City commission thanks Burchell for service

By TOM LAVENTURE

tlaventure@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — The Ironwood City Commission offered praise for the leadership of Mayor Annette Burchell, who is not running for reelection in November and was attending her last meeting as a commissioner on Monday.

Commissioner Kim Corcoran, as Mayor Pro Tem, presented Burchell with a plaque as her fellow commissioners applauded her toward the end of the meeting. Burchell, who served three terms on the commission and as mayor for all six years, stood speechless at the gesture of support.

“I very much admire everything that you have done,” Corcoran said to Burchell. “I have seen you treat people with respect and you make sure people have a voice. You have an open mind. You have gone above and beyond for inclusion and to make Ironwood a place where people feel welcomed.”

All of the commissioners try and make a positive difference for the community, she said. The process can be quite overwhelming and it was quite clear that Burchell studied every issue to make decisions that are in the best interest of Ironwood residents, she said.

“We have been very lucky to have you, Mayor Burchell,” Corcoran said. “We appreciate all that you have done for the past six years. Thank you for your kind heart and for making a big difference for the city of Ironwood.”

During the meeting the commission 5-0 approved a resolution ordering the removal and abatement of the hazard and nuisance at 112 W. Cloverland Dr. The order requires the hotel property to be cleared of debris and other blight conditions addressed or the city will step in to do the work.

The property owner was present and said the hotel was in good condition when she purchased it in 2010. She said the cleanup was not possible during the pandemic and for lack of funds, and attributed some damage to construction crews doing remodeling.

Jason Alonen, the city code enforcement officer, said he could not confirm the statements as the owner has not allowed city employees onto the property. He recommended the resolution as all other attempts to resolve the situation have not been successful.

Tim Dean, the city attorney, said that if the owner fails to comply, the city will seek a blight complaint in Gogebic County Circuit Court and move for judgment by default to allow the city manager to direct the cleanup of the site with all expenses for abatement against the property.

In other business, the city commission approved:

—Renewal of the 10-year uniform video service local franchise agreement with Spectrum Mid-America LLC to include franchise fees and public, educational and government channels fees. The agreement has been in place since 2003.

—A $5,016 invoice for 10 pallets of bottled water that is distributed at no charge to city water customers during the water main flushing process.