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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Election workers drew praise Monday from the Iron Mountain City Council for their processing of both absentee and Election Day ballots Nov. 3.
"I know it was not easy," council member Bill Revord said.
City Manager Jordan Stanchina reported he has tested positive for the coronavirus, possibly linked to his election duties.
Stanchina, who hosted the council meeting via Zoom, noted City Clerk-Treasurer Isaac Micheau was required to quarantine three days before the election. Among the city workers helping out were Deputy Clerk Brooke Walstrom and Chief Finance Officer Heather Lieburn.
"It would also be appropriate to thank all of our election workers that stepped up during a pandemic and facilitated the election process," Stanchina said. "This was not your normal election and they handled it flawlessly."
Council member Pam Maule said while some dispute the nation's presidential results, that shouldn't detract from the "outstanding job" done in the city.
"It should really be noted," she said.
In other action, the council:
-- Learned from Stanchina that City Hall employees will work from home as much as feasible over the next three weeks after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered statewide restrictions Sunday that take effect Wednesday.
-- Approved a change in a city ordinance regulating vicious dogs. The owner of the dog will be required to quarantine the animal before euthanization or a court decision if challenged. Owners who violate the quarantine face a fine of $500.
Previously, the ordinance allowed police to confiscate and quarantine animals that meet the definition of vicious dog, but the city has no place to house the animals. "It's not perfect, but it's what we have the ability to do," Stanchina said of the updated regulation. No one commented during a public hearing on the change.
-- Heard Mayor Dale Alessandrini say the city is committed to helping businesses "any way we can." He lamented unfounded social media comments that Iron Mountain discourages new investment, saying it's frustrating to repeatedly confront the same falsehoods.
"There's nothing you can do to correct ignorance," Revord responded.
-- Noted the Iron Mountain Planning Commission will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 on the city's updated Master Plan. The 136-page plan is available for review at https://cityofironmountain.com/DocumentCenter/View/2602/Iron-Mountain-Master-Plan---Final-Draft-.
-- Reported that 15 deer have been harvested during the city's managed archery hunt. Also, two bucks at the City Park deer pen recently died, apparently as a result of locking horns and drowning.
-- Following recent vandalism connected with the skate park area at City Park, heard Alessandrini warn the attraction may be closed if incidents continue.
-- Informed residents that, weather permitting, a final leaf pickup will yet take place across the city.
-- Heard council members Ken Clawson and Revord request committee discussions on potentially adding employees to the Department of Public Works.