By Iron Mountain

Daily News

IRON MOUNTAIN — Applications are due May 13 for an Iron Mountain City Council seat representing Ward 3 after council member Robert “Butch” Schinderle resigned Monday.

The council plans to make an appointment at its May 17 meeting for a term that expires with the Nov. 2 council election.

Schinderle, who was not seeking re-election, has faced time constraints as his young son battles leukemia, Mayor Dale Alessandrini said. He was appointed to fill the Ward 3 seat in June 2019 after Amanda List resigned.

The council accepted his resignation with regret and will advertise the vacancy. Ward 3 is generally the area south of C Street.

The council has seven members, including four who serve at-large and one representing each of the three respective wards.

In other action Monday, the council:

≤ Amended its general business district zoning to increase the maximum allowed height of buildings from the current 40 feet to five above-ground stories and potentially higher with a special use permit. Developers are considering a project at the former Timbers Motor Lodge site at 200 S. Stephenson Ave. that would need 50 feet as a maximum height. There were no comments during a public hearing that preceded the council’s action.

≤ Gave permission to Dickinson Trail Network to construct a pavilion on city property to include a map kiosk for bike trails, along with a bike repair station in memory of Tony Tatangelo. The $3,600 cost will be privately funded, along with in-kind donations of labor and some materials, said Chad Susott, DTN president. It will be on Millie Hill near the Millie Mine Bat Cave parking area.

≤ Had a preliminary discussion on joining Michigan’s Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. The agreement would coordinate each fire department’s manpower and equipment capabilities so that members know what is available if the need arises, said Edwin Mattson, director of police and fire services. It’s anticipated Norway, Breitung Township, West Branch and Sagola will join, along with the Alpha-Mastodon and Crystal Falls departments in Iron County. “I see no negatives to it,” Mattson told the council, noting an existing mutual aid agreement with Kingsford would not be affected if Kingsford chooses not to join.

≤ Approved street closures for the Monday, May 31, Memorial Day observance coordinated by the Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs. A procession will begin on Ludington Street and go south on Stephenson Avenue before ending in front of the Dickinson County Courthouse for a program tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m.

≤ Appointed Peter Tomassoni to the Iron Mountain Housing Commission after Marilyn Schultz resigned.

≤ Opened bids from three contractors for a roof-mounted air conditioning unit at City Hall. Universal Plumbing-Heating & Air Conditioning of Kingsford submitted the low bid of $4,200 for a 13-SEER unit or $6,000 for a 17-SEER model. The bids were referred to staff for review.

— Noted that hydrant flushing will start Monday and end May 13, beginning at the well site at the north end of the city and proceeding south. Residents may experience temporary water discoloration.

— Heard Alessandrini encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and call for volunteers for Friends of Iron Mountain City Park. The mayor also suggested payments from the state’s Marihuana Regulation Fund should go entirely to eligible municipalities, rather than being shared with the respective counties. In March, Dickinson County received $28,000 for the licensed Rize U.P. retail store in Iron Mountain, the same as the city received.

— Tentatively approved closing River Avenue from 3 to 8 p.m. May 29 to accommodate a planned dinner at American Legion Post 50 for the Veterans Tribute Ride. The authorization is contingent on proof of liability insurance for the block closure.

— Adopted a resolution recognizing National Bike Month, noting bicycle-friendly communities have been shown to improve citizens’ health and quality of life. The resolution urges all road users to share the road safely with bicyclists.

— Reminded residents that garbage collection will revert to alley pickup effective Monday, May 10.

— Agreed to waive a pavilion rental fee for the Golden K special needs youth picnic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 1 at City Park. A $75 security deposit will be required.