Iron Mountain City Hall.

IRON MOUNTAIN — For at least the next three weeks, Iron Mountain City Hall will be closed to the public in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The action was taken Monday by the city council after City Manager Jordan Stanchina gave an update on efforts to battle COVID-19 by “eliminating all non-essential public contact.”

The closure will be in effect until April 7, when it will be re-evaluated.

There were no known coronavirus cases in the Upper Peninsula as of Monday. However, only a handful of people have been tested by local health care providers and city officials believe it’s just a matter of time before infections are confirmed in the region.

Ed Mattson, the city’s director of police and fire services, said officers remain on full duty but in some cases will try to “limit unnecessary contact.” An example would be declining to go to the scene of a minor traffic mishap on private property, he said.

Mayor Dale Alessandrini reported on discussions with Dickinson County Healthcare System on the availability of ventilators and hospital beds. Dickinson County Memorial Hospital has eight ventilators of its own, access to six more, and is pursuing others, he said.

While the hospital officially has 49 inpatient beds, Alessandrini said he’s been told the emergency capacity can be expanded by 100 beds. Both the hospital and Bellin Health are setting up mobile units for COVID-19 testing so patients can be screened without entering facilities, the mayor said.

As a resource for updates, Stanchina recommended the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department’s Facebook page. Also, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions. The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time at 1-888-535-6136.

Council member Kyle Blomquist encouraged support for local businesses impacted by coronavirus prevention measures. That might include takeout/delivery orders from restaurants and online/telephone purchases from shops, he said.

Monday’s meeting had extra spacing between chairs for council members, staff and the public.

Kingsford City Hall will also be closed to the public, at least through April 6, city officials said.

In other action, the Iron Mountain council:

— Accepted a two-year audit bid from Clifton Larson Allen LLP, provided it meets specifications. The cost is $19,950 for 2020 and $20,265 for 2021. Although there were no other proposals, the city has been happy with CLA in the past, Stanchina said. The same firm did the 2019 audit at a cost of $17,150.

— Approved a letter of understanding with the firefighters union to allow a pregnancy-related light duty assignment. In relation to the staffing adjustment, Mattson said there is a dire need for more part-time firefighters. The problem is not unique to the city, he added. The council discussed potentially increasing the $11.50 wage rate for part-timers when the 2020-21 fiscal year budget is prepared.

— As recommended by the Downtown Development Authority, approved the appointment of Anthony Tatangelo to fill a vacancy on the nine-member DDA Board. He replaces Mike Nicometo, who resigned. Four candidates were interviewed.

— Agreed to threaten termination of a tower property lease with broadcaster Sovereign Communications, which owes more than $12,000, including $6,000 dating to early 2019. Payment will be expected by April 6. In October, it was reported that Sovereign’s radio stations in Iron Mountain had been purchased by Armada Media Partners.

— Authorized closing River Avenue on May 23 for the Veterans Tribute Ride. The annual event draws 200 to 400 motorcyclists, with cars welcome as well. River Avenue would be closed from 3 to 10 p.m. that day to accommodate a planned dinner at American Legion Post 50.