Wakefield City Council agrees to contract with Merit Network for Internet services

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield City Council agreed to a 5-year contract for Internet services through the Merit Network Monday evening.

The council spent some time discussing the network, the contract, and the benefits of the higher Internet speeds at a fixed rate.

"It would move the city into the next level of providing service," said City Manager Richard Brackney. "I envision the meetings being streamed to get more people active in the politics in the area, and we would have the capability to hold video conferencing."

Following the discussion, Patricia Mann made a motion to accept the offer which gained support from Kay Wiita. The motion then passed in a 4-0 vote.

John Granato rescinded a previous motion to purchase new radios for the Wakefield city workforce. The council chose instead to implement new cell phone policies for city employees while operating city vehicles and equipment.

There will be a citywide spring clean-up on Friday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m .; and Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Western U.P. Recycling Center. Officials are encouraging Wakefield residents to bring in a range of items, including unmounted tires.

The city's water quality report was presented to the council. Copies are available to the public upon request.

After three brief public hearings, the council approved new electrical rates, as well as Ordinance 221 on municipal infractions and Ordinance 222 on zoning fees.

In other action, the council:

-Called for bids for resurfacing the floors at the Eddy Campground bathroom building.

-Approved recommendation to accept bids for plow as surplus property.

-Approved request to accept bids for new mail machine in office.

-Heard city offices will be closed Friday for Good Friday, and garbage collection will be on Thursday.