IRON MOUNTAIN — A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 19 on proposed zoning changes for a neighborhood business district in Iron Mountain, intended to eventually bring existing homes into better compliance.

The changes are proposed by the Iron Mountain Planning Commission and are directed to a section of the city found within the border of River Avenue, West H Street, Cedar Avenue and West D Street. The area is currently zoned B-2, but the commission intends to later seek a change to B-1, once certain B-1 amendments are approved, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.

The amendments would allow, by special use permit, medical offices, construction services housed indoors and multiply-family residences under B-1 zoning, Stanchina said. Also, fitness centers would be allowed by right.

“B-2 zoning does not allow for first-floor residential and all the homes in that area are considered legal non-conforming,” he told the city council during a meeting Monday.

A change to B-1 zoning could accommodate existing and planned businesses while also easing deed and insurance complications for homeowners, Stanchina said.

In other action, the council:

— Approved adjustments in administrative salaries, providing increases of 2.5% as budgeted. The schedule for the next fiscal year is city manager, $92,833; director of police and fire services, $83,646; chief finance officer, $65,732; clerk-treasurer, $58,946, plus a zoning administration stipend of $3,075; public works supervisor, $70,476; police department administrative assistant, $19.12 per hour; part-time firefighters, $12.71 per hour for the first 400 hours and $13.74 per hour after 400 hours. All of the department heads are at the top of the salary step schedule, except the chief finance officer, who is advancing from step six to seven of the eight-step schedule.

— Adopted a new fee schedule that includes an increase in fines for violating the overnight winter parking ban. The current fine of $35 to $55 will go up by $5 to $40 to $60. The lower fine represents a discount for immediate payment. Other changes include a new charge for cleaning grease from a clogged sewer line, whereby the responsible party must cover the actual cost to public works. In another change, the sidewalk replacement deposit will go from a flat fee of $250 to a fee of $150 per square removed. This sidewalk removal deposit is forfeited if the project is left uncompleted. Finally, cemetery fees will rise by 2.5%, along with some other adjustments.

— Scheduled public hearings for July 19 on two right-of-way abandonment requests. Anthony Flaminio requests that a portion of Michigan Avenue 120 feet north of East D Street and 60 feet wide be vacated and city staff has identified no issues. Michael and Natalie Trevarthen request that the alley north of their home at 802 Fairbanks St. be vacated. The distance is 184 feet long by 20 feet wide. City staff has no issues but an access easement for We Energies power lines would be needed.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.