Kim S. Corcoran was seated as a new member of the Board/Authority as a result of the November 3, 2009 election. Kim joins Kim Mattson, Township Supervisor as both the second Kim on the board and as the second female to be seated on the current board.

Last evening 32 Ontonagon County residents came together for the second time in two weeks to discuss ways to improve the economic future of the county.

The meeting was once again led by Frank Wardynski the MSU County Extension Agent. At the last meeting an action committee was formed to set the direction of the venture, including the hiring of a Community Development Director and ways to fund the enterprise.

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Emergency Services

On February Ballot

Last night, the Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners approved a countywide millage proposal to be placed on the ballot for the February 23, 2010 election.

The one mil levy will be used to provide emergency medical care equipment and relating operating expenses. The one mil levy is expected to raise $255,090 the first year and will be levied for three years, 2010 through 2012.

The countywide emergency services will be provided through SONCO Ambulance, Inc., 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Residents of those townships that currently have a one mill levy will be exempt from the new levy, should it be passed, so long as their township levy is in effect.

Jackie Strauch appeared before the commissioners to answer any questions relative to the ballot proposal.

In other matters, Viki White, representing Ontonagon Transit also appeared before the commissioners regarding several matters.

The first item was the proposed contract with MDOT at the cost not to exceed $4,000 for an energy audit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Another matter discussed was relating to the heating and ventilation systems, whereas the in floor heating system was put in place without using antifreeze in the system. A water fill valve would have to be installed so that the antifreeze could be installed into the system. The lowest proposal was for $2,265 from ACC Planned Service and was approved by the commissioners.

The third item relating to Ontran was the annual contract with Copper Country Mental Health. Under the terms of the contract, Ontran will provide transportation for the agency clients within Ontonagon County. In the past the contract has generated revenues of $35,000 annually.

Rose Lee Slocum appeared before the Commission to advise them that she has successfully attained a level III certification which required 10 exams, a commercial and industrial appraisal. The level III accreditation will allow Slocum to be officially designated as the County Equalization Director. Having received the position on a permanent basis, Slocum asked the Commissioners for permission to post two job positions, a Property Appraissor and a Senior Appraiser.

The Commissioners approved a year end line item transfer funds, and they also approved a reapportionment of 20010 levies based on the millage approvals approved in the last election

The Commissioners went into closed session last night to consider a Transit Union Grievance. After returning to open session the commissioners voted to reject the grievance.

The ironwood Township has learned that steps taken to reduce employee healthcare cost will payoff in large savings. The township changed insurance agents and made substantial changes in their coverage. A change in Plans offered, along with deductible changes will result in $19,725. savings to Township taxpayers.

In other matters, Bernie Brunello advised the township trustees that Gogebic Iron County Wastewater Board has approved the purchase of three sludge pumps at the cost of $30,000 per pump. These, along with other items at the treatment plant, are beginning to show their age. Another item needing attention will be the underground wiring which is now 15 plus years of age.

The Authority is sitting on a very large replacement fund designed for these very items, therefore the repairs and replacements should not effect local taxpayers.

The trustees will be looking into the most affordable and efficient ways to finance the new Fire Truck approved by the voters in the November 3rd election.

City Rejects Harju Variance

Last night the Bessemer City Council sat in what turned out to be a marathon Public Meeting . The meeting was held to consider a zoning variance request by Dylan Harju to permit a snowmobile park on his farm. The planning and zoning board had recommended that the request for the variance be declined. The topic may have dealt with snow, but it was hot enough to pack the council chamber. A large number of people showed up to both support and protest the granting of a variance. Judge Gotham gave testimony opposing the sled park including aerial photographs. A petition signed by thirteen residents of the Tilden Road property had previously been submitted to the city.

Since the meeting wherein the P&Z reviewed the issue, Harju had written the council requesting that the request be amended to a "Special Use Permit" in lieu of a Variance request. Although the request had be amended, the council still proceeded with the public meeting as if they were still considering the withdrawn variance request. The City Attorney was on hand to explain the requirements of issuing a variance.

Ultimately, Councilmen Pete Matonich attempted to bring the marathon debate to a close, noting that the public meeting was for the purpose of considering a variance request that was no longer a variance request. Al Gaiss made a motion to deny the request for the variance request that was no longer a variance request. Matonich seconded the motion and after a little more discussion the variance was declined unanimously.

The commission then considered another variance request by Mr. Pihlaja for an oversized garage or pole storage building. The P&Z did not approve nor disapprove, but suggested further review. The proposed building does not have the required set backs, and may also violated the height restrictions as stated in the city ordinance. The council sent the issue back to Planning and Zoning for further review. The City Manager and City Inspector will visit the site to gather more information.

In other business, the council approved a transfer of the Booby Hatch Liqueur License to an undisclosed party for use in Marenisco.

The council also approved the 2% increase in the city’s MERS - E contribution. A move that will cost the city approximately $1356 per year.

The City Manager advised the Council that the two blighted properties on Hematite and on Stone were sent notices, although one formally rejected service the clock was still ticking on their condemnation process. There are two more properties to be served, which will result in a total of four buildings being razed.

Ainon Tupa to Host 2011 Meet

The monthly meeting of the Ladies of Keleva, Ainon Tupa #13 was held in Baraga on Novmber 10th.

A report from the Ladies of Kaleva's Midwest District meeting held in Duluth on September 26 was given by Linda Graham. Next year's meeting will be hosted by the Thunder Bay, Ontario Tupa.

Ainon Tupa will be hosting the Midwest District meeting in 2011 and
the group discussed possible location for the event.

Kris Miilu gave an update on the possibility of getting the Mason Building. The group has been investigating the possibility of purchasing the Old Mass City Mason Building. After considering all the pros and cons it was determined that the building is too old and requires too much repair. The cost of the building and the repairs would be more than the group can afford.

ED. Note: The Ladies of Kaliva provide among other things, college scholarships to the area's Finnish Youth.