Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
BY JAN TUCKER
Ontonagon — The Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners Tuesday learned that boilers at the Ontonagon County Sheriff Department do not meet the requirement to provide the heat necessary for the building.
One boiler is down, Jeff Miller of Automated Comfort Controls told the board. He said the 35-year-old boiler is outdated and inefficient and there are some parts no longer made. The second boiler is also in bad shape.
After a discussion, the board decided to accept the quote of $64,449 for two boilers that will alternate. Miller noted the county may be eligible for a rebate since the boilers are more energy efficient and expect to lead to a savings of 20%. The company will also remove the existing heating unit.
The session was also the county reorganizational meeting, which re-elected John Cane, Ontonagon, as Vice chair; set the third Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. for meetings; designated the financial depositories the county could use; approved the investment policies; and re-appointed Pat Tucker to the Ontonagon Economic Development Corporation.
Sheriff Dale Rantala informed the board Marquette County will be hosting a six week correctional academy from Feb. 11 to March 20. He said corrections officers Ryan Tucker and Girard Waldrop need to attend the academy as they have been working for the department for more than one year and training is required.
There is no cost for the academy itself, but there may be a cost of lodging and meals.
The board also agreed to apply for regular funding for the Ontonagon County Transit program and agreed to the mandatory testing of the court house elevator at a cost of $2,100.