Council approves final contract for utility project

By RALPH ANSAMI

ransami@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — The Hurley City Council awarded a $1,134,153 contract to Ross Peterson Construction Tuesday for this summer’s utility project.

Jamey Francis, of the public works committee, said the city had $30,000 more for the project than it expected in a previous federal grant that can be used for the project. He said that will enable Peterson to run a new water line under U.S. 51.

In addition to the base project, the council agreed to fund a U.S. 51 sewer main for $53,960 and $68,255 in Germain Hill water tank improvements.

The entire project is contingent on the city receiving Army Corps of Engineers funding, in addition to federal Block Grant funds.

The council approved the project costs on a 5-0 vote, with Rob Lanctoe absent.

Mayor Joe Pinardi said he was pleased to learn the city received a $5,000 check from the Gogebic Range Health Foundation to be used for the city’s river trail project.

Police chief Chris Colassaco informed the council blight tickets will be sent out to those residents who have failed to comply with warnings. He also said he was approached about vermin and other critters in an abandoned house on Second Avenue.

Pinardi said in accordance with action taken by the Montreal City Council, the second week in July of every year will be proclaimed Mitch Koski Week to honor the former mayor of the city of Montreal who lost his life trying to save people at Saxon Harbor during the flood on July 11, 2016.

Pinardi, who chairs the county board, said he would seek the same declaration on the county level from the board of supervisors.

The council learned the police department’s office renovation work has been completed.