Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By PAMELA JANSSON
Bessemer — The Bessemer City Council learned at its Monday evening meeting that members of the Bessemer Area Historical Society are reconsidering their original plans to build a new museum in the downtown area.
The existing main street museum — known as the Bessemer Area Heritage Center — is at 403 S. Sophie St.
“They are looking to possibly work with the city to showcase some of their items, rather than build a new building,” said interim city manager Mandy Lake, who emphasized that the society has limited funds with which to work in the long run.
She added, “They’re having some hesitations on that just because of the continuing costs for the building, upgrades, maintenance.”
Lake said that society members would like the council’s input in relation to the viability of using Bessemer City Hall space to display historical items.
She said they anticipate having to store many of their materials and “change them out seasonally.”
Lake added that ADA compliance also may need to be addressed.
Deputy clerk Samantha Dorr, noted that the need to accommodate persons with disabilities, in association with working toward potential society displays, might serve as positive factors in applying for future grants relating to the City Hall.
Moreover, she said, “There is a lot of potential in this building that isn’t really being utilized fully.”
She mentioned two lower-level bathrooms not in use, as well as other space that is not being used effectively.
“This would be a good home for it,” said Mayor Peter Tacconelli of the City Hall. “It would make sense to have it here.”
He added that historical displays within the hall would increase activity in the environment while also adding value for visitors.
In other news, due to the absence of Councilman Adam Zak, council members tabled potential action on the pending hiring of a city manager.
“Unfortunately, Adam was unable to make it tonight because he was ill, so I would like to table this until we have a full council,” said councilwoman Linda Nelson.
Lake is among the candidates interviewed.
Council members also:
— Voted to continue posting in local media three openings on the city’s Downtown Development Authority, along with one opening on the Planning Commission. “It’s tough,” said the deputy clerk. “We’ve been trying to get DDA members for a long time.” She added that, among persons eligible for a DDA seat are city residents, local business owners and even employees of those businesses.
— Approved new language in the first reading of a tax exemption ordinance in relation to a pending development known as the Iron Belle Apartments.
— In relation to several city roads, approved a blacktop bid of $31,139.70 from Angelo Luppino Inc. of Iron Belt, Wisconsin. The only other higher bid was from Northwoods Paving of Ironwood.
— Approved the cost of $2,330, including $212 for specialized legal advice if needed, to renew membership in the Michigan Municipal League. “$212 for legal funds is a pittance,” said Nelson, who emphasized the importance of the affiliation with MML in general.
— Learned from Lake that the city has received a rating of “substantially compliant” from the state Department of Treasury in relation to auditing of property taxes by Melissa Prisbe. Lake said the rating, which followed a recent state audit of the tax rolls, means that the city now is “good for another five years.” Council members, in turn, voted to accept the rating results.
— Approved the hiring of Rukkila I Negro and Associates in Houghton in relation to continued auditing services of the fiscal year that ended on June 30.
— Voted to deny a request for a donation for the city’s Pumpkinfest, scheduled for Sept. 27-29. Lake explained that the Michigan Municipal league handbook allows for donations for July 4 and Memorial Day activities, but not other events.
— Approved a request for a year-long extension for Bessemer resident Roger Ikola in relation to construction progress on property purchased from the city for $1 on the grounds that a house be built on that land within a designated time period.
In her manager’s report, Lake said that the city received two election grants, totaling $11,000, from the state. She said that the funds will be used to update electronic voting equipment, as well as computers used by the clerk and deputy clerk.
All votes were unanimous.
The council’s next regular meeting will be on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in the council chamber of the Bessemer City Hall.
