Commission Designates SISU Trail Non-Motorized... For Now

IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, November 23, 2009 - The Ironwood City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, November 23, 2009, at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Ironwood Memorial Building, 213 South Marquette Street, Ironwood, Michigan.

The following Agenda items were addressed at the meeting:

ROUTINE BUSINESS

A.  Called to Order - The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bob Burchell at 5:30 PM followed by an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

B.  Recording of the Roll - City Clerk Karen Gullan recorded the roll. All of the Commissioners were present: Kim Corcoran; Gemma Lamb; Bob Burchell; William Lucius; and Rick Semo. City Staff present at the meeting included: City Clerk Karen Gullan; City Manager Scott Erickson; City Attorney Dennis Cossi; City Financial Director Julie Frederickson; Utilities Manager Bob Tervonen; City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt; and IPSD Officer Bob Erspamer. Representing the press at the meeting were Arvo Toolanen, IronwoodInfo.com; Ralph Ansami, the Daily Globe; and yours truly.

C. Approval of the Consent Agenda - Consent Agenda items are generally routine, mundane clerical procedures that require no discussion. Commissioners, Citizens and Staff have the right to have Consent Agenda Items moved to the Regular Agenda for discussion.

1. Approval of the Minutes - November 9, 2009 Regular City Commission Meeting.
2. Review and Place on File the (a) Pat O'Donnell Civic Center Meeting Minutes of September 23rd and October 28th; (b) the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority Meeting Minutes of October 22nd and November 12th; (c) the Ironwood Planning Commission Meeting Minutes for November 4th.
3. Declare a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe 4x4 V8 Engine, auto transmission, minimum bid $2,000 as surplus equipment and authorizing advertisement for the sale of surplus property.
4. Scheduling a public hearing for a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan & Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the property owned by the Kauppila Family Limited Partnership located at 460 West Cloverland Drive for Monday, December 14th at 5:15 PM.

Rick Semo asked the the minutes of the November 9th City Commission meeting be amended. According to the minutes, the Superior Chronicle was identified as the City's Official website. Semo requested that the minutes be changed to show that the Chronicle was designated as the City's Official Online Newspaper.

The Commission unanimously approved the Consent Agenda with the amended change to the November 9th minutes.

D.  Receive and Place on File from the Finance Director, Julie Frederickson the (1) Statement of Revenue and Expenditures, and the (2) Monthly Cash Reports - Finance Director Julie Fredrickson gave brief outline of the Statement of Revenue and Expenditures as well as the Monthly Cash Reports. She explained to the new members of the Commission the procedures and the reasons why some balances tend to be deceptive. She told the Commission that revenues for various line items come in from various sources and various times, leaving negative balances on the Balance Sheet.

The Commission unanimously voted to receive and place on file the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures and the Monthly Cash Reports.

E.  Approval of the Agenda - The Commission unanimously approved the agenda as presented.

F.  Citizens wishing to address the Commission on Items on the Agenda. (Three Minute Limit) - Several audience members expressed a desire to address the Commission on Item H.

OLD BUSINESS

G.  Discuss and consider approving opening Greenbush Street from Midland Avenue to Margaret Street and Superior Street from Midland Avenue north to the Ironwood Township boundary for season-long snowmobile use and establish a 25 MPH speed limit marked on that section of the route - Scott Erickson explained that the previous Commission had requested the Snowmobile Committee to re-examine the extension of designated trails on Greenbush Streets and Superior Streets to Margaret Street. There was some concern mentioned about the high traffic volume on Greenbush since it is a main entrance to Gogebic Community College.

Mr. Erickson told the Commission that the Snowmobile Committee met  and they came to the conclusion that extending the trails on these streets was a reasonable request considering it would open two-way traffic to and from the township trails. Erickson noted that there is a third trail into the township near Wal-Mart.

Commissioner Lucius asked if the access points were accessible on the township side. Sam Davey explained that most of the County roads are designated for snowmobile traffic. Davey suggested that most of the traffic on the trails will be local traffic. Davey suggested that designating the trail on a trial basis would be a wise decision. He said after the snowmobile season ends in the spring, the situation can be revisited.

Commissioner Lamb asked if there has been any input from neighbors or citizens in the area. Erickson said no comment has been received, however, there has not been a public hearing on the matter. Davey again suggested that the matter be approved on a temporary basis to see if there are any negative reactions.

Commissioner Lucius asked if the IPSD had any position on the matter. IPSD Director Bob Erspamer explained that he sits on the Snowmobile Committee and that his department had no problem with opening the two block area on both streets.

