Bowles Resigns from IPC; Petersen Resigns as Community Development Director

IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, October 07, 2009 - At 5:30 this evening, Ironwood Planning Commission (IPC) Chairman John Wyssling called their regularly scheduled monthly meeting to order.

IPC Secretary Jane Bowman recorded the roll. Debbie Bowles tendered her resignation to the IPC; Eric Lytwyniuk arrived late; and all other members were present. Members of the IPC include: Chairman John Wyssling; Vice-Chairperson Margaret Rayner; LeRoy Johnson; Sam Davey; Eric Lytwyniuk; and Jackie Powers. Media present at tonight's meeting included Margaret Levra, reporter for the Daily Globe and yours truly.

The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 02, 2009 meeting and the docket as presented. Chairman Wyssling asked if any citizens wished to address the Commission on agenda items. There were none.

Dan Petersen gave a project update on the skateboard park. He told the Commission that Angelo Lupino was awarded the site development construction bid for the project. He told the Commission that American Ramp Company (ARC) was awarded the bid for skatepark equipment. Petersen explained that the intent from the beginning was to have a 100'x100' slab for the park. He told the Commission that Ruotsala Concrete poured the original slab, which was donated to the City by Moyle Construction (the general contractors for Wal-Mart). According to Petersen, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) would not allow the "in-kind" Moyle donation as part of the match of the grant. No activity done prior to the formal approval of the grant is not permitted. He said that a second slab would be added next to the existing slab, doubling the size of the park. The two slabs will be doweled together to prevent shifting due to frost. He explained that an eight foot chain link fence will surround the park to control access to the facility and to regulate hours of usage. According to Petersen, the facility will not be lighted in this first stage of construction.

Petersen explained that the park could be ready for use before the snow stays on the ground, however, it will, more than likely be available for regular use in the spring.

John Wyssling pointed out to the Commission that a copy of a resignation letter from Debbie Bowles was in their packets. He suggested that the usual plaque or certificate be given to Ms. Bowles for her dedicated service to the IPC. The Commission voted 5 to 1 to accept her resignation and to pass their recommendation on to the City Commission. Jackie Powers voted not to approve.

The Commission then discussed making a recommendation to the City Commission to set a purchase price of $1,090 for a surplus parcel of property #52-24-200-1510. The property is located near Bonnie Street, near an alleyway behind Dan Tregembo's house. City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt recommended the price based on evaluations made during the recent City-wide reappraisal of Ironwood properties.

After a brief discussion regarding a revisionary clause, it was agreed that the property wasn't "build-able" so no such clause would be applicable. The Commission unanimously voted to approve the recommendation to sell that parcel for $1,090, without a revisionary clause.

Following noise complaints in Jessieville, the Commission briefly discussed possible changes to the Nuisance Ordinance. A letter for a complainant, along with information on how other communities deal with noise issues was supplied to the Commission. It became very apparent that the IPC members were fully prepared to address this issue -- they did their homework.

LeRoy Johnson told the Commission that Public Safety acted on over thirty noise complaints, and each time, officers could not identify a violation of the Ordinance. He said that decibel levels were checked repeatedly, but the noise did not register at a high enough decibel level to be considered a violation.

Evidently, there is a woodworking shop in Jessieville that is the source of the music. While the owner of the shop is working, he turns on his music.

Bass sounds, even though they may not be register as being at excessive sound decibel range, can cause distress. Acoustic weapons are commonly used by the military and police. These methods often rely heavily on low-range base sounds.

According to the Arms Division of Human Rights, "Despite the name, acoustic weapons are not intended to cause deafness per se. The existing military literature indicates that acoustic weapons--across the entire frequency spectrum, from infra-sound to ultrasound--have the ability to cause severe pain, loss of bodily functions, and bodily injury. Depending on the frequencies, intensities (decibel level), and modulations employed, acoustic weapons could cause permanent or temporary physical damage, including damage to internal organs, interference with the workings of the central nervous system, and thermal injuries (burns). Other effects noted by the U.S. military, acoustic contractors, and experts include tissue destruction, hemorrhaging, spasms, acoustic fever, vomiting, choking respiration, "intolerable sensations mainly in the chest," "significant decrement in visual acuity," incontinence, post-exposure fatigue, and diffuse psychological effects."

Of course, the noise generated from the woodworking shop is far from being an acoustic weapon, but it is important to note that bass lines -- even at relatively low levels -- and the vibrations they cause can cause discomfort.

After discussing the issue further, the Commission decided to gather more information and to contact communities that have had various noise issues to see how they have handled them.

Dan Petersen, under "Other Business" announced that he submitted his resignation to City Manager Scott Erickson yesterday.

"My last day will be the third of November. My last day will be the 28th of October." Petersen announced.

LeRoy Johnson asked if Petersen found work closer to home, and he answered "Yes!"

The Commission expressed their regret.

Before the meeting adjourned, Johnson had several questions and issues that he felt needed to be addressed. His first question was regarding outdoor furnace permits. He asked how many permits have been issued to date. Petersen was sure of the exact number, but he estimated that ten were issued.

Johnson also asked what was happening regarding the parking lot issue at OK Auto. Petersen told the Commission that the owners of the auto part store were voluntarily putting up a fence and they will come back to the Commission with a site plan when it comes time to pave the lot.

Johnson's final concern was the trailer factory dust complaints. It was pointed out that the recent rain has significantly reduced the problem, but Petersen pointed out that efforts have been made by the contractor to reduce the amount of dust.

Jackie Powers asked what happened with the snowmobile committee, and she was wondering if they had a meeting. Petersen explained that a meeting was held and the street routes were reviewed. Two recommendations were made at the meeting -- (1) to open up a section of Greenbush Street from Midland to Margaret Street to allow snowmobiles to legally get to the Township; and (2) to abandon a portion of Curry Street (phasing it out). Signs along the street would be removed. Sam Davey explained that the intention was never to take Curry off the books, they just intended to move the main route to Greenbush. Should the snowmobile committee ever decide to reopen Curry, they would still be able to do so.

Petersen explained that a second issue discussed at the snowmobile committee meeting was the speed limits on Trail #2. Discussion took place as to whether or not the ATV speed limits through the downtown should apply to snowmobiles as well as ATVs.

There was a discussion regarding the snowmobile committee. It appears that two committees were established -- one that was part of the Planning Commission and one that was made up of several snowmobile enthusiasts in the area. There was discussion about possibly eliminating the Planning Commission Snowmobile Committee.

A motion was made to adjourn the IPC meeting, it was seconded, and the meeting was adjourned.