Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
LT. Don Horn of the Michigan State Police addresses the Wakefield City Council and members of the public Monday night to provide updates on new troopers and to thank the community for their food pantry donations.
By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT
Wakefield - The Wakefield City Council reconsidered a previous decision to purchase utility poles Monday, ultimately opting to go with the second-lowest bidder.
The council had awarded the purchase of new utility poles to the lowest bidder, Hydrolake Inc. On Monday, City Manager Richard Brackney raised the concern that the poles from Hydrolake were treated with Pentachlorophenol, whereas the next lowest bidder, Bell Lumber & Pole uses CCA.
Councilman John Granato made a motion to purchase the poles from Bell Lumber.
"It's a better product for the city," said Granato.
Michigan State Police Lt. Don Horn, commander at the MSP's Wakefield post, gave an update on the acquisition of two new troopers to the post. The two will be undergoing training for a short time before they are officially on the post.
Horn also thanked the community for gathering donations during the post's recent food drive. Approximately 2,200 lbs of food were gathered and distributed to area food banks.
"That was awesome," said Horn. "We collected the most food out of anybody in the entire state."
The state of Michigan is making grants available for scrap tire clean-ups. The city plans to pair with the Wakefield Township in their efforts to become more eligible for the grant. The scrap tire clean-up will be held in conjunction with the general city clean-up event, which is expected to be held on May 19.
The council approved the Michigan State University-Extension's request to use the Wakefield Municipal Building for a Matter of Balance course. The free course aims to assist older citizens in understanding loss of balance and learn different ways to deal with it. If the program is successful, the extension plans to continue with future programs.
Mike Yon, chief of the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, addressed the council during public comment. He said the department recently purchased updated equipment, including a new Jaws of Life system.
"We stress fire safety during Christmas time," said Yon.
During the holidays with the usage of lights and candles, it's important to remember to stay safe, Yon said. The department's annual fishing contest will be held on Feb. 18.
City Clerk Jenni Jacobson requested permission to construct a snowman with the assistance of the city workers. "The snowman was a hit last year last year," said Jacobson. "People have been asking to do it again this year."
The council approved the request.
The Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region requested a letter of recommendation from the council for their upcoming grant application. The council approved the letter of support on the city's behalf.
