Ironwood commissioners vote on two park upgrades

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood — Park progress provided good news at Monday evening’s meeting of the Ironwood City Commission, with members approving two projects aimed at enhancing two city parks.

Commissioners voted to approve payment of $8,400 to Coleman Engineering Company to complete a survey in relation to Phase 2 of the city’s Southern Beltline Trail Acquisition.

Community Development Director Tom Bergman noted that the city received a trust fund grant in 2018 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to purchase the railroad grade between Miners Memorial Heritage Park and Norrie Park.

Bergman explained that a survey is necessary to “move forward with acquiring the land.”

In a May 18 letter to the city, Ronald K. Jacobson, P.S., Coleman’s survey manager, states that the survey will “determine the boundary of the railroad-owned parcels of the Southern Beltline Trail” and added that the company also will address related markers and paperwork.

“The goal is to complete the project by the end of the year,” said Bergman, who added that the end product will be a multiuse track.

In separate action, commissioners also voted to authorize a preliminary payment of $28,750.80 to Flowtrack Mountain Bike Trails, LLC for the MDNR Trust Fund Mountain Bike Trail Project in MMHP.

The project will include a pump track/hand-cycle track, as well as cross-country/flow single-track trails, boardwalk trails, storm sewer piping and wayfinding signage.

In other news, commission members also voted to approve a two-year agreement for a cost-of-living wage increase for non-union employees in the amount of 3% in the first year, starting July 1, and 2.5% in the second year. The action was in accordance with recently passed union negotiations.

Commissioner David Andresen was the sole “no” vote for the COLA, adding “not at this time.”

Commission members also voted unanimously to:

—Approve an agreement with engineering firm C2ae to conduct a city-wide Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating Study at a cost not to exceed $9,000. City Engineer Scott Erickson reported that the PASER work underscores the city’s “pro-active pavement maintenance strategy” of the more than 65 miles of streets it maintains. Commissioner Rick Semo called the investment “money really well spent.”

—Authorize bids for a sidewalk on the north side of the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center. As recommended by Erickson, the sidewalk will be located further away from the building than originally planned, so as to discourage damage from roof water drainage. He noted that insurance funds will cover the expense, as well as costs to improve storm water drainage there.

—Approve the appointment of Christine Perry to the Housing Commission, as recommended by the city manager.

—Award a bid of $17,735 to Liquid Engineering for the cleaning of water tanks at Mt. Zion and Jessieville. It was the sole bid received.

—Approve advertising for bids to sell miscellaneous scrap metal. City Utilities Manager Bob Tervonen reported that the city has an inventory of “miscellaneous scrap brass and iron from obsolete water meters and hydrants” that were removed in past years.

—Authorize advertising for bids for a variable frequency drive at the Jessieville Booster Station. Bob Richards, Department of Public Works supervisor, reported that, because of the lower water usage at the Jessieville Tower, the VFD will help to adjust water flow “to keep it warm” in winter.

—Adopt Resolution No. 22-012 to transfer to the July, 2022 tax roll any delinquent invoices for ordinance violations.

Commission members also heard a suggestion from Commissioner Jim Mildren to get the word out to schools to encourage young people about “the importance of keeping things nice” in relation to city sites such as the Iron Belle Trail.

Acting City Manager Andrew DiGiorgio said he has strategized toward such ends with members of the Parks and Recreation Committee and assured that it’s a “work in progress” but also “an uphill battle.”

DiGiorgio said suggestions from commissioners are welcome until the end of the week on an executive search draft in relation to finding a new city manager to replace Scott Erickson, who stepped down from that role on June 6.

At the end of the meeting, commissioners voted to enter a closed session to address a possible wage hike for police officers. No action was taken.