Bessemer officials vote to dredge creek

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — The Bessemer Parks and Recreation Commission voted last week to approve $5,200 for Fahrner Excavating of Ironwood to clear West Kallender Creek, which leads into the fishing pond in Bluff Valley Park.

The action is part of an ongoing initiative to prepare the park pond for fishing by local youth, as promoted by Commissioner Russ Maki in previous meetings.

Maki said that he will contact Ken Fahrner to schedule the work for late April or early May of next year.

“We do need a DNR permit if we’re going to tamper with that creek and that pond,” said Commissioner Eric Longhini. He said he already had applied for the permit last spring but had not yet received word from the state.

Longhini asked whether related grant funds may be possible, but City Manager Jennifer Adams said the city lacks staffing to pursue such funds. She suggested that commissioners seek possible grants if desired.

Longhini also suggested a “fun” fundraising event next year — “maybe something to kick off the summer” — to help in following through with expenses relating to the restoration of the park pond.

Adams said no motion is needed to proceed with planning for such an occasion, so Longhini said he will move forward with preparations such as talking to area musicians about performing.

In other news at the Sept. 7 meeting, Adams said the city’s new 5-year recreation plan is due on Feb. 1, 2024.

Longhini volunteered to go through the recreation plan in preparation for the update.

Adams also said she, Longhini and Commissioner Trevor Jackovich toured Bluff Valley Park earlier in the summer to determine needed updates.

Chairwoman Cheryl Olsen said the list of Bluff Valley Park concerns that resulted from that tour could be included in the recreation plan. Those concerns included bridge repairs, ADA playground equipment, painting of some of the play equipment, latches on bathroom doors, and a latch on the Little Library door.

Commission members also:

—Heard Adams report that the city likely will not learn until January whether it may receive a state grant in relation to construction of a new trailhead behind the city hall. She added that Friends of the Iron Belle Trail still hope to construct a building on that property to house their trail maintenance equipment. She added that, if received, the grant would help to fund that expense.

—Heard Longhini pledge to set up the gaga pit in Bluff Valley Park this fall and to find out whether the refrigerator in the park pavilion can be repaired.

—Voted to approve the purchase of two $99 commercial grade door closures for Bluff Valley Park restrooms.

—Voted to approve repairs on the Little League concession stand roof.

The next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission will be on Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall.