April Fools’ storm knocked out IM plows
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- The 20 inches of dense snow that fell Friday night and Saturday morning took a toll on Iron Mountain's equipment, delaying the clearing of streets, alleys and parking lots, officials said.
"We had five trucks go down, total," Director of Public Works Scott Thomas said Monday. By 2 p.m. Saturday, the city was left with three four-wheel-drive trucks, a grader and a two-wheel drive truck to carry on with snow removal, he said.
The city's dump loader was also disabled, leaving parking lot mountains untouched. A sidewalk blower went down as well.
"We had some equipment failures, unfortunately," City Manager Jordan Stanchina told the city council. "It was the worst April Fools' prank."
Saturday was April 1 -- the date the city's overnight street parking ban traditionally ends.
The city's response was also delayed by trucks getting stuck in the wet snow -- upwards of 30 times, Stanchina estimated. In some cases, the snow packed itself into the underbodies of the vehicles, eventually lifting them up.
Thomas said two differentials, an axle and a transmission line were among the casualties.
Some workers were on duty from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m., Stanchina said. "It was one of those once a decade events," he said.
Council member Ken Clawson said it was a tough weekend overall. "Ambulances were stuck," he said. "Tow trucks were stuck."
Council member Pam Maule said the efforts of the DPW are appreciated.
Any potholes that had been filled this spring were likely reopened during the plowing, so that repair work also lies ahead, Stanchina said.
In other action, the council:
-- Expects at its April 17 meeting to adopt criteria for a special use permit to allow up to two livestock animals in a general business zoning district. The action would accommodate an attraction at the Ice Cream Barn at 606 N. Stephenson Ave., where two cows were ordered removed last June after they were displayed in violation of a city ordinance. Under the draft proposal, some fence improvements will be needed, along with 24-hour video surveillance. Once the criteria is set, the shop may submit an application to Iron Mountain Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to the council.
-- Met in a closed session Friday to discuss litigation against the city. A former police officer, Teresa Williams, resigned in April 2022 but filed a lawsuit in federal court in February alleging sexual harassment. Her attorney, Jack Schulz of Detroit, issued a news release that has led to national media coverage. A formal court response from the city is expected later this month.