Bessemer City Council votes to support Copper Peak

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer — Members of the Bessemer City Council voted Monday evening to approve a resolution that supports Copper Peak “as an outstanding asset to the Gogebic Range and entire Western Upper Peninsula.”

Built as a ski jump in Ironwood Township in 1969, the site has been closed to that activity since 1994, but has remained a tourist attraction ever since.

Its nonprofit board recently received a $20 million state grant to remodel the site into an all-season ski-flying hill for use in international competitions and training.

Mayor Adam Zak noted that the Copper Peak board is still short about $4 million in meeting its refurbishing goals.

In order to secure the remaining funds, he said board members intend to seek additional grant funds.

“I did a personal letter of support for it,” said Zak, pointing out that additional letters of support were due by Feb. 28.

The resolution reads as follows: “Whereas Copper Peak’s continued operation is vital to the tourism and recreation of the area, and whereas funding for structural and safety revitalization work to the structure will enhance visitor and volunteer safety, ensuring continued operation and enhance economic stability through outdoor and recreational opportunities within Gogebic County, now therefore be it resolved that the city of Bessemer is supportive of Copper Peak and its funding application to the Great Lakes Sports Commission for infrastructure improvements.”

In other news, Zak welcomed new Clerk-Treasurer Kristie Peterson to her first council meeting. She began her job on Feb. 21, replacing Jennifer Adams, who is now city manager.

“I’m sure she’ll do a wonderful job for us,” said Zak, with Councilwoman Linda Nelson adding, “Happy to have you here.”

In addition, the council passed a resolution to authorize signers for Cetera Investment Services, which manages the city’s investment account based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, as Adams, Peterson, Deputy Clerk Kelli Stutz or City Librarian Melissa Lupino.

Council members also:

—Voted to appoint Russ Maki as a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee. The mayor said Maki will be a good addition to the five-member committee, which now has no vacancies.

—Voted to reject an offer by William Hippert of 106 1st Ave. to purchase property at 508 Moore St. for $100, in order to connect his own property to that owned by other family members. The mayor said he would rather that someone purchase the entire segment of adjacent land there and engage in related development. Councilmen Rob Coleman and Charlie Tirpik agreed.

—Heard from Adams that she has been informed by the Computer Doctors of Ironwood that the city server’s operating system no longer will be viable as of fall. She said she is working with officials of that company toward a new operating system.

—Voted to authorize a payment draw of $16,917.96 to C2AE, a Michigan engineering and design firm with an office in Escanaba, from the Drinking Water Asset Management fund.

—Voted to approve paying the city’s share of $2,920 to the Gogebic Council of Veterans Affairs in order to help area veterans receive needed services.

All of Monday’s votes were unanimous with Councilman Terry Kryshak absent.