Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
THE IRONWOOD Public Safety Department responds to a recent kitchen fire in an apartment in the former Central School. The department's fire rating has improved substantially.
By RICHARD JENKINS
Ironwood Township - Some Ironwood Township residents may see reduced insurance rates in the future.
The price reductions would come from the township's improved Insurance Services Office rating, according to information presented at the township Board of Trustees meeting Monday.
The township scored an ISO score of 6/6y, according to the information, a score determined by a recent Public Protection Classification survey that involved analyzing the "fire suppression delivery system" in the township.
Information on ISO's website indicates that the survey looks at a number of factors, including the township's fire department, the emergency communication system, available water supply and preparedness of the community.
This improved the township's previous score of 8/9, according to Fire Chief Scott Carlson, although the 6y classification didn't really change as it indicates the distance residents are from a reliable water supply.
According to the information presented to council, the 6y designation was simply a change in classifications this year.
The drop from 8 to 6 is an improvement for the township, Carlson said, adding that those who live near fire hydrants in the township - such as on portions of Lake Road - could see their homeowners insurance rates decrease.
The township narrowly missed a 5 rating, but there are several things that could be done to lower the rating further.
"We're close. There's some things that I can do, central dispatch can do and (Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Loeper) can do, and the water authority can do to make (the classification) better," Carlson said.
He added that he had several questions about aspects of the township's classification, such as why the department didn't receive points for its hazardous materials training.
The score could possibly be reassessed next year, Carlson said, and that it shouldn't cost the township anything.
In other action:
- The board re-approved granting an easement to the Michigan Western Gateway Trail Authority to allow the the regional non-motorized trail to use township-owned land to cross Country Club Road away from U.S. 2. The board had approved the easement last meeting but added the condition that no agreement be signed until the township's attorney approved of the easement's language.
- The board changed its December meeting dates from the fourth Monday to the third Monday due to the holidays. The board will now meet on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.
- The board also discussed a list of capital improvements to township property but didn't take action other than to agree to review the list and discuss it further at the board's next meeting.
- The board approved the purchase of six replacement air tanks for the fire department.
