ANTHONY ERICKSON

KINGSFORD — Anthony Erickson and Dennis Baldinelli were re-elected mayor and mayor pro tem of the Kingsford City Council at the reorganizational meeting Monday.

Current committee assignments remained the same.

The council agreed to hire an assistant public works superintendent at $25 per hour. The person will be hired from the current staff and it will be a non-union position.

The position had not been filed in more than 10 years, but the current work load justifies the need, City Manager Anthony Edlebeck said.

The city also is seeking a new director of public works.

In other business, the council:

— Turned down a request to replace a water-damaged countertop in the public safety building with granite or quartz. Insurance will cover the estimated $1,517 cost of a laminate countertop. The roof of the public safety building will be examined this spring to locate the source of the leak. Edlebeck said a metal roof put on the building several years ago may need repair.

— Scheduled a public hearing Jan. 28 before the Planning Commission on rezoning the former Birchwood Mall property from B1 to B2.

— Was told the city cull hunt harvested 16 deer.

— Learned a bus company plans to purchase property on Balsam Street. Schilleman Bus Service of Eagle River, Wis., plans to open a facility in Kingsford, after taking over service for the Breitung Township School District last month.

— Scheduled the city tree lighting ceremony for 6 p.m. Monday. Santa and Mrs. Claus also will attend.

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 42, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.