City commissioners learn Art Park bids come in high

IRONWOOD — City Manager Scott Erickson on Monday updated the city commission on numerous upcoming projects and clean-up days.

Erickson said bids for the Art Park on Aurora Street came in high and options are under review by city staff.

The Art Park will be on Aurora Street, in the space between Mattson’s TV and Appliance and Book World. It will provide a public location to display art, hold performances and art classes, and promote culture within the city.

Around $13,000 was raised locally in a drive for the Art Park, meaning the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has matched $10,000 as the state’s contribution.

Erickson said demolition of the former Kenny’s Studio building next to the Carnegie Library will begin by Ross Peterson Construction, of Hurley, once spring weight limits are removed from the roadways.

He said citywide hydrant flushing will begin on Sunday. It will continue through at least the following Thursday, according to utilities director Bob Tervonen. City residents can expect some discolored water during the hydrant flushing process.

Erickson reminded area residents of the U.S. 2 reconstruction meeting set for Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Memorial Building auditorium by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Questions about the summer project may be addressed to MDOT employees at the session.

The city’s annual “Make A Difference” clean-up day begins at 8 Saturday from Depot Park, with volunteers welcome to help in the effort. The following Saturday, on May 9, will mark spring trash collection day at the vacant lot on Ayer Street.

City clerk Karen Gullan said absentee voters for next Tuesday’s election may obtain ballots Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proposal 1 would increase Michigan’s sales tax by 1 percent to help fund highway and bridge improvements throughout the state.

The city commission previously went on record supporting the May 5 ballot proposal to increase the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent.

Mayor Kim Corcoran said Proposal 1 would provide safer roadways for Michigan, which ranks among the bottom states in the condition of its roads. She said there are 19 “structurally deficient” bridges in Gogebic County alone.