KINGSFORD — Spectrum will provide telephone service for Kingsford city offices under a bid council members accepted this week.

The current phone system is more than 10 years old, City Manager Mike Stelmaszek explained, and all departments are having problems with the service. The current provider is CCI, he said.

On his recommendation, the council accepted a bid from Spectrum at $635 per month, using Ring Central phones. Setup costs would be $35, after credit is applied. Current costs per month are $630.

He stated in a memo that going with Spectrum will have lower costs to transition, plus improved service and more technology-related features moving forward. It was also the consensus of the staff.

The city also received a bid from Ring Central, a provider for Timber Ridge Tech Consultants, at $638 per month, with $4,125 for the new phone system and maintenance services at an hourly rate.

In other business, the council:

— Approved hiring Connor Quick to fill an entry-level position in the public safety department. He will attend the police academy in Marquette from May 4 through Aug. 14. The cost of the academy will be covered by a grant. His first shift will be Aug. 17. A total of six candidates were interviewed.

— Learned the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Joint Sewage Board has increased costs for sewage treatment by 13 cents per 1,000 gallons treated. It represents a 3% increase in the treatment plant’s charges.

— Learned Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance will host a tour of the Louisiana-Pacific plant today for local government officials.

— Noted the spring rubbish pickup will start Monday, May 4, in the Ford Addition and proceed to the Heights, Garden Village, Breitung and outlying areas. All locations should have items property separated. One pass will be conducted. Items collected include limbs and bush, cut to 6-foot lengths; grass, leaves and garden waste; large metal objects but no appliances with refrigerant; large furniture items; and concrete broken into 1-foot pieces. Complete information is available on the city’s website.

———

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.