Commission Approves ICE Grant and Authorizes Appropriate Staff to Sign Same

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Friday, February 19, 2010 - A special meeting was held Thursday night, February 18, 2010, for the Ironwood City Commission, at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Chambers, on the second floor of the Memorial Building, 213 Marquette Street, Ironwood, Michigan.

The meeting was called to order, with all Commissioners: Mayor Bob Burchell, Kim Corcoran, Gemma Lamb, Rick Semo, and William Lucius present.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and consider approval of CDBG Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement (ICE) Grant and authorize the appropriate staff to sign same. City Manager, Scott Erickson explained that the grant application is through MEDC, utilizing CBDG funds.

The project entails an extension of 16 inch transmission main from the well field into town. It is an eligible project. It would start at Slade Road and go north about one and a quarter mile. Estimated project cost is $600,000, and the grant amount is $500,000. The city match would be $100,000. The grant, Scott said, has to be there by Monday.

The matching funds are available under the water and sewer fund. The water rates had been adjusted for these purposes.

It was explained that there are no right of ways or easements to deal with. The city has matching funds for the grant that can come out of water and sewer.

The new line might go where the existing line is, or under it, in a process called “boring.” They hope to complete the project this year.

The township is putting in their own lines. Two service lines will be transferred to the township from the existing line on Lake Road. Mr. Erickson said it should be just a transmission main project with no connections.

The existing line will remain intact during this project. It is a competitive process; however, they have a strong application.

William Lucius asked how much money would be left in the water and sewer fund after the match is made. City Manager Erickson he wasn’t sure how much would be left, but they did have the funds to cover it. Commissioner Lamb made a motion to approve the CDBG Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement (ICE) Grant and authorize the appropriate staff to sign same, and send it off. The motion was supported by Commissioner Lucius. A roll call vote was all yes.

Meeting adjourned. All in favor.