City Commission Issues Press Release on City Manager's Performance Evaluation

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, September 28, 1010 - At last night's City Commission meeting, after a brief closed session, the Commissioners voted unanimously to renew City Manager Scott Erickson's contract for three years. When they returned to open session, the Mayor indicated that a press release regarding Erickson's evaluation would be issued today.  The Superior Chronicle just received the following press release from the Ironwood City Commission:

"The Ironwood City Commission has performed its first year evaluation of City Manager, Scott Erickson. In his duties, Mr. Erickson has ensured that the City has followed the City Charter, has directed and supervised all city departments and agencies, and with staff, has compiled and presented commission meeting packets on a timely basis. Further, he has worked well with staff to balance this year’s city budget with a 12% reduction in state revenues, while not raising taxes and still providing maximum city services. Mr. Erickson has, with the teamwork of his staff, secured $6.6 million in federal infrastructure grant monies, enabling the City to update nearly one-third of its water/sewer distribution system, inclusive of the reconstruction of the corresponding roads (primarily in the Newport, Aurora and Norrie locations). In addition, 2.5 more miles of local streets are being re-milled this year. The replacement of the water main from the well fields is a high priority and he has secured $600,000 in ICE grant funding to replace nearly one-third of that line, in conjunction with the lease and future purchase from Ironwood Township of a mile of new 16” line under Lake Street from Margaret Street to Slade Road.

In addition to his Manager position, Mr. Erickson effectively carried out his duties as the City Engineer providing a cost savings to the City. He has developed project engineering specifications for projects including but not limited to: local street paving, hydrant replacement, street striping, Memorial Building facade work, Civic Center sprinkler system improvements, the Rotary Hiawatha Skate Park. Additionally, Mr. Erickson has provided licensed engineer certification, as required for various grant applications for which the City has applied and/or received. Concerning larger, more complex engineering projects, Mr. Erickson serves as city liaison with the engineering firms with which we contract.

Of concern, there have been personnel issues regarding employees over the past year. Mr. Erickson has taken the following measures to mitigate these concerns. He has obtained a peer review from the American Society of Civil Engineers, is implementing their recommendations including hiring a Department of Public Works Supervisor, and will be fostering improvement in morale and productivity. He is also reviewing the Employee Policy Handbook and will be presenting those revisions to the City Commission for approval.

Enhancing the quality of life in Ironwood, Mr. Erickson has finalized the establishment of the Rotary Hiawatha Skate Park, walking trails along the Montreal River with a dog walking loop, developed a unique partnership with private businesses and the City to establish the annual SISU Ski Marathon. Mr. Erickson has worked with city staff to secure a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant for Downtown housing and rental rehabilitation projects, $462,625 NSP grant to take down 53 blighted homes in residential areas, and is utilizing the Downtown Blueprint Plan to obtain $600,000 for future downtown projects.

Mr. Erickson’s goals for the next year will include expanding communication of city activities and announcements through print, audio, and online media. Recently, the City has installed a new phone system to direct questions and complaints to the proper departments, improving citizen and personnel efficiency. Our city website will be developed and enhanced to provide updates on road work and construction issues, and will include audio/video/print content covering city commission and committee meetings. Mr. Erickson will continue to search out grant opportunities supporting infrastructure and recreational development. Further, continuing education and development of commissions and staff will occur, utilizing training seminars offered by the Michigan Municipal League and/or other entities.

Overall, we are pleased with Mr. Erickson’s performance as City Manager and have elected to renew Mr. Erickson’s contract for three years."

Erickson has been the City's manager since January of 2006. He was selected by the Commission on Saturday, November 19, 2005. Erickson's father, Blaine, was Ironwood's engineer for several years. Scott has a strong civil engineering background, attending Michigan Tech in Houghton. He receieved a master's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota in 1994. He replaced former City Manager Keith Johnson who resigned in July of 2005. Former Community Development Director Will Andresen was initially given the job, but later declined to accept the position. Former Community Development Director Pat Merrill and City Clerk Karen Gullan served as acting City Co-Managers during the entire hiring process.