Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By PAMELA JANSSON
Ironwood — The “2024 Comprehensive Plan Community Survey” remains accessible on the opening page of the city of Ironwood’s website.
At Monday evening’s meeting of the Ironwood City Commission, City Manager Paul Anderson and Community Development Director Thomas Bergman urged participation.
Bergman later told The Globe that survey participants need not be limited to city residents. Persons who work in Ironwood or simply use its amenities also are welcome to participate.
The Survey Monkey opportunity consists of nine questions relating to participants’ priorities in relation to housing, parks, employment, tourism, education, etc. and is estimated to take 10 minutes to complete, although additional comments also are welcome.
The introduction to the survey explains the city’s desire to gather input.
“The city of Ironwood is beginning the process of updating its 2014 comprehensive plan, and we need your help,” it states.
The introduction continues, “The comprehensive plan is a guiding document that provides a framework for local decision making and informs the direction of Ironwood’s future. The plan helps guide investment, growth, development and redevelopment throughout Ironwood, offering a broad vision for the community and specific policies, goals and strategies for how to achieve that vision.”
It concludes, “This survey is intended to provide the planning team with a broad understanding of what the Ironwood community sees as important opportunities and challenges facing Ironwood and how to prioritize investment and action. Your input will be used to shape the plan and inform further engagement opportunities including public listening sessions, workshops and activities throughout the comprehensive planning process.”
Questions about the survey or the comprehensive plan may be directed to Bergman at 906-932-5050, ext. 126, or via email at [email protected].
In other news, Commissioner Jim Mildren reported that downtown Ironwood was extremely busy on July 5 despite not having had a formal July 4 celebration.
“We work hard to make Ironwood inviting and fun and to make sure businesses prosper,” said Mildren, who added that the town was “swamped” with activity last week, thanks to “awesome” celebrations throughout the region.
The city’s own Festival Ironwood will take place next week from July 17-20.
Commissioners also:
—Approved an amendment for a two-month extension to a five-year contract with Republic Services Environmental Solutions III for refuse and recycling services. Anderson said the extension, which includes a 4.8% increase in cost, based on the Consumer Price Index, is needed while the city gathers Requests for Proposals in relation to its next long-term contract.
—Approved a Rural Development pay package in the amount of $976,671.39 in relation to the city’s Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Project.
—Approved a change order that addresses an increase of $31,974.70 for Jake’s Excavating and Landscaping of Ironwood in relation to the 2024 street improvement project and also approved a payment of $42,878.51 to Jake’s Excavating for the same project.
—Approved a resolution that acknowledges the State Trunkline Maintenance Contract running from Oct. 1 until Sept. 30, 2029.
—Approved the introduction of an ordinance to vacate the alley behind or west of 206 N. Hemlock St. Bergman said the alley is directly north of an alley vacated in recent months, “so it’s like a continuation.” He added that a related July 22 public hearing also will address the Hemlock site. Ruth and John Mitchell, who shared a deed showing that they already own half the alley, requested it to be vacated.
—Approved a resolution that authorizes publication of the notice of intent to issue revenue bonds, not to exceed $2,500,000, for the Sewer Disposal System Improvements Phase 5B Project.
—Heard Mayor Kim Corcoran’s reappointment of Bruce Greenhill to the Ironwood Downtown Development Authority for a 4-year term ending on June 30, 2028. “Bruce is an awesome guy,” said the mayor. She added that applications are welcome for open seats on other city boards.
All votes were unanimous with David Andresen absent.
Commissioners also heard the city manager, who also serves as city engineer, provide a number of updates in relation to city projects. Anderson said that, following “a multi-year process,” Bergman’s office has achieved “Redevelopment Ready Community” status from the Michigan Economic Development Commission.
The public is welcome to attend a related celebration on Friday at 1 p.m. in the downtown city square.
The commission’s next regular meeting will be on July 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the commission chamber of the Ironwood Memorial Building.
