By BRYAN HELLIOS
Ironwood — The Ironwood City Commission welcomed back Andrew DiGiorgio as the director of the Public Safety Department.
After the meeting DiGiorgio told the Daily Globe he was leaving his teaching position at Gogebic Community College to return to the position he left 18 months ago.
He said his decision to quit teaching was not because he didn’t enjoy it, but because he realized he missed law enforcement.
Digiorgio said his style of policing is more “non-traditional” and he would like to engage more with the community to receive input and help solve problems together.
“Public safety doesn’t have all the answers, but I believe as a community we can create solutions,” he said.
The commission also heard from Jackie Powers, director of the recent Sisu Ski Fest. She thanked the city, ABR Trails, the Sisu board, Public Safety Department and all the citizens for their help to make the race a success.
Powers said Sisu is accepting grant applications until March 31 for organizations that promote silent sports. The organization is using funds from racing fees to support such concerns here.
In other business, the commission:
—Approved the purchase of a new patrol car for $25,076.
—Adopted a resolution which waves penalties for non-filing of property affidavits.
—Announced the retirement of Waste Water Authority Manager Mark Bowman.
—Authorized bids for the Country Club Road watermain Project.
—Approved an agreement with Coleman Engineering for the Ayer Street and Country Club Road, MDOT Small Urban Grant Project.
—Announced the National Federation of Wrestling will be at the Ironwood Memorial Building for a wrestling event on Saturday.
—Identifed roughly 10 blighted properties which will be torn down in the spring.