Commissioner Lamb asked for a clarification. She asked if the highlighted trails are the only city streets open to snowmobile traffic. She was told by both Davey and Erspamer that such was the case. She then asked if controlling the area was enforceable. Erspamer indicated that control would not be a major issue.

Mayor Burchell asked how enforcement would take place on Margaret Street. Erspamer pointed out that the northern half of the street is in the Township and the southern half is in the City limits.

Commissioner Lucius made a motion to approve the extension for a one-year probationary period. Commissioner Corcoran supported Lucius' motion. The Commission unanimously approved designating the two street extensions as legal snowmobile trails.

NEW BUSINESS

H.  Discuss and consider request from the Parks and Recreation Committee to designate the section of the SISU Race Trail located on City-owned property as a non-motorized trail - Sam Davey, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee introduced the request stating that the Parks and Recreation Committee wanted to close the new City-owned sections of the SISU Race Trail to motorized vehicle use. He suggested that ATV's would damage the trails and that would make more work for the organizers of the race.

George Goerig, member of the Gogebic Range Trail Authority,  told the Commission that a lot of effort and money is being put into the Caves area trails -- for both motorized and non-motorized travel. He said he isn't against either one, however, he suggested that the City is "putting the cart before the horse" by developing the trails before the area is properly cleaned up. He said the area is a dump with trash strewn all over the place. He said he'd be ashamed to have tourists see the area because it is over-run with litter and debris. Goerig suggested that cleaning up the area should be the City's first priority before any other use is proposed.

Kim Kolesar, secretary for the Gogebic Range Trail Authority, suggested that both groups (motorized and non-motorized) get together to discuss the long term use of the entire area prior to making any decision on any of the trails. She suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed to determine the best use for all parties involved for the entire "caves" area.

Chris Whitburn, marketing director for the Gogebic Range Trail Authority, suggested that both groups sit down and work out a system that would serve the needs of all parties involved. He told the Commission that funding is available for damages caused by ATV's and other ORV's. He urged the Commission to sit down with all interested groups before any decision is made on the property.

Mary Abramson,  member of the GRTA, suggested that any potential problems be discussed between the groups before any long-term decisions be made.

Megan Fuller told the Commission that it's not safe to have motorized and non-motorized traffic on the same trails.

Duane Duray told the Commission that he sided with Kim and Chris. He said he and his son both use the "caves" area frequently. He said both sides need to meet before any decisions are made. Duray pointed out that the issue of grants to pay for ORV damage should be explored.

Greg Pisani said he was upset that the trail was brushed before the matter was even discussed. He asked when brushing the trails was even discussed. He said it wasn't right to go ahead and brush the trails before the issue was even discussed. Pisani also asked why more effort wasn't being made developing the trail along the cemetery. He suggested that the cemetery trail could be further developed to go through Hurley and into the Cary Mine area walking trails. He pointed out that he agreed that the "caves" area was a mess.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The SISU Ski trail was discussed at length at every level -- the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Downtown Ironwood Development Authority and the City Commission. Issues regarding brushing of the new trails were debated and considered throughout the process.

Lily Palmer said she was happy to see that the Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the matter and brought it to the City Commission's attention. She pointed out that there was a lot of rubbish dumped in the caves and she admitted it is not a pleasant site in the summer. However, she said the area was quite scenic in the winter months. She said the snow covered the debris. She agreed that the area should be cleaned up, but she said she spent many hours in the area in the winter admiring its beauty.

Palmer went on to say that development of non-motorized trails is a golden opportunity for Ironwood to tie into something bigger than itself. She said that a regional non-motorized trail was in the works through the Strengthening Our Niche group.

Kim Kolesar pointed out that motorized and non-motorized trail users have co-existed in the "caves" area without incident. She said that there already are designated "non-motorized only" trails in the City, but there are no "motorized only" trails.

Commissioner Semo said he agreed with those who suggested the issue be tabled so that a comprehensive trail plan can be adopted. He said tackling the issue in a piecemeal fashion was not the proper approach. Commissioner Corcoran agreed. She said specific plans need to be presented and completely discussed before any long-term plans move forward.

Commissioner Lamb told the Commission that the SISU Ski Race was only five weeks away. She said she would like to have the trail designated as non-motorized at least until the race is completed. She said that would help insure that the race would be a success. She said it makes no sense to risk any damage to the trail. She pointed out that the SISU Ski Race could become a real economic boom for the City.

