to a crawl" in residential areas only makes sense. Not only will it reduce dust, but it will also address many safety issues in those areas.

NEW SALT STORAGE BUILDING

For several years the City has been planning to build a new salt storage building. The current salt storage facility is in very bad shape and in a very poor location. At one time, when the City Garage was located on Lake Street, it made sense to have the salt storage building in that area. Now it makes much more sense to relocate the building. The City has been putting aside funds in the budget to build a new salt storage building. At last night's meeting the City was asked to consider a  resolution approving contract with the MDOT for the construction of a new salt storage building and authorizing Scott Erickson, City Manager; Bruce Noren, Mayor; and City Clerk Karen Gullan to sign the contract. The Commission, without discussion voted unanimously to approved the contract.

REPAIRING SNOW DAMAGE TO THE CIVIC CENTER

George Goerig addressed the Commission and urged them to discuss and consider authorizing advertisement for bids to repair snow damage to the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center building. He explained that the insurance company was sent photos of the damage and that a claim has been filed. He said the damages exceed the $5,000 limit necessary for City Manager Scott Erickson to give his approval, so he asked the Commission to give permission to advertise for bids on the damage. The Commission unanimously agreed to allow the advertisement to take place.

STATE TRUNKLINE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

The City Commission was then asked to consider a resolution approving the State Trunkline Maintenance Contract for the period of October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2014 and authorizing Scott Erickson, Bruce Noren, and Karen Gullan to sign the contract. The Commission unanimously approved.

INFRASTRUCTURE CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT (ICE) GRANT PROGRAM

Consider a resolution authorizing submission of Notice of Intent to the MEDC for Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement (ICE) Component of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. After Scott Erickson explained how the program could benefit the City, the Commission unanimously approved the resolution to send out the Notice of Intent. Erickson noted that the City previously received grant money through this program. Street repairs near the high school and North of US2 on Curry Street were done using similar funds. The streets being recommended for this phase of the project include Francis; Coolidge; and Hardy Streets between Lowell and Greenbush. The scope of the grant is $1.66 million with matching funds coming from City water utilities funds.

MANAGER'S REPORT

Scott Erickson discussed the following issues in his report:

• IPSD Bicycle Safety Program - Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Local police with assistance of several local businesses and organizations host this special program at the IPSD building.
• Ironwood Chamber of Commerce City-Wide Rummage Sale - Saturday June 6, 2009
• City Employee Tom Asunto who has been with the City for 20 years will be retiring on May 29th. Erickson said the City would like to thank him for all of his years of service to the community, and wish him well in his retirement.

CITIZENS COMMENTS

When Citizens were given the chance to address the Commission, Former Commissioner John Kasieta brought up two issues: (1) limits on the number of animals (primarily dogs and cats) a person should be allowed to keep within the City limits; and (2) the addition of another recycle station. Kasieta was the person responsible for intiating the recycle stations and it has proven to be an effective program for the City. Bob Erspamer told Kasieta that the IPSD will be stepping up enforcement of animal control. He said that certain situations within the City have gotten out of control.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

Following the Manager's Report and Citizens Comments, the City Commission went  into closed session to discuss the status of contract negotiations with the AFSCME, Local 1538 and the Ironwood Professional Police Association Unions.

When they returned to open session, they unanimously ratified the Ironwood Professional Police Associations contracts. AFSCME, Local 1538 workers are hopeful that their contracts will be similarly ratified soon.