Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Marenisco TOWNSHIP — A vote to acquire White City radio tower in the Kimberly Hill area might result in Marenisco Township getting a greater range of broadband internet options.
The action at the Monday evening meeting of the Marenisco Township Board of Trustees followed a historical review of the site by town supervisor Bruce Mahler.
He said that in 2007 the state Department of Transportation owned the tower, but sold it to the township when the DOT no longer needed it.
According to Mahler, the township then sold it to the 911 Department of Gogebic County.
He added that, about two years ago, the township began moving to 8000-mg. paging for the fire department, which again made the tower obsolete for emergency services.
Since then, explained Mahler, the township has renewed its interest in the tower as a possible avenue toward better internet reception.
“If we take that tower, it’s ours,” said Mahler. “We can lease it to someone.”
He mentioned Verizon, AT&T and GogebicRange.net as possible leasing clients.
As a guest at the meeting, Brandon Yuchasz of GogebicRange.net noted that his company concentrates in rural townships.
“As far as leasing it, we don’t need to be on the top of the tower,” he said. “We’d be looking about halfway up.”
He said that in turn would allow the township to lease the top of the tower to “larger providers” if desired.
In relation to possible range via his service, Yuchasz said, “We’re looking to do 100 (megabits) wherever we can.”
He added that if he takes on the White Tower location, he would need to install equipment there before cold weather moves in this fall.
“I think it would be awesome to have a second choice,” said treasurer Kathy Leonard.
According to Mahler, the township currently relies primarily on Michigan Broadband Service for internet connections. He said a small number of people use satellite dishes from another company, but noted that local weather poses challenges with those units.
Although Charter Spectrum has lines running through Marenisco, Mahler said, “they have no interest in expanding in this small customer base.”
The supervisor recommended accepting White Tower before the board vote, which drew no debate. Trustee Kelly Dunbar merely joked that members may need to budget in the one dollar cost.
Mahler said that, throughout the years, all exchanges of the tower were made for a single dollar.
The board also voted to authorize Mahler to continue discussions with Yuchasz.
Both votes were unanimous vote with all members present.
Board members also:
—Voted to appoint Richard Brackney as a member of the Planning Commission. “He has a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge,” said Mahler.
—Voted to send back to the Planning Commission the topic of tiny homes, with a request for added information.
—Voted to approve permits for fireworks at dusk at Gogebic Lodge on July 2, 2 Fat Guys Bar and Grill on July 3 and the traditional township show at Kimberly Field on July 4.
—Voted to pay Linda Detloff $150 for expenses relating to her labor in planting and maintaining a garden at the Marenisco Township Cemetery. Mahler said after the meeting that the location provides visitors with a place to “sit and relax.”
—Heard Mahler issue appreciation for Marvin and Michael Ceplina for facilitating the processing of five bins of garbage during the township’s recent cleanup. Dunbar said that 28.4 tons of refuse were collected. “They really are an important cog in getting this township cleaned up,” said Mahler.
—Heard from Mahler that the township had received from a representative of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office an acknowledgment that the township’s communication in support of Enbridge’s Line 5 had been received.
—Voted to accept Principles of Governance (Code of Conduct) from the Michigan Townships Association.
—Voted to put a request for funding from the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team on file on the grounds that the township instead supports local initiatives.
—Voted to forgive a $523 water bill for residents who developed problems with their property when they were out of the region and unable to return.
—Voted to renew an associate membership in the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce.
The board’s next regular meeting will be on July 19 at 6 p.m. in the Marenisco Town Hall. The public is welcome.
