Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By JAN TUCKER
Ontonagon – David Nykanen, brother to chairmen Carl Nykanen and the newest member of the Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners, took his seat Tuesday after being sworn in before the meeting.
The board previously appointed members to a land bank committee with intentions of joining the land bank project. Treasurer Jeanne Pollard explained that the process is more complicated than just naming a committee. She said she learned the board must have intergovernmental agreements, pass a resolution and agreements with the Secretary of State, Ingham County Clerk and several other steps before it can use the land bank tool. The board instructed Pollard to continue with the process as needed.
Appointments occupied much of the one hour session. In addition to the board committee appointments made by Chairman Nykanen: Roy Hartwick was hired as Veterans Counselor for 12 hours a week; Pat Tucker was named to a term on the Ontonagon County Economic Development Corporation, Carl Nykanen to the UPCAP board, Dave Nykanen to the U.P. energy workshop and Michelle Smith and Jeanne Pollard to the Ontonagon County Commission on Aging.
The board approved the intent to apply for funding for the Ontonagon County Transit as requested by Director Vicki White. The 2018 funding includes federal funds of $136,539, state funds of $282,721, local funds of $260,789, estimated fare box funds of $56,000 for a grand total of $738,049.
The Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department is leasing 2 trucks for five years. Sheriff Dale Rantala asked to revise the contract for the lease to be 1,225.01 a month with payments for five years. At the end of the five years, the county can purchase the vehicles if they wish.
In other action the board:
—Took no action on a bill for $8,400 to the Western U.P. Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency. Clerk Stacy Preiss said the county was not given an agreement they would be reimbursed and some of the work did not exist.
—Hired Norman Pestka Construction for brushing work at the airport for $5,000.
—Approved payment for 911 Top Cop mapping.
—Heard that the Ontonagon Court House will be closed until 1 p.m. Monday, January 23 while staff receives active shooter training. The elevator will be under repair from January 23 to February 3.
—Purchased a wind sock for the county Airport.
—And heard from Paul Putnam of the MSU Extension Office regarding programs offered in the county.