Hurley considers hiring building inspector

By PAMELA JANSSON

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Hurley — Members of the Hurley City Council discussed on Tuesday evening the possibility of hiring a building inspector but agreed that they first should be clear on what they need.

Mayor Joanne Bruneau suggested consulting first with Daniel Soine, who has helped the city with zoning and planning in past years.

The mayor first suggested that building inspection needs perhaps could be handled by existing city staff, with emphasis on Scott Santini, director of Public Works.

“If you’re asking my opinion, your department is most qualified,” said Bruneau to Santini.

But Santini said there is more to the job than what might appear, given the need for knowledge of related ordinances and other details.

“It is a lot more work,” he said.

Council member Rita Franzoi asked whether the creation of a job description might not help to clarify what needs might fit with existing employees.

“We’re going to have to research more,” said the mayor. “We’re trying to come up with a better plan that’s less expensive for the city.”

She added of the tasks needed and limited funds, “ Right now, I don’t know who would even take it on.”

In other news, Franzoi also pointed out that, although the Hurley Chamber of Commerce organized the Paavo Nurmi Marathon from its inception 55 years ago, an outside entity has been organizing it in the past few years.

Franzoi believes that any operation that is controlling the event and profiting from it should be paying a percentage of funds made to the city.

The council also discussed whether the organization of the marathon could be localized once more.

Members decided to research the issue more and discuss the matter again at their next regular meeting.

The council also:

— Approved a resolution in relation to supporting a grant application made by Cobblestone Hotels, which aims for construction of a hotel in Hurley this year, to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

— Heard from Wiercinski that dog licenses are available in the clerk’s office for $5 per dog if spayed or neutered and $10 if not.

The council’s next regular meeting will be on Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. in the Hurley City Hall.