Pat O'Donnell Civic Center remains closed

By BRYAN HELLIOS

[email protected]

Ironwood — The Ironwood City Commission heard Monday that the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center will remain closed.

Scott Erickson, city manager for Ironwood, informed the commission engineers are expected to inspect the building today, looking at damaged roof trusses due to snow load.

“Once the structural engineer is in there he’ll be able to let us know if it’s still fine where people can come in and crews can do the work around them or not,” he said.

There are events scheduled to use the center in the future. An annual home show will possibly have to be rescheduled or find an alternative venue, he said.

Tom Bergman, community development director, asked the board to consider awarding a request for proposal to Western U.P. Planning and Development Region for administrative services for the City Square Project.

“It’s a facilities park that will offer amenities for everyone,” Bergman said, adding they are working with Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help move the project along.

The proposed park would be a year-round space in the downtown area used as a center point for the city, he said.

The project will also consider installing street lighting from downtown to Hurley.

In other business:

—The board authorized purchasing a pressure washer for $7,435.

—City manager announced spring clean up is scheduled for May 4, from 8 to 11 a.m.

—City manager informed the board interviews will take place in the next week to week and a half for a water department position in the Department of Public Works.

—The board went into closed session to discuss contract negotiations with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local 1538.

—Commissioner Rick Semo announced a strategic planning session of the Historic Ironwood Theater on Thursday. A light dinner will be served from 4:30 to 5 p.m., followed by the session held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Downtown Arts Place.