IRON MOUNTAIN — An aging water system that provides hundreds of faucets for public use at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park may be abandoned because of underground leaks.

The city council discussed the situation Monday but reached no conclusion.

As an alternative to the cemetery’s 420 spigots, the city could provide a water station near the entrance, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said. Along with a portable tank, that source could also be sufficient for the city’s own water needs, he said.

Cemetery water bills through the spring and summer averaged about $1,500 per month in 2020, Stanchina said Tuesday. Water usage ranged from 247,500 gallons in May to 362,250 gallons in September.

At the high end, that’s enough water for nearly 90 city households per month.

“It’s incredibly wasteful,” council member Nathan Zemar said during Monday’s council session.

Council members were mindful, however, that shutting off the faucets will inconvenience people who maintain flower baskets or graveside plantings.

With the system’s galvanized pipes prone to corrosion and rust, attempted repairs are becoming impractical, Stanchina said. No estimate was offered on the cost of a new system.

In other action during Monday’s Zoom meeting, the council:

— Directed Stanchina to continue talks with a developer who’s proposed a building with a height of 50 feet in the downtown area at the site of the former Timbers Motor Lodge. Since the current limit is 40 feet, the zoning ordinance would need to be amended. Discussions will continue at a committee level.

— At the recommendation of staff, selected a $13,770 bid from M.J. Electric of Iron Mountain to provide LED lighting in the Department of Public Works truck shop, with an anticipated We Energies rebate of $979. A lower bid from G. Brooks Electric of Iron Mountain was rejected because its bulbs didn’t meet the city’s specifications. Council member Bill Revord voted no after proposing the project be rebid. Proposals were also solicited for office lights, but that portion will be rebid later.

— Awarded a bid to Terrazzo Creations & Renewal of Iron Mountain for $17,300 to grind and polish the truck shop floor.

— Will seek bids to acquire a 2021 Dodge Durango Pursuit all-wheel drive police vehicle as the K-9 unit, at an estimated cost of $44,199, including equipment. A Rural Development grant has been awarded to cover roughly $14,000.

— Adopted a resolution recognizing the service of Dolly Cook, who retired last month as Dickinson County clerk-register of deeds. Holding office since November 1990, Cook “has been a bountiful source of knowledge for municipalities throughout Dickinson County and the Upper Peninsula,” the resolution states. “Congratulations and thank you, Dolly, for everything you’ve done for the county and cities,” Mayor Dale Alessandrini said.