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County objects to virus shutdowns

Dickinson board passes resolution without prior public notice, as a late addition to agenda

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County adopted a resolution Monday protesting “undue burdens” placed on businesses as a result of Michigan’s pandemic restrictions.

The board debated the topic during a Zoom meeting that featured a weak audio feed for some participants. The resolution was a late addition to the agenda and no copy was provided to The Daily News before the meeting or within hours after adjournment.

The action appears similar to a measure approved earlier this month in Delta County, declaring it a sanctuary county for businesses affected by COVID-19 shutdowns.

Likewise, the Dickinson board said it would not single out or harm any business owner that opens an establishment while taking responsible precautions.

To a large degree, the board’s stand is symbolic. The resolution has no power of law and cannot be used to avert the Michigan Liquor Control Commission or state health department.

Commissioner Barbara Kramer introduced the motion and was joined in support by Chairman Henry Wender and commissioners Ann Martin and Joe Stevens.

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr. objected to the agenda add-on and the resolution itself. Degenaer said he supports businesses but fears some “might take this and run with it” as a means to ignore health orders.

Kramer said businesses “still have to follow the law.” She said the resolution is needed because so many county residents are going into Wisconsin, where restrictions are less stringent.

Kramer also claimed Wisconsin’s COVID-19 experience has been less severe, although Marinette County on Friday reported its eighth new fatal case in the past 10 days.

The vote came as commissioners heard from Cathy Tomassoni of Iron Mountain Recreation Lanes, who protested orders from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state health department “that have harmed so many businesses in this area.”

Controller Brian Bousley advised it’s not clear if the new resolution could affect the status of a virus emergency declaration the board renewed Jan. 11. That declaration was deemed necessary to better manage government operations and the local pandemic response, although it has no bearing on state-ordered restrictions.

Individual municipalities also have their own enforcement powers, Sheriff Scott Rutter noted during the board’s discussion.

The board, in other action:

— Approved Paul Bujold and Alyssa Hartwig as trustees on the Dickinson County Healthcare System Board, replacing David Brisson and Jeff Campbell. They join board members Margaret Minerick, Sally Blom, Dave Holmes, Kim Van Osdol, Dan Wender, Dr. Beth Schroeder and Dr. John To. Bujold, a former trustee, said his goal for DCHS is to offer the best quality care while being fiscally responsible for the long term. Hartwig said the hospital is important to every family and promised to “stand up for what is right for the hospital and the community.” The board’s next regular meeting will be a Zoom session set for 5 p.m. Thursday.

— Accepted a $3,900 proposal from Woolpert Inc. to do an independent assessment of a proposed grant-aided land acquisition for Ford Airport.

— Heard County Clerk-Register of Deeds Dolly Cook request a recording of the meeting, due to the frequent poor audio quality.

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