Ironwood improves videoconferencing

IRONWOOD — Videoconferencing capabilities at the Ironwood Memorial Building have greatly increased since Merit Network ran fiber-optic cable to the building, according to city manager Scott Erickson.

Erickson said the faster internet speed should save money for the city in allowing the videoconferencing of events far away, cutting down on travel costs. City employees will be able to participate in some meetings and training by videoconferences, rather than making the long drives to the other end of the peninsula or to lower Michigan.

In his Monday report to the city commission, Erickson also noted the Phase 4 water-sewer construction has been shut down for the winter, but work on the 16-inch water line to the pump station in the township will continue when the ground freezes sufficiently.

Erickson said Mara Maher has been hired as deputy clerk in the Memorial Building.

He also said the new Ironwood Public Safety Department Director, Greg Klecker, who had been scheduled to begin work on Dec. 1, may arrive the week of Nov. 27 instead.

A former detective with the Buena Vista Township Police Department in the lower peninsula, he accepted the job after interviewing for the position.

Klecker, a 15-year veteran of the Saginaw area police department, will take over the job that was left open when former IPSD director Andrew DiGiorgio accepted a full-time teaching position at Gogebic Community College for the fall term.

—Ralph Ansami