City Commission Nixes Siren Idea

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Tuesday, March 9, 2010 - The Regular Ironwood City Commission Meeting was held Monday, March 8, 2010, at 5:30 PM in the Commission Chambers at the Memorial Building, downtown Ironwood, Michigan.

A. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM followed by an opening prayer, and The Pledge of Allegiance.

B. Recording of the Roll. All Present: Mayor Bob Burchell, Kim Corcoran, William Lucius, Gemma Lamb, and Rick Semo.

C. Approval of the Consent Agenda. * All items with an asterisk(*) are considered to be routine by the City Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of those items unless a Commission member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the General Order of Business and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

*1) Approval of Minutes--Feb 22nd Regular City Commission Meeting & Special meeting of February 18th. *2) Review and Place on File: A) Ironwood Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of January 6th. *3) Scheduling public hearings for Monday, March 22nd at 4:40 PM, 4:45 PM & 4:50 PM for the purpose of receiving comment on City of Ironwood Revolving Loan/Grant Fund Requests to Gogebic County EDC ($50,000), Entrée Companions/Mike Farney ($60,000) and City Of Ironwood (Purchase of Historic Ironwood Theatre Front Concourse- Not to exceed $50,000). *4) Scheduling public hearings for Monday, March 22nd at 4:55 PM & 5:00 PM to receive comment on submitting two “Parks” grant Applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund.

City Manager Scott Erickson said it was recommended to remove from item #3 the public hearing for the loan request to Gogebic County EDC, as their state contact told them they cannot do that. A motion was made by Commissioner Lamb, supported by Commissioner Lucius, to approve the Consent Agenda with the amendment. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Approval of the Agenda

Mayor Bob Burchell said there is one item to add to the Agenda: Consider the donation of the property at 118 West Pine Street in Ironwood, so it can be considered a blighted property for demolition. City Manager Erickson asked that a public hearing be added also, for the consideration for an inter-local agreement. Acceptance of the donated property was put under item G-1 under New Business. To consider the public hearing was moved to item G-2 under New Business. A motion was made by Commissioner Lamb, supported by Commissioner Semo to approve the Agenda as amended. Roll call vote: unanimously yes.

E. Citizens wishing to address the Commission on Items on the Agenda. Citizen Steve Frank said he’d like to speak on item H.

OLD BUSINESS

F. Discuss and Consider approval of Resolution #010-010 Establishing Two (2) Non-Voting Youth Liaison Positions to the City Commission.

Commissioner Lucius said that once this Resolution is passed, they can take the next step of finding two people to serve as liaisons and can work with Mr. Kolesar at the high school for one position, and can have an application process for the other position. Commissioner Kim Corcoran made a motion to approve Resolution #010-010, supported by Commissioner Gemma Lamb. No further discussion. All in favor.

NEW BUSINESS

G. Discuss and Consider approval of Resolution #010-009 adopting the MERS Health Care Savings Program.

City Manager Erickson told the Commission they switched to MERS for retirement, and they offer a health care savings program, which is a volunteer program for staff. Essentially it allows people to defer retirement dollars into a tax-deferred health care savings program. Julie Frederickson said that retirement health care has been discontinued for new employees, so this gives them a way to save for retirement health care. The city’s contribution is nothing. Possible negotiations exist to put raise money into this account instead of into raise money, down the road. The program is transferable. It does not affect anyone’s current retirement plan. The plan is for union and non-union employees. The program is voluntary.

Commissioner Gemma Lamb made a motion to adopt Resolution #010-009, the MERS Health Care Savings Program, supported by Commissioner Rick Semo. No further discussion. Roll call vote all yes.

G-1. Consider donation of property at 118 West Pine Street for blight removal.

Manager Erickson said the property owner approached them in regard to donating the property, which would be demolished as blighted property. The demolition would be done through NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) funds. The city would be the property owner afterward. Commissioner Semo made a motion to accept the property, supported by Commissioner Lucius. Roll call vote all yes.

