Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
Bessemer — The Bessemer City Council voted on Monday evening to deny a request by Mark Switzer to purchase a city lot for $1.
City Manager Christopher Frazer reported that Ben Tucker, who leads the city’s Department of Public Works, and city engineers noted that the property in question may be needed for the projected new Bluff Reservoir.
“Until we figure out what chunks that we may or may not need, we’re not going to sell this property,” said Councilman Adam Zak. “However, if we do decide to sell a piece of that property, we will let him know first.”
Zak also clarified the city’s policy on selling city-owned land at a nominal cost. He said the city will sell for $1 a lot on which prospective buyers promise to build within one year.
He added that people also may buy for $100 a lot on which they do not intend to build, but instead would like to have as an extension to their property.
In terms of either low-cost option, Zak added, “That wasn’t designed for large acreage.” He emphasized that the bargain prices apply only to small lots.
In other news, the council voted to approve Resolution No. 2023-05, which allows residents of the city to address property tax issues with a combined Board of Review that also covers the townships of Bessemer, Wakefield and Erwin.
Zak said that the city used to have its own five-member Board of Review but explained that the state now requires up to 12 hours of training for board members. “We couldn’t get five people to volunteer for 12 hours of training,” he said.
In addition, he noted that the city’s three Board of Review sessions ran about two hours each.
Hence, the council voted in 2019 to allow city residents to address the joint Board of Review.
He explained that the board provides a platform for residents to “plead their case” regarding any disputes over the property taxes they are assessed.
“It’s been working quite well,” said City Clerk Mandy Lake regarding the joint board, which she described as “less political” and not prone to engage in “favoritism” regarding any decisions made.
The joint board now has no current members from the city of Bessemer, but Zak said that anyone interested is welcome to apply. Councilman Mark Serwe said that he would be interested in joining the board.
The Board of Review works in conjunction with City Assessor Melissa Prisbe.
Council members also:
—Voted to reappoint Stephanie Matonich and Daniel Whitburn to the Downtown Development Authority.
—Voted to approve an application — prepared per state guidelines — to be used by charitable entities to apply for property tax exemption. City Clerk Mandy Lake explained that the city had no such application on file until now.
—Voted to approve the 2023 annual report of the city’s Planning Commission.
—Voted to approve a travel reimbursement of $77.05 for the city manager, who attended a Dec. 14, 2023, meeting of the 13B Rural Task Force in Ontonagon. The allotment is consistent with the reimbursement of 66.50 cents per mile recommended by the IRS.
All votes were unanimous with Councilwoman Linda Nelson absent.
During his manager’s report, Frazer reported that Mike Stanzel of Ironwood began on Dec. 18 of last year as the city’s new common laborer. He was hired from 37 applicants.
Lisa Selin of Bessemer will start as the utility billing clerk on Jan. 15. She was hired from among 49 applicants.
“We are excited to have them begin their careers in public service with the city of Bessemer,” said the city manager.
Frazer also noted that a phone extension to his office will be removed during an upgrade to the city’s voicemail system. He explained that, since he began his job last fall, half the calls he receives have related to water bill concerns. He added that the upgrade will add an extension to the city’s Public Works office.
In addition, the city manager explored whether the council wishes to hear comments from the city’s Facebook page during meetings.
“I’m all for public comment,” said Zak, “but I guess I would prefer that if it’s important enough to them that they come here to talk to us or reach out to us.”
Other council members agreed.
The council’s next regular meeting will be on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall. Meetings also typically are posted on the city’s Facebook page.