Commissioner Lucius agreed with Lamb stating that she "stole his thunder!" He asked when the City Commission approved the concept of the SISU Ski Race. Scott Erickson indicated that the issue was first approved in July or August. Lucius explained that there were already over 100 entrants to the race, and it was important to separate the SISU Race from the overall trail issue to insure "trail integrity" for the race. He echoed Commissioner Semo's comments that a comprehensive plan needs to be established.

Mayor Burchell said he believed some hasty decisions had already been made regarding the "caves" area, and he agreed that the issue needed to be readdressed -- establishing a comprehensive plan. Burchell explained that a long list of workshops on the trails are planned and he said any permanent uses for the "caves" could be hashed out during these workshops.

Gemma Lamb made a motion to designate the SISU Ski Race trail as a non-motorized trail until after the race.

IPSD Director Erspamer asked if the trails would be blocked off after the race or at leased signed to enable enforcement. Lamb indicated that once it snows, a groomed trail should tip off anybody that the trail was for non-motorized use only. Burchell explained that the Commission's goal was to give the SISU Race the best chance possible to be a success.

Rick Semo asked if the trail would be open for motorized use after the race. Burchell pointed out that the first workshop was scheduled for December 22nd.

Commissioner Lamb explained that the Commission was merely asking the general public to respect the efforts of the SISU Ski Race organizers by staying off of the trail. She said that a successful race this year could lead to a much bigger event in years to come. It was pointed out that the trail was currently closed off to ATV use because of the deer hunt.

Bernie Finco explained that the signs mean nothing to the ATV users. "They go right over the signs!"

Mayor Burchell repeated Lamb's motion to create a resolution requesting the public to respect the trail created by the SISU organizers with a workshop to discuss motorized vehicle use throughout the City on December 22nd. Commissioner Lucius seconded Lamb's motion.

The Commission unanimously approved the motion.

I.  Consider approving City Employee gratuity gift for the Holiday Season - Scott Erickson explained to the Commission that each year, the City gives a $50 gratuity to City employees. Commissioner Semo made a motion to approve the gratuity. Commissioner Lamb supported Semo's motion, and the Commission voted unanimously to approve the gratuity.

J.  Manager's Report - Scott Erickson presented his Manager's Report to the Commission:

1. Tree Lighting - The tree lighting ceremony at the Pocket Park took place on Friday, November 20, 2009. Woodtech Builders helped the City by hanging lights and decorations in the Pocket Park.
2. Blighted Properties - The Community Development Department of the City has been aggressively working to attack blight. Up to 25 blighted homes and structures will be the focus of the program. To date ten properties have been addressed.
3. Community Development Director - Twenty-two applications for a new Community Development Director were received by the November 20th deadline. A review Committee will weed through the applications and an interview process for remaining applicants will be held shortly thereafter. EDITOR'S NOTE: Rumors have been going around town that Jason Alonen was hired as the City's Community Development Director. This afternoon City Manager Scott Erickson contacted the Chronicle to explain that Alonen has been bumped up to full-time, but not as Community Development Director. Alonen will help implement the NSP program for the City.  
4. Skatepark Equipment - The skatepark equipment is currently being installed. Tomorrow, November 24, 2009, the equipment should be fully installed. The official opening of the park will not be until next spring, however.

5. Water Valves - A1 Excavating has fully installed two valves and they will install three more by Thanksgiving if weather cooperates.
6. The Jack Frost Parade is scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2009, with the Gogebic Range Band to perform in the Memorial Building Auditorium immediately afterward.
7. Santa's Headquarters - Scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2009, will award gifts for kids in the community.
8. Shop With a Cop - Saturday, December 5, 2009, also helps families in the community with Holiday gifts.
9. Canathon - In the past 14 years, Bob Tervonen, Ironwood's Utility Director, has been instrumental in collecting over 50,000 pounds of canned goods used in area food shelters. Goods can be donated at the Memorial Building or at the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

K.  Other Matters (Five Minute Limit) - None of the Commissioners had comments to pass along.

L.  Citizens wishing to address the Commission on Items not on the Agenda (Five Minute Limit) - Ron Taylor asked the Commission if the upcoming workshop would be discussing use of ORVs on City streets. Mayor Burchell indicated that the meeting would be addressing ATV use within the City. Taylor told the Commission that the City is, in no way obligated to accommodate the ATVs and snowmobiles use on City streets. He told the Commission that he wanted to see the City enforce the State Laws regarding ORV use on City streets.

