Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
IRONWOOD — In a rare Wednesday session, the Ironwood City Commission will consider an alcohol ordinance and selling easements to Xcel Energy.
The proposed alcohol ordinance will be introduced and then scheduled for a public hearing on Jan. 21 at 5:20 p.m.
An issue surfaced last summer under former Ironwood Public Safety Department director Greg Klecker when a beer was being consumed and was dumped out in Depot Park during a volleyball game.
Under the ordinance, no one may possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage on a public highway, sidewalk, public parking lot or public park, except in Curry Park, Randa Field or Norrie Park.
By special permit only, alcohol will be allowed in Longyear Park, Depot Park, Kuitunen Park, Downtown Art Park, Downtown Pocket Park, Miners Memorial Heritage Park and Mt. Zion Park.
Sidewalk cafes may offer alcohol by obtaining permits only.
Any group of 10 or more persons must obtain a permit from the city clerk’s office to possess and/or consume beer and wine for “appropriate programs or events.” Festival Ironwood would fall under that category.
The new ordinance would replace existing language.
Xcel Energy, which is located in the city’s industrial park, is seeking permanent rights-of-way on three parcels. Xcel is offering to pay around $12,000 in total for easements on three parcels that combine for less than an acre.
The offer is based on a $14,700 an acre scale, according to a letter to the city that will be considered Wednesday.
Commissioners will also consider authorizing bids for the water utility meter reading position.
The commission moved back the meeting from the regular fourth Monday of the month because of Christmas.
It begins at 5:30 p.m.
