IRON MOUNTAIN — Tax breaks are in the works for two rehabilitation projects, a coffee shop and a dental office, in Iron Mountain’s commercial district.

The city council on Monday set public hearings for 6 p.m. Oct. 15 on applications from Contrast Coffee and Paul Fornetti DDS.

Contrast Coffee is rehabilitating the former Frederick’s Floral, 1201 S. Carpenter Ave., at an estimated cost of $170,000. The plan calls for a coffee shop and other business space on the first floor and three residential apartments on the second floor.

Sidewalks near the building will be replaced, the drive entrance will be relocated and a concrete outdoor patio with canopy will be installed. Work has begun and the majority of the upgrades may be completed this year.

Under the city’s commercial rehabilitation tax exemption program, the new investment qualifies for a six-year abatement on the cost of the building improvements, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said. According to an application from owner Douglas Cheney, there will be at least seven full-time jobs.

Fornetti, who has a practice on Hemlock Street in Iron Mountain, will invest more than $1 million to replace the former Elks Lodge at 1001 Cedar Ave. with a new dental office. The original building was demolished and the new facility will have a paved parking lot with lighting. In addition to the site work, a new sewer line was installed.

The project will retain eight jobs and qualifies for a nine-year exemption due to the amount being spent, Stanchina said.

Last month, the city approved a six-year Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption certificate for Erickson Jewelers, which invested about $450,000 at its new location at 511 S. Stephenson Ave.

Under the rehabilitation program, only the improved taxable value is exempt from local taxes for the specified period, Stanchina explained. “The goal is to improve the district,” he said.

In other action Monday, the council:

— Established a $10 licensing fee, the same as for dogs, for residents keeping miniature or pot-bellied pigs as pets. Pigs up to 200 pounds and 18 inches in height are permitted under an ordinance adopted in September.

— In conjunction with Michigan Department of Transportation paving projects scheduled this fall, authorized additional work not to exceed $15,000 to repair portions of adjoining city streets, including 136 feet of Kimberly Avenue from Woodward Avenue to the north; 30 feet of West H Street from Carpenter Avenue to the east; and 135 feet of East H Street’s eastbound lanes from Stephenson Avenue to the west. Bacco Construction Co. of Iron Mountain is the contractor. The estimated cost of the extra work is $8,300, but a higher amount was approved to avoid potential delays.

More than 150 stalled road projects across Michigan are set to resume after road builders agreed last week to end their lockout of a union for heavy equipment operators. Negotiations are to continue on a new contract.

— Learned that fall hydrant flushing has begun and will continue through Thursday.

— Noted that Halloween trick-or-treat hours for Iron Mountain and Kingsford have been set for 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.