Former City Commissioner Suzanne Toth addressed the Commission.

"Based on what I have observed from the Minutes of the last meeting, there seemed to be some confusion as to the designation of official placements for publication of legal notices and the like. I just want to point out that for the current Commission, had you read the information provided in your packet -- or I should say two members of the former Commission -- the information is right in the information provided that current law requires publications of notices in a 'print manner' that online alone is not sufficient. It does not meet State law."

Toth continued... "The second question I have is I wonder when the Charter changed because, according to the Charter, 'the City Commission shall not have the authority to give any official position to any person who is in default with the City.' In the past," Toth explained. "Mr. Albert has made requests to sit on the DIDA to have his Superior Chronicle designated for use within the City. He is over $10,000... $10,427.36 to be exact... in arrears to the City. That is why the previous Commission did not appoint him or consider him for appointment to any of the positions that he requested. And I'd like to know what's changed in that."

Mayor Burchell thanked Toth for her comments and asked if there were any other comments.

EDITOR'S COMMENT: First of all, the Superior Chronicle has never asked the City for a dime. We have repeatedly asked that the City simply provide the exact same information to our readers that they supply to the Globe and the radio stations. Our policy is that we do not charge non-profits and governmental agencies for ad space. We believe that accepting funds for such services would lead to biased reporting.

Secondly, the Superior Chronicle IS NOT "Jim Albert." We are owned and operated by the Focus Center, a Michigan-based non-profit organization. If you have ever listened to the audios posted on the site you would know that. For whatever reason, some people continue to think that every opinion posted on this site reflects my opinion. If that were the case, I must be one messed up individual because many of the letters to the editor contradict my posted beliefs.

Finally, since Ms. Toth seems to think that my financial situation is everybody's business, I will be completely honest. Do I owe the City the money she claims? Yes. Have I ever denied it? No. Has my building ever gone up for tax auction? No. Am I proud of the fact that I in arrears in my taxes? Certainly not. Am I ashamed... not at all.

For thirty-five years I have owned my rental building on Aurora Street. During that time, I have paid in excess of $140,000 in property taxes. I have paid over $63,000 in water bills. In that time, I operated three different businesses on my property -- creating hundreds of local jobs -- paying thousands in local wages. Every appliance... every stick of furniture in my building has been purchased -- whenever possible -- locally. Whenever work was needed to be done on my building I have hired local contractors to do the work.

In the thirty years I ran the pool hall I provided employment for hundreds of local kids. I challenge any reader to question the IPSD as to the last time there was a problem; fight; or altercation in my place. Each and every year, I get letters from former customers thanking me for providing them with a safe environment -- a place where they could have fun without getting into trouble.

For the past thirteen years, I have volunteered for Deaf Services of America. Most of my "free time" is spent helping the deaf and the hearing-impaired. For that I receive nothing. I have interpreted on numerous ocassions -- free of charge -- for the Ironwood Public Safety Department; the Grand View Hospital; Gogebic, Ashland, and Gogebic Counties and the Ashland Memorial Hospital. Am I a saint? Certainly not, but I cannot understand the hatred Ms. Toth has for me.

At tonight's meeting Ms. Toth tried to embarrass me. I'm not embarrassed. Not in the least. I'm behind in my taxes... I'm certainly not alone. I've been struggling to keep my rental business afloat. With the poor local economy, my building was entirely empty four years ago. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to maintain an empty building for that long... paying all of the bills out of your own pocket?

Currently, I have all but one apartment rented. The two commercial spaces in the building are also rented. MSHDA has made so many cutbacks that I only have one tenant currently on the program. With the poor economy, tenants are often in default of their rent. Perhaps I'm not the best businessman... but I cannot put people out on the street.

During the most recent election... I made it quite clear that I didn't feel Ms. Toth was fit for office. Tonight she once again proved to me that I was right in my assessment of her. Without the proper information, without doing her homework, she rushed to a quick judgement... attempting to embarass me. No, the Chronicle and Jim Albert are not one in the same.

The Chronicle owes the City nothing, and it was the Chronicle NOT Jim Albert that was designated as the City's official online newspaper.

Currently, I am suffering a double ear infection. My hearing, as a result, is severely impaired. Whenever I catch even the most minor cold, my hearing suffers. Most of the time I get pretty cranky when I can't hear. Tonight, I feel blessed. It was bad enough reading Ms. Toth's lips. I knew what she said, but I'm glad I didn't have to hear it.

M.  Adjournment - Considering there were no further comments, the Commission adjourned.