NORWAY — The Norway City Council approved a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan Monday to comply with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order, issued earlier in the day, toward a partial reopening of some businesses in the region.

The order requires employers that intend to resume in-person work distribute the plan to employees, labor unions and customers by June 1.

City Manager Ray Anderson said Norway’s plan includes steps already in place for employees, such as wearing face masks and other personal protective equipment, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices and a screening process, among other things.

“We’re really responsible for protecting ourselves,” Anderson said. “And as an employer, we’re responsible for protecting our employees.”

Council Member Jeff Muraro said he would not motion to approve the agenda item and was clear in his dislike for Whitmer throughout the meeting, saying she was not his governor.

“I will not be wearing a mask at any council meeting at any time, ever,” Muraro said.

Still, the motion passed unanimously.

“We’re one step closer to being fully open,” council member Scott Popp said during board discretionary time, adding citizens should “be safe and considerate of others.”

In other business, the council:

— Approved a $10,000 engineering amendment to a federal aid project contract

with Coleman Engineering of Iron Mountain in order to modify the 2020 road construction schedule, bringing the total contract value to $110,578.

Main Street from Railroad to 16th avenues had been slated to be crushed, shaped and paved in 2022 but will instead be finished this year. The project boundary also has been extended past 16th Avenue to the 15th Avenue intersection.

Also set for construction this year are Pearney Lane from Warner Lane to Boundary Line Road and Summit Road from Swede Lane to Valley View Drive. Pearney Lane will be crushed, shaped and paved while Summit Road will be overlaid with asphalt.

— Purchased three spools of electrical primary wiring for $18,286.24. The wiring will replenish diminished stock in the electric department’s inventory.

— Hired GEI Consultants Inc. in Iron Mountain to perform a geographic information system survey that would map water service lines and curb stop valves at a cost not to exceed $15,350.

— Authorized buying a rescue equipment truck, as requested by Norway Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dave Bal, at a cost not to exceed $10,015. The Norway Volunteer Fire Association will reimburse the city from the volunteer fund.

— Approved $5,355 for two picnic tables and five benches made from recycled plastic for Strawberry Lake Park. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will reimburse the city for 74% of the cost.

— Contracted Energy Control & Design Inc. in Appleton, Wis., to provide annual heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanical maintenance at City Hall, at a cost not to exceed $2,382.

— Passed a resolution approving the city’s annual practice of sending wastewater sludge to Wisconsin farmers for use as fertilizer.

— Approved resolutions that set May 3-9 as Drinking Water Week in recognition of the role water has in daily life; May 11-15 as National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day in recognition of the law enforcement community; and May 18-22 as Public Works Week in recognition of professionals focused on infrastructure, facilities and services.

Anderson acknowledged the dates for most of the observations had passed, saying “with all that’s been going on in the last month, they kind of got away from us a little bit.”

Brian Christensen can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or bchristensen@ironmountaindailynews.com.