NORWAY — An Iron Mountain firm will be hired to clear debris at Norway’s Sturgeon Falls Hydro Dam at a cost of up to $14,400, following approval this week by the city council.

The council heard Monday from Electrical Department Foreman Scott Hegy on the need to have debris cleared from the Guard Locks, which is part of the dam.

Hegy said that something must have broken loose this spring on the Sturgeon River and moved downstream. The drop in water flow is significant, he said, adding they are not able to run the plant at capacity.

Hegy told the council that the locks are normally cleaned every three years and this summer marks the three-year mark. However, the debris needs to be cleared as soon as possible.

The low bid was from Bill Neuens Landscaping on a time and material basis of $400 per hour not to exceed $9,600. The other bid was for $44,043, a flat rate.

Mayor Candy Brew questioned why there was such a huge difference. Brew also asked Hegy if Bill Neuens Landscaping has done this type of work before.

Hegy said he believed the difference was a matter of efficiency, that Bill Neuens Landscaping has a barge with a grappling claw similar to what is used for loading logs. As far as experience, Neuens has not worked around dams but they do have experience clearing waterways, he said.

Council members also questioned whether 24 hours would be enough to complete the job. Hegy said the last time the debris was cleared out, it was done in 16 hours and that he thought the 24 hours was inflated just in case.

Council member Jeff Muraro stated that even if Bill Neuens Landscaping ran double the estimated time there would still be significant savings. While many on the council favored expanding the not-to-exceed price, Brew favored holding at the $9,600 bid.

Council member Rico Meneghini made a motion to award Bill Neuens Landscaping the bid at $400 an hour not to exceed 36 hours, or $14,400, and pending documentation of proper insurance. Hegy said he hoped the work could begin within a week.

In other business, the council approved several special event permits:

— The Adventure Bike Club will have a weekly youth bike ride at Marion Park from 4 to 8 p.m. every Monday from June 17 to Aug. 19.

— The Norway-Vulcan Lions Club’s annual picnic will be Sunday, July 7, at Marion Park.

— The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department will hold a Breastfeeding Awareness Week walk at Strawberry Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Jim Paul can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or jpaul@ironmountaindailynews.com.