G-2. Discuss a public hearing regarding the establishment of a Western U.P. Revolving Loan Fund Consortium.

Scott Erickson said it is in regards to the regionalization of the local EDC funds; including six entities, of which Ironwood is a part. The state is mandating that regionalization does take place. There is a requirement that public hearings are held. A motion was made by Commissioner Semo, supported by Commissioner Lamb, to hold the public hearing before the next City Commission meeting. No discussion, all in favor. Motion passed.

H. Discuss and Consider awarding lowest bid to West Shore Services for (2) Outdoor Warning Sirens and dispatch connections from Ironwood to Negaunee in the amount of $35,970.

Manager Erickson said that this is about emergency warning sirens that the city has been looking into over the last two or three years, as part of Capital Improvement Planning. The city received a partial grant from USDA Rural Development, which was about 45% of the cost. They went out for bids, and received two. Two sirens and a dispatch connection to Negaunee is $35,970, from West Shore Services. A second bid from American was for one siren at $23,720. If it had to be doubled, it would be over $40,000, making West Shore the lowest bid. It is well into the third year of the grant, and they have three years to decide. Commissioner Corcoran asked if other items are allowable with the grant. IPSD Director Robert Erspamer said the grant money can be used for other Public-safety related equipment, according to what he learned at the last meeting he attended. Commissioner Lucius clarified that part of the grant money was used for the purchase of a new vehicle. If they don’t go with the sirens, they lose the contribution for the vehicle. But if they go with the sirens, according to Lucius, they will be spending more than if they just got the car. Director Erspamer verified that they would still be ahead if they didn’t go with the sirens. Manager Erickson said that then they wouldn’t have the sirens, obviously. He stressed that if for some reason they didn’t go with the sirens, that they look at other needs or purchases. He said he didn’t know if they could do it within the time-frame. Commissioner Lucius said he’s in favor of grants; however, there is other equipment they must need more. Scott Erickson said they do not currently have a siren system. He said if a gas line erupts or there is a tornado, there is not really a mechanism in place to notify the public. Director Erspamer said that what they do now is notify the radio stations and television stations, and there is also a program people can sign up for e-mail and text-message alerts, called Nixel. Director Erspamer said that Negaunee is working on getting Next Generation 911, where messages can be sent to everyone’s cell phones. It is at least two years off.

Commissioner Lucius asked Director Erspamer if it is his recommendation to get the sirens. Erspamer said that this was the direction that the previous Mayor and Commission wanted to go. Director Erspamer said it would be one more way to notify the public, but there are many other things they could use. He reiterated that this was the way the previous Commission and Mayor wanted to go, so that is what they pursued. Commissioner Semo pointed out what the cost of the vehicle is alone $24,000, versus approximately $60,000 for the sirens and the car.

Public Comment

Citizen Steve Frank expressed a desire to, “Finally put this to rest.” He said one member of the public was pushing for this over two years ago. Mr. Frank asked about testing that was done to determine how many sirens they would need. Director Erspamer said the estimate was 8 sirens needed for Ironwood, according to a company that did tests to determine the amount needed. Three sirens are recommended to cover the whole city, and they would be able to afford two. Steve Frank pointed out that this does not cover the whole city of Ironwood, leaving them to decide which parts to cover as part of this “very necessary early warning system.” Steve said he questions when they would ever use this, and whether it’s worth that much money. Mr. Frank pointed out that he can think of no time in the past twenty years when this would be needed. Last year, he said, they had a gas leak in Bessemer and didn’t sound the siren that they have. He said there has to be better things to spend their money on that antiquated technology.

Mayor Burchell asked about the time frame for utilizing the grant, and was told by manager Erickson that it is a tight time frame, as they are in the third year.

Commissioner Semo said for the $9,000 they will get another weapon in their arsenal to protect their residents. Mr. Semo said he agrees with Mr. Frank that the likelihood of using it is slim. However; he said, if they are wrong and people die as a result, they lose more. He said he feels this is cheap insurance for $9,000.

