The Dickinson County Fair Board voted 7-3 in February to demolish this 1939 structure at the fairgrounds in Norway, but no schedule has been set. Meanwhile, supporters of an effort to preserve “concession row” continue to seek information on what a repair cost might be. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County residents are making use of the county board’s citizens’ time, addressing the board on a variety of topics — some comments received quietly, others not.

During Monday’s monthly meeting, Tracy Asanuma of Iron Mountain brought neurological issues associated with Lyme disease to the board’s attention, prompting a suggestion from fellow IM resident Barbara Kramer that a task force be formed in cooperation with Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson.

Later, Board Chairman Dan Harrington grew inpatient with remarks from John Sacchetti.

He gaveled the Kingsford resident out of order when he began talking about health care costs. Sacchetti had earlier sought commissioners’ opinions on mail-in balloting; protested the idea of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at polling places; questioned whether the county would seek Federal Emergency Management Agency flood assistance; and cited the need for immigrant labor in the U.S.

The gavel came out when Sacchetti bemoaned health care prices, with Harrington saying citizens’ time should focus on county business and “isn’t a general bitch session.”

Sacchetti protested, but took his seat when the board’s five-minute limit on comments was reached.

Citizens’ time also offered a chance for Elizabeth Stack of Norway to shed light on the fair board’s vote in February to tear down or perhaps even burn “concession row” at the fairgrounds in Norway.

Her questions led Commissioner Joe Stevens to insist a cost estimate is needed on options for the 1939 structure.

Commissioner Victoria Jakel, who serves with Harrington on the fair board, said there is no timeline for dealing with the building — which Harrington says is beyond repair. Burning the structure is a possibility, Jakel acknowledged, but must involve consultation and cooperation with fire and safety officials.

The fair board’s 7-3 decision to demolish the structure came despite a $20,000 contribution in January from Friends of the Dickinson County Fair. Most of the money was a donation from the Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care and was intended to help save it.

Stack said the board shouldn’t ignore the historical importance of the unique building.

Stevens said people interested in preserving it should consider organizing a group. At last month’s meeting, Stevens said documentation is needed on the building’s status and the potential cost of repairs.

Also heard during citizens’ time was a plea from Mark Miller of Kingsford to object to any ICE deployments in the region. Many ICE officers lack adequate training, he said, which is “putting our own law enforcement at risk.”

Along with Lyme disease, which results from the bite of a deer tick carrying bacteria, Asanuma discussed the idea of an ad hoc committee on mental health. The panel could seek improvements in mental health services, particularly for those with mild or moderate illnesses, and call attention to tools such as the Headspace app, she said.

Bob Simon of Norway Township — as he does at most meetings — promoted the services of Michigan State University-Extension and criticized the board for eliminating local funding. He also questioned the wisdom of burning concession row.

The board allows five minutes of comments per citizen both at the beginning and end of its agenda. Sacchetti was among those who spoke again during the second session, talking about Lake Antoine, the fair board’s liquor license, and the county budget.

Regarding the liquor license, Jakel said the fair board hopes to sell it, but hasn’t yet found a buyer.

During the board’s personal privilege time, Stevens said he’s unsure about mail-in balloting, adding that voters might need to send ballots many months in advance, given the current state of delivery.

He also objected to Harrington stopping Sachetti’s comments, asserting the public “has the right to speak on anything.” The statement drew some applause.

Harrington, in response, said it should be “at the appropriate place and time.”

The county this year has drafted new rules for citizens’ time but has yet to take action. The most recent proposal would limit comments during the first session to agenda items only.

Public bodies are required under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act to provide a time for citizen comments. According to the Michigan Municipal League, OMA does allow the public body to place reasonable limitations on individuals who desire to speak, such as imposing time limits for individual speakers and requiring that speakers provide their names and addresses.

———

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