Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — At a regular meeting Monday evening, the Bessemer city council acknowledged an issue that many citizens overlook while coping with the routine challenges of one winter storm after another.
Council members conceded that access to fire hydrants is a genuine safety concern that all residents should be mindful to address.
The subject was raised during the public comment session when a city resident who did not want to be identified pointed out that, when firefighters must dig free fire hydrants, they lose valuable time in getting fires under control.
City manager Charly Loper said she will post a notice on the city’s website to remind residents to do their part in maintaining neighborhood safety by helping to keep hydrants accessible in all seasons.
In related news, Loper and the council gave high praise to Neal Nelson, lead public works man, for effectively handling the most recent onslaught of snow.
“I know you’ve put in a lot of overtime hours,” said Loper of Nelson and his team. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”
City council member Terry Kryshak said it was “unbelievable how quickly you could easily get around” after city workers cleared one street after another.
City councilman Rob Coleman also commended Nelson for “super” work, and mayor Adam Zak echoed the praise.
In other news, council members also:
—Voted to pass Resolution No. 2017-23, granting the city’s 4th of July Committee permission to pursue a gaming license, so as to engage in 50-50 ticket sales during the holiday.
—Voted to pass Resolution No. 2017-24 in relation to granting poverty exemptions for qualified persons unable to pay property taxes.
The council’s next regular meeting will take place on March 18 at 6 p.m. in the city hall council room.