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CRYSTAL FALLS – Pentoga Park Campground in Crystal Falls will see an increase in revenue from higher campground and vehicle fees, which could help fund the removal of Eurasian milfoil from Chicagon Lake as well as the continued renovation of the park and other projects.
The increases in rates, and a new seasonal boat launch charge, were approved unanimously by the Iron County Board of Commissioners at its Monday meeting.
Campground fees for Iron County residents are $21 per day or $495 for 30 days, up from $19 and $475, respectively. Non-residents will pay $24 per day or $520 for 30 days, up from $21 and $495.
Vehicle passes for the park are $3 per day instead of $2 per day. Seasonal vehicle passes remain $10. The new seasonal pass required for vehicles parked in the boat launch parking lot will also be $10.
Several commissioners remarked that the improvements at the park, including a new handicap-accessible dock and bathrooms, have served to increase its appeal.
An Iron County resident attending the meeting reserved comment regarding the rate increases but said that he would not mind paying the $10 seasonal boat launch pass, as a camper and a fisherman.
Many Waters, LLC has been contracted to remove invasive milfoil from Lake Chicagon, which will begin after July 15.
In other business, the board:
– Heard Commissioner Patti Peretto report that a new Chamber of Commerce director will not immediately be hired to replace Bob Black, the former director. The chamber will operate with an office manager and a secretary for the time being, due to budget constrictions.
– Heard Board Chair James Brennan report that Iron County will not be receiving financial aid from the state to assist in covering costs accrued during the harsh winter.
Brennan said an estimated $20 million has been spent by county and municipal governments across the Upper Peninsula due to the severe cold and winter conditions.
He added that the issue has been turned over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), though any possible response may be a year or more in the future.
– Heard Iron County Sheriff Mark Valesano report that a new patrol vehicle for the sheriff’s office was purchased for roughly half its price.
A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant and the proceeds from the sale of the old squad car covered approximately 50 percent of the cost.
– Approved a memorandum of understanding relating to the proper maintenance and upkeep of the Pentoga Park burial grounds.
– Approved a lease agreement regarding office space at Iron County Medical Care Facility between the county and the Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency (DICSA).
– Discussed ballot language for a proposed millage on the to replace the Iron County Central Dispatch radio.
Valesano assured the board this would not be a luxury purchase. He said the current dispatch radio is about 15 years old and needs to be replaced. The replacement model sought is the MCC 7500 from Motorola, at a cost of approximately $390,000.
A motion to table this item was approved, however ballot language is expected to be finalized in time for the November elections.
– Approved a motion to reduce the price of the Iron County Platbook CD from $75 to $25, as copies of the book itself have run out and demand for the information continues.
– Approved a motion to move into executive session in order to discuss several written opinions of counsel.
Evan Reid’s e-mail address is ereid@ironmountaindailynews.com.