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IRON MOUNTAIN -- A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5 as Iron Mountain City Council prepares to adopt an ordinance that penalizes businesses for repeated false fire alarms.
Mayor Dale Alessandrini said the ordinance is directed at "places that don't want to fix their fire alarm systems."
During a rolling 12-month period, there would be no charge for up to three false alarms. The fourth, however, draws a $100 fee; the fifth, $200; and for each subsequent false alarm it's $400.
Director of Police and Fire Services Jeff Solka requested the ordinance during an Aug. 17 meeting where he reported 16 false alarms at one business alone through July of this year. During 2025, the fire department responded to 55 false alarms, he said.
Repeated false alarms divert resources from emergency readiness, impose costs on the city, and create avoidable disruptions for residents, businesses and responders, City Manager Jordan Stanchina said. False activations, he noted, are often due to "correctable issues that are not being repaired," such as showers in hotels setting off alarms.
The proposed fee structure does not apply to single-family dwellings or duplexes used principally as a private residence, according to the ordinance drafted by City Attorney Gerry Pirkola.
Alessandrini and council member Pam Maule questioned whether fees should be introduced for a third false alarm, but Stanchina said three grace calls is "pretty typical" in other municipalities.
A response would not be counted as a false fire alarm, and no fee imposed, if the fire chief or designee determines that:
-- An actual fire or emergency existed;
-- The alarm was intentionally activated because the person activating it reasonably believed an emergency existed;
-- The alarm was caused by criminal activity, vandalism, or unauthorized entry.
-- The alarm was caused by lightning, severe weather, utility failure, or another circumstance reasonably beyond the control of the property owner or alarm user;
-- The alarm was activated during authorized testing, inspection, maintenance, or repair for which the fire department was notified in advance;
-- The alarm was caused by work performed by the city or another governmental agency or utility provider;
-- The alarm resulted from a circumstance that the property owner or alarm user could not have reasonably prevented; and
-- Other circumstances exist that, in the judgment of the fire chief or designee, make imposition of the fee inequitable.
The proposed ordinance allows for council adjustments in the fee schedule without requiring a new ordinance. The hearing will take place during the council's next scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at City Hall.
Similar ordinances aimed at correcting mechanical and operational alarm system deficiencies are in place in other Michigan municipalities, including Escanaba and Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula.
In other action Monday, the city council:
-- Approved an increase in the required sidewalk replacement deposit to $400 a square, up from $300. The deposit is typically needed when a sewer or water line is replaced in front of a resident's home, which involves replacing two or three sidewalk squares.
-- Will seek bids to replenish road gravel and winter street sand inventories. The city is in need of 2,000 tons of sand and 1,500 tons of gravel. The anticipated total price is $30,000 to $40,000, including delivery, though current diesel prices may push it higher. Bids will be opened Oct. 5.
-- Heard Stanchina report new playground equipment may be installed at City Park in mid-October. The council last month approved an installed cost of nearly $238,000 for two structures, including a 20-foot-tall enclosed climbing deck with slides. The cost will be covered through 2021 American Rescue Plan Act funds.
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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.