A proposed ordinance in Iron Mountain will clarify permitted uses of the Pewabic Hill trails, above, and other designated off-road bike trails in the city. (Dickinson Trail Network photo, file)

IRON MOUNTAIN — An ordinance governing bike trails in Iron Mountain will be updated to bring it in line with state rules that prohibit motorized bikes — except pedal-assisted e-bikes with speeds up to 20 mph.

Trails that have been developed in cooperation with Dickinson Trail Network are designed for walkers and bikers, but a review of city ordinances has found no clear prohibition against motorized vehicles, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said.

An enforcement tool is needed, as there were “a few complaints over the summer” about motorized use that the city had to resolve, he said.

“The presence of motorized vehicles increases safety risks for other users and can lead to faster deterioration of the trails,” Stanchina said in a memo to the city council.

City Attorney Gerry Pirkola drafted a new ordinance that is partly based on rules adopted in 2024 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for natural surface non-motorized trails in the state park system.

Class 1 e-bikes, which are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, are permitted under the DNR rules. The motor on such bikes disengages when a speed of 20 miles per hour is reached.

Apart from Class 1 e-bikes, Iron Mountain’s ordinance would prohibit all motorized vehicles, both electric and combustion. This includes higher classes of e-bikes, such as those that have a throttle or are capable of greater speeds. The only class of e-bikes typically allowed on mountain bike trails is Class 1, Stanchina noted.

Violating the new ordinance would be a civil infraction, with fines of $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $500 for a third. The city could also impound a device operated repeatedly or willfully in violation.

The council has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed ordinance for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.

The Pewabic Hill multi-use trail system just east of downtown Iron Mountain weaves through 85 acres of city property that once had Walpole Mine. Its 6 miles of trails opened last summer east of Park Avenue at East B Street. The new trails link to DTN’s Millie Hill Trailhead, a 5-mile system just west of Park Avenue.

In other action, the council:

— May soon face a decision on whether to upgrade or discontinue the City Park deer pen. A license issued through the U.S. Department of Agriculture expires in April and a renewal request should be filed three months in advance, Stanchina said. Ingalls veterinarian Dr. Barry Wehner earlier this year drafted a plan to correct deficiencies cited by the USDA and the city hopes to soon receive an estimate on the potential cost for his services. Without a veterinarian, the city will likely lose its license.

Apart from the veterinarian, there’s an estimated one-time cost of $20,300 for pen improvements needed to satisfy USDA requirements. Ongoing costs for grain, hay, straw and tuberculosis testing are roughly estimated at $19,600 per year.

On Monday, Caroline Sullivan of Friends of City Park told the council the organization is willing to provide $20,000 to help preserve an attraction that’s “a staple” of the park’s popularity.

— Learned that 100 antlerless deer and three bucks have been culled during this year’s managed archery hunt on designated parcels, mostly on the east side. Hunters are permitted to harvest a buck using their own tag after three antlerless deer are taken on city permits. The 82 deer harvested in 2024 had been the most dating back to 2012. The season is open through Jan. 1 and the city has obtained up to 150 antlerless tags through the DNR.

— Appointed Mark Klossner to fill a term on the Downtown Development Authority that expires April 4, 2028. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Michael Christy.

— After receiving no objections, approved a request from Eden Property Collection to vacate an alley between East Hughitt and East Ludington streets, east of Merritt Avenue. Eden owns the surrounding property, which is part of its redevelopment project at the former Appliance and Furniture Mart.

— Gave permission to staff to search for a used cargo van that can replace a 2008 model in the Public Works Department. The city had solicited bids for a new van but the lowest was $55,000 and only $40,000 was budgeted.

— Agreed to close City Hall offices on Friday, Dec. 26. Employees will be required to take a vacation day, personal day or receive no pay.

———

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.