Commissioner Lucius asked if they switch to Iron County from Negaunee who would be responsible for the cost of switching. Director Erspamer said that if they hook it up in Negaunee and then switch, Ironwood would be responsible. If the switch happens before this hook-up, it is included in the price. If they hook up to Negaunee and they switch to Iron County, Michigan, either the City or the 911 Committee would be responsible for the additional costs. The cost for the connection is $8,120, and Director Erspamer said he estimates the cost to move the connection would be approximately $5,000.

Commissioner Lucius said he is all for public safety, but asked if there are things that can be used more effectively and more frequently than a siren system, and could it be done within the time frame they have to work with. Director Erspamer said his opinion is yes. The could use breathing apparatuses and fire turn-out gear. He said it would be quick turn-around, but feels they could do it.

A motion was made by Commissioner Lucius to reject the bid as presented, and to authorize Public Safety to find alternative uses to fulfill the grant. The motion was supported by Commissioner Corcoran. No further discussion. Roll call vote all yes. Motion passed.

I. Discuss and Consider awarding bid to David Inkala for a 1999 Chevy Tahoe (Surplus Equipment) in the amount of $1,313.13.

Manager Erickson said they received two bids on the vehicle, which is surplus. The minimum bid was $1,250. A motion was made to accept the bid by Commissioner Semo to accept the bid, supported by Commissioner Lucius. No further discussion. Roll call vote all yes. Motion passed.

J. Discuss and Consider Authorizing advertisement for bids for Riverside Cemetery and City Parks Mowing Contract.

City Manager Scott Erickson said a two year contract for mowing the cemetery is expired. They are asking for permission to re-advertise for bids. Commissioner Corcoran asked about the city doing their own mowing. Scott Erickson said the workers they have are committed and would have to do less somewhere else. He said it is a very labor intensive process, and takes a long time. Commissioner Lucius asked for clarification on the duties of the cemetery workers. Manager Erickson said they have burials, maintenance, clean up, and do mow a portion of the cemetery. For the most part, there is one person there full-time, with an assistant when needed.

Scott responded to a question about contracting out the work being more cost-effective. He said that contract work is usually minimum wage, while the city’s workers hourly rate and benefits are higher, making contracting out the more cost-effective choice. Commissioner Lamb asked how many mowings they have, to which she was told 5 is the norm, by Scott Erickson.

A motion was made by Commissioner Lamb and supported by Commissioner Semo to authorize advertising for bids for Riverside Cemetery and City Parks mowing contract. No further discussion. Roll call vote all yes. Motion carried.

K. Mayor’s Appointment.

An open position with the Ironwood Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was applied for by Jim Peterson. Mayor Burchell made a recommendation to appoint Jim Peterson to the seat on the EDC. A motion was made by Commissioner Lamb to support the Mayor’s appointment, supported by Commissioner Lucius. All in favor.

L. Manager’s Report.

City Manager Scott Erickson said:

• Road restrictions went into effect Monday, March 8.
• A youth summit went on a few weeks back at Gogebic Community College, and Betsy Wesselhoff and Marcy Kusz will be at the next meeting for an update, in two weeks.
• Interviews for the Community Development Director will be taking place next week. They will be interviewing six, possibly seven candidates for the position.
• As part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), money has been received for the demolition of blighted property. Three properties, over the last few days, have come down, or are coming down. They include a trailer at 207 Luxmore, 107 West McLeod, and 801 East Ayer. Another 14 structures have been bid out and approved for demolition. There are a total of 27 blighted properties that staff members are working on to get taken down. They have until June 30th to get this done, no extensions. There is still grant money available for blighted properties, and they are receptive to more calls. Scott said due to good bids, they will be able to take down more structures than anticipated, if available.
• Commissioner Lamb asked about burns taking place. Director Erspamer said that a training burn will take place in conjunction with the Hurley Fire Department, and Ironwood Township Fire Department, due to the house being so large. The burn will take place at 459 East Pine Street, the second week of April. Preparation involves removing hazardous materials, and disconnecting electric. Asphalt shingles are okay to leave on, according to Director Erspamer. Whether it is more cost effective to do burns remains to be seen.
• Michigan Department of Transportation will be doing an asphalt overlay on US-2 this summer, a temporary fix. They put US-2 through Ironwood in their 5 year plan, something that has never happened before. A two phase approach is being looked at, subject to budgets, beginning in 2015, from the Welcome Center to Curry Street. In 2016 the second half would be done. This would be a total rebuild, five years down the road. The overlay will be temporary, to get US-2 through for the next 5 years. There is also a corridor enhancement plan along US-2, for aesthetic improvements along US2.
• The Gogebic County Highway Department is looking at reconstructing from Greenbush to Margaret to the College. Prior to street work, water main replacement will be done on Greenbush. This project will move forward this year.
• The Next Generation Group has four work groups, meeting on a monthly basis, looking at ways to retain and keep young people in the area. A big meeting will be held with the work-groups open to the public, Monday March 15th, 2010 at 6:00 PM at Gogebic Community College in Room B-21. It will be a time to see what the group has been doing, as well as gain support for their efforts.
• May 8th will be “Make a Difference Day”, done in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday, May 8th, 8:00 AM at the Depot Building, people meet and adopt an area of town to essentially clean up, and rid it of winter garbage. It is a spring cleaning for the city.
• The following week, May 15th at 8:00 AM is Spring Clean-Up Day, where people can come and dump their unwanted items at the site across from Northwoods Auto. This is not for household garbage; rather, items like old dressers and things of this nature.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Lamb asked for an update on ATV trail #2 for the next meeting. She asked that it be added to the agenda. The issues are dust control, signage, and speed limit enforcement.

Commissioner Lamb brought up the applications for the various boards and commissions and asked that they be revised to include requiring a resume’ as an attachment, on the bottom of page 1. On the second page, where it is only for the Planning Commission in the first spot, she’d like it to be open for boards all commissions, to try to get people with diverse backgrounds and experience in various areas in the city, rather than just for the planning commission. She’d also like the educational background to not be optional, but required. The only thing that is not required for all applicants would be the DIDA spot. Gemma Lamb said this is all to get more information, to help make better choices.

N. Citizens Wishing to Address the Commission on Items Not on the Agenda(Five Minute Limit).

A male citizen asked that the Jones Motel be considered for demolition. City Manager Erickson said the demolition is for residential structures, but an argument can be made for demolition to the state to allow it.

Citizen Steve Frank said 30-40 stray cats were removed from the building.

Frank mentioned the “observant herd” mentality in regards to city clean-up. This says 10% of people are sinners, choosing to do the wrong thing all the time. 10% are saints, doing the right things all the time. The other 80% is the herd, looking at others to see what they are doing. Dr. Kaiser did a study by putting up graffiti and litter. This was shown to lead to basic disorganization. Mr. Frank said that if we have to have a specific day for clean up in Ironwood, we have failed. He said he’d like to see the current Commission take a leadership role, acknowledging that we have a problem with litter, and vandalism. He said he believes 90% of the litter is preventable, and needs to be taken care of right away. He suggested a proclamation perhaps saying that there is a problem, and that it needs to be fixed. Lastly, he asked if all the trails will be closed temporarily, as road restrictions are on. Mayor Burchell said snowmobile trails are open until April 1st. The ATV policy will be addressed at the next meeting.

Citizen Mark Silver said that he respectfully disagrees that clean-up day doesn’t have any effect. Steve Frank said he didn’t mean it had no effect, but that we shouldn’t have to have a clean-up day. Mr. Silver said it was a great time for citizens to get rid of stuff that had piled up. Mayor Burchell pointed out to Mr. Silver that there are two different clean-up days they are talking about. He said both are good. Mr. Frank said he does pick up garbage if he sees it, and Mr. Silver said he believes him.

Meeting Adjourned