Curry Park grant submission approved

By BRYAN HELLIOS

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Ironwood — The Ironwood City Commission approved submitting a DNR Trust Fund Grant program application to acquire the Beltline Railroad Grade during the commissions meeting held Monday at the Ironwood Memorial Building.

The Beltline acquisition would connect into the western end of the Iron Belle Trail, creating a network of looping trails to increase access for recreational activities within the city.

The project is estimated to cost $20,000 for the purchase of the land only. The city is seeking $14,800 in grant funds from the DNR to offset the purchase cost.

The city also authorized submission of a DNR grant to make improvements to Curry Park. The Phase 2 portion of the project will update the electricity and improve access for approximately 10 campsites. The city has committed $5,000 in cash funds plus $8,390 of in-kind obligations to qualify for $38,110 in grant money.

The total cost of the Curry Park project is $51,500.

City Commissioner, Rick Semo said one of the commission’s goals over the last few years was to locating a suitable place for a sledding hill in Ironwood. He said discussion about the hill is in a “very early preliminary stage,” but wants to let the commission be aware of a spot by the old landfill which “may lend itself to being a good sledding hill.”

The hill has a good pitch and is on city property, he added.

“It would be a really good thing,” Semo said, “A lot of area residents would get a kick out of it and it would be a lot of fun.”

In other business the commission:

—Approved a Rural Development Pay Package for Phase 4 Utility Project Water ($12,278) and Sewer ($2,539) portions.

—Approved authorizing a grant application to purchase a Public Safety vehicle.

Authorized to accept bids for the 2019 Pavement Chip Sealing project.

Mayor Annette Burchell appointed Mathew Sommer and Mae Moderson to the Civic Center Board.