Bessemer adopts zoning ordinance for Steiger property

BESSEMER - The Bessemer City Council Monday adopted a zoning ordinance amendment