Gogebic Conservation Service offers many benefits

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer - The Gogebic Conservation District has been based in Bessemer for more than six decades, but Mayor Adam Zak noted at Monday evening's Bessemer City Council meeting that many local residents may have no idea what it offers.

"I don't think people are even aware of your services," said Zak after a slideshow presentation by Max Ramsay, GCD program developer.

Ramsay explained that the GCD, which provides an array of conservation services, is part of the Gogebic County government.

He said the National Association of Conservation Districts was created in the 1930s during the country's Dustbowl Era, which occurred during the same period as the Great Depression. The Gogebic district - one of 78 in the state - was created in 1961 and formerly was known as the Soil Conservation District.

The GCD's mission is "to encourage the wise use of our natural resources through promotion and education."

Toward that end, Ramsay said the district offers a Forestry Assistance Program, which in turn offers an annual tree sale.

GCD Manager George Beck, who also was present, noted that the district distributes 2,000-3,000 trees each year, including "a lot of white pine," as well as apple trees, etc.

Ramsay said local citizens typically preorder the trees each year, along with a variety of bushes including blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc.

As noted on the GCD website, foresters help landowners, at no cost, to "better understand, plan, manage, protect and utilize their forest resources through various avenues of information, education and outreach." Reducing soil erosion is one goal.

 Ramsay said that GCD also engages in invasive species control.

When Zak asked whether the district can provide private landowners with access to pesticides, Ramsay said staff have access to herbicides but also emphasized that "chemicals are not our first solution."

According to Ramsay, past conservation projects have included a Golden-Winged Warbler Habitat in Erwin Township, a Narrows Creek Project, a Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership in Gogebic County, and an Underwood Creek Trout Habitat Improvement.

The GCD also is sponsoring a native plant sale on July 1 from noon-6 p.m. at the GCD site in Bessemer. Persons participating in the sale generally preorder their desired items. Available are U.P. wildflowers, grasses and garden kits.

The next district meeting will be on June 17 at 10 a.m. at the Natural Resources Center within the GCD office at 500 N. Moore St. in Bessemer. The public is welcome.

For more information, call 906-663-4512 or visit gogebiccd.org.

In other news, at the recommendation of the Planning Commission, council members voted to approve first readings of Ordinances 379 and 381 and to schedule related public hearings at the council's next meeting:

Ordinance 379 would prohibit the placement of signage on public property except by public institutions. If it passes, City Manager Charly Loper said, "People can still put signs on the right-of-way in front of their property."

Ordinance 381 would amend the zoning ordinance so as to comply with the Right-to-Farm Act. The city manager said that, prior to the new ordinance, some elements "were really vague" and placement of honeybee hives was narrower.

Council members also:

-Voted to approve the city's new capital improvement plan after a public hearing drew no comments.

-In response to a request for a raise from city building inspector Bruce Saari, voted to draw up a list of qualifications in preparation for placing the job up for bid. "I think Butch has done a phenomenal job," said Council Member Rob Coleman, but he agreed with Zak's claim that the matter should be addressed with "due diligence." Saari has worked for the city for 25 years.

-Discussed a complaint by Dan Pitrone of 404 Howell St., who explained that ongoing problems have persisted with his road in relation to a sewer project done several decades ago. Loper explained that the road was not compacted well at the time, and Zak said it could be years before the city can entirely replace the road. Meanwhile, he and Loper assured that the city will apply treatments to "improve" the situation.

-Voted to authorize City Clerk/Treasurer Jennifer Adams and City Assessor Melissa Prisbe to put a list of delinquent utility bills on the summer tax roll.

-Voted to award a bid of $170,721 to Jake's Excavating & Landscaping, LLC of Ironwood for a Drinking Water Service Material Investigation (Project No. 21*2945). Loper said it will relate to investigating where galvanized water lines exist.

-Voted to approve an estimate of $34,344 for a wastewater draw request to be completed by C2AE's Bessemer office and Jake's Excavating (Project 18-0068).

-Voted to pay $8,358 to C2AE for DWAM services rendered through May 8 in relation to wastewater improvement work (Project 18-0068).

-Voted to pay $410,221 to C2AE and Jake's Excavating for water system improvements completed in April and May (Project 18-0058).

-Voted to approve a contract relating to a recent decision that Samantha Dorr, the city's assistant secretary, now also will serve as a city liaison on the Downtown Development Authority. Council Member Terry Kryshak said the council needs more "institutional knowledge" from the DDA and that Dorr's new responsibilities there will help to facilitate it.

-Voted to table until the next meeting a discussion on pending policy changes in relation to rentals of city facility space by nonprofits and other organizations. Kryshak reminded that the city already has set up a related fee schedule, but, at Loper's request, he added that the council could scrutinize any issues that might need changing.

All of Monday's votes were unanimous with all members present.

The council's next regular meeting will be on June 13 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall. The public is welcome. Residents also may watch the meeting via Facebook or on the city's website.