Hurley's Cary Park set to receive fitness court this year

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

Hurley — Members of the Hurley City Council voted on Tuesday evening to approve the establishment of a fitness court by the Iron County Health Department in Cary Park.

The action followed a presentation by Health Department representatives during a recent meeting of the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee.

“It’s a good addition to the city and a good addition to Cary Park,” said Councilman Thomas Conhartoski.

Marketed as “the world’s best outdoor gym” that is “made for all climates,” the fitness court is described in promotional materials as more than 1,000 square feet and with more than 30 individual pieces of equipment that are designed to promote fitness training.

The Cary Park Trail is part of the Iron Belle Connector Route, thus allowing any trail users to access the park and the pending fitness court.

Conhartoski said the work, which will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is expected to be complete by this fall and estimated that $1,000 per year in maintenance will be required.

Councilwoman Rita Franzoi thanked Health Officer Melissa Geach and her team for providing the presentation.

In other news, the council also voted to accept a preliminary draft agreement of terms and conditions regarding the purchase of water from the city of Montreal by the city of Hurley.

However, Gary Laguna, an employee of the Public Works Department, suggested that some of the language will need to be refined.

He said he is concerned about the amount of water Hurley will purchase from Montreal, versus Ironwood.

“We’re concerned about standing water,” he said in relation to an 8-inch water main that is suspended under the Montreal Bridge between Ironwood and Hurley. He explained that enough water needs to circulate through that system to prevent the water from freezing in winter months.

“We don’t know what the minimal purchase is from Ironwood to prevent that from freezing,” said Laguna.

After the meeting, Laguna shared additional details.

“Hurley does not have its own water source,” he said. “The city of Hurley purchases all of its water from Ironwood and Montreal.”

Laguna said the agreement with Montreal dates back roughly to 2010, whereas the agreement with Ironwood dates back to the mid-1970s.

Because Montreal is seeking grant funds for its water system, Laguna said that it must comply with related requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. One of the WDNR requirements is to have a draft of the Hurley-Montreal water agreement on file.

Laguna added that further refinements of the agreement must be made official by fall.

“That agreement protects both parties,” he said.

Montreal Mayor Kelly Traczyk, who also attended the meeting, supported any refinements needed within the language of the agreement.

In other water-related news, the council also discussed the issue of local business compliance with city rules on roof drains.

Conhartoski said it was unfair that the city required “every single business in the city” to comply with roof drain requirements while some operations still have not complied.

“I couldn’t agree more,” said Councilman Jamey Francis.

Laguna said that a handful of properties are still not in compliance, although he expected resolution on a couple of them. He added that Hurley Police Chief Chris Colassaco has issued some related tickets.

City Attorney Ray O’Dea said that if anyone refuses to comply with the rules, “We’ll just sue them and force them to comply.”

Council members also:

—Heard a reminder from Francis about the use of fireworks within the city. “Fireworks are prohibited in the city of Hurley, period,” said Francis. Mayor Joanne Bruneau added that any related issues should be referred to the city’s fire or police departments.

—Voted to approve a conditional use permit for Jaclyn Stengard, owner of a one-chair beauty salon at 203 4th Ave. N.

—Voted to refer to Planning and Zoning the issuing of a conditional use permit to owner Walker Robinson for short-term rentals at 113 2nd Ave. S.

At the end of the meeting, the council entered a closed session regarding a Silver Street lot. Afterward, the mayor said that no action was taken at this time.