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Out to Lunch music to return in July

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Downtown Development Authority plans to resume its Out to Lunch concert series Thursday, July 2, the city council learned Monday.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order allows up to 500 people at outdoor concerts, provided the venue is large enough for social distancing.

This provides an opportunity to hold Out to Lunch events and still comply with coronavirus restrictions, Iron Mountain City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.

Meeting by teleconference, the council approved a request to close the parking lot at the intersection of East Hughitt and Iron Mountain streets for the weekly Thursday music. The free series runs through Aug. 13, contingent on current guidelines and the availability of performers.

“It may not be a weekly event,” Stanchina said, noting many acts are booked in cooperation with other venues that may have already canceled. Also, the 50-50 drawings done during each concert may be hard to do, he said.

Amber Pipp, DDA program director, said the parking lot will be marked to help define proper distancing. Masks will also be encouraged.

Performances generally run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on the downtown stage. Iron Mountain Street will be closed during that time between A Street and Hughitt Street.

In other action, the council:

— Noted City Hall staff is returning to the office, although installation of sneeze guards must be completed before the lobby is opened to the public, possibly later this week. In-person council meetings might resume in July.

— Reminded residents that rubbish drop-offs will be accepted this week at the public works site from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

— Received bids only from Bacco Construction Co. for a pair of sewer replacement projects, one for relocation of storm sewer on Madison Street between East D and East F streets, and the other for replacement of sanitary sewer on the 1200 block of West Fleshiem Street. Bacco’s proposed prices are $79,579 for the Madison Street work, and $56,867 for the West Fleshiem project. The total cost is about $100,000 more than the city had anticipated. Factors such as paving and dewatering helped drive the prices up, Stanchina said. Further study is needed and the bids will be reviewed by staff.

— Authorized seeking bids to acquire a used street sweeper for an estimated $100,000. The current 2005 model was purchased three years ago for $20,000 and needs repair. A new unit meeting specifications would cost about $266,000, Stanchina said.

— Scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. July 6 on a proposed zoning change that would allow the Planning Commission to modify parking facility standards, based on evidence submitted by the applicant. Current zoning requires off-street parking for other than residential uses be either on the same lot or within 300 feet of the building. Under this condition, a number of existing buildings in the downtown do not meet parking requirements and end up needing a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

— Agreed to vacate a Millie Street right-of-way that runs through a portion of the Rize Cannabis development at 1580 N. Stephenson Ave. Rize owns the property on both sides of the right-of-way and needs the parcel for parking, Stanchina explained. The city will retain an easement for an existing water main.

— Renewed for two years its property and liability insurance with the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority. The premium for the next fiscal year is $87,768, an increase of 0.66%. The premium for the current year is $87,191, of which the city will receive a refund of $59,401. The coverage plan includes a self-funded component carrying a balance of $359,000 — money on which the city is able to earn 4% interest.

— Heard council member Bill Revord encourage more aggressive recruitment of part-time firefighters to help reduce overtime costs in the department.

— Reappointed Rob Barkle and Kim Recla to three-year terms on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

— Approved a permit for Spielbauer Fireworks of Green Bay, Wis., for a fireworks show July 4, sponsored by the Iron Mountain Sons of the American Legion. The expected cost of this year’s Millie Hill show is $13,150.

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