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NORWAY -- The Norway City Council on Monday turned down electric foreman Tim Brew's request for a compact excavator, saying it was not necessary at this time.
Though the machine was a budgeted item, council members were reluctant to make such a significant purchase. The lowest bid came in at nearly $35,000.
Council member Scott Popp said he would like to make progress on the city's other projects before buying new equipment. Council member Lee Meneghini was hesitant to spend money from the electric department's budget outside of the ongoing hydroelectric project until that work is completed.
Norway resident Mark Bubloni wondered how often the city would use an excavator and worried its cost would be offset by an increase in taxes.
In other business, the council:
-- Approved an application for the 15th annual Veterans Tribute Ride on Saturday, May 25. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Auto Sales in Iron Mountain and end at the Norway American Legion.
-- Authorized Elcom Communications to install communications equipment for fire and ambulance services for a cost not to exceed $3,627.80. North Alert Ambulance will be responsible for half of the cost.
-- Proclaimed April 26 as Arbor Day in the city. Although the proclamation was late, City Manager Ray Anderson said it was important to recognize the date. The National Arbor Day Foundation has designated Norway as a Tree City USA community for four consecutive years.
-- Accepted a bid from the Wright Electric Company for phase two of the Strawberry Lake Park Improvement project at a cost not to exceed $189,553.61. Improvements to be made during phase two include trail rehabilitation, building a retaining wall and asphalt parking lots.
-- Approved the sale of a small piece of property owned by both the city and Habitat for Humanity to Keith Burcar for $1. The sale is contingent on Habitat's approval.
-- Increased the non-union employee pay rate among Parks and Recreation seasonal staff. Employees will earn $11 an hour in their first year and an additional 50 cents annually until they reach $13 an hour.
-- Temporarily suspended sign ordinances in anticipation of the City Wide Rummage Sales Saturday, May 18. Residents who wish to advertise their sales can place signs May 16. All signs must be removed by May 19.