Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
A LARGE crowd watches City Manager Mike Uskiewicz read the manager's report during a Bessemer City Council meeting Monday. Among those present were, from left, Mayor August "Butch" Semmerling, Uskiewicz, council member Marlene Zaleski and council member Al Gaiss.
By TOM STANKARD
Bessemer - The Bessemer City Council approved Bill Steiger's resignation from the Bessemer Planning Commission Monday.
At the meeting, Mayor August "Butch" Semmerling read an letter Steiger sent to him to announce his decision.
"Under the advisement of my attorney and discussions with the state Attorney General's office, I am resigning my seat on the city of Bessemer Planning Commission," Semmerling said reading the letter. "I would also like to note for public record that the planning commission has, in no capacity, been involved with, advised in, recommended or discussed the allowance of marijuana facilities within the current zoning ordinances of our city limits."
"That's sad," council member Linda Nelson said.
Moving forward with the agenda, the council approved supporting the proposed merger between Charter Communications, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. City Manager, Mike Uskiewicz said Wakefield Township and Ironwood have gotten on board and have written letters of support.
Kathy Whitburn, Bessemer, said the merger will benefit the community.
"It's a good thing for our community and the entire Upper Peninsula," she said. "It will continue to grow our internet and broadband initiatives within our local area."
In a letter to the Federal Communications Chairman Tom Wheeler, Wakefield Township Supervisor said the merger is important to area residents.
"Many (residents) have dial up service only. Our businesses have, for a long time, sought out solutions for the increased demand of high-speed internet," he said. "The merger will help them a great deal. Many of our school students come from families that cannot afford internet at their home, and we welcome the proposed service to low-income families."
Also on the agenda, the council voted unanimously in favor of the Bluff Valley Park declaration and notice.
Uskiewicz said the council's approval will ensure the "park will remain a park."
"The Trust Fund Grant is almost complete. Last year, we had to do a similar declaration," he said.
In other action from the meeting:
Several local residents expressed their concerns about the new business at the former grocery store.
Whitburn announced plans for a ceremony honoring the statues at Ethnic Commons Park. She said a date and time is still to be decided.
