Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By JAN TUCKER
Ontonagon — The Army Corps of Engineers amended its 2020 budget to include dredging for the Ontonagon Harbor this summer, according to a Monday report to the Ontonagon Village Council.
Joe Erickson, Ontonagon Village manager told the council that he has received an amended work plan from the Corps, which shows an additional $1.1 million in dredging that is now budgeted for the harbor. There was no further information on when the dredging would start, but the updated work plan does list the harbor, he said.
The council agenda included reappointments to various commissions of the village. The council reappointed Arne Bolo to the recreation commission, followed by Dot Phillips to the housing commission, and J.R. Richardson to the marina commission.
The council also reconsidered a previously denied appointment. At the onset of the meeting, Mike Rabbholz spoke on the council’s denial of his appointment to the planning commission at the previous meeting.
Rabbholz reiterated his credentials from having worked with development and planning agencies in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Carol Maass described Rabbholz work with developers as impressive.
It appeared that two of the council members were concerned with Rabbholz’ opinion on permitting a recreational marijuana facility in the village. An ordinance does not permit adult use marijuana sales in the village and several council members consider the matter closed.
Council members John Hamm and Mike Mogan said they were concerned the village ordinance question could be opened again and come before the planning commission.
Village President Tony Smydra said the marijuana issue is settled, before addressing the two planning commission vacancies. He said one of the candidates is highly qualified and wants to do what is best for the village.
The council approved the appointment of Rabbholz, with Mogan and Hamm voting no.
In other action the council:
—Vacated an alley right of way in a portion of Balsam Street and the property to be conveyed to Donald and Barbara Kulis, the adjacent property owners.
—Established length of terms for the blight commission, Brownfield Authority and Greenland Road School Commission.
—Established two ad hoc committees with a shortened sunset until Oct. 31. They are the documents committee and fire department committee.
—And approved fees, terms and conditions for use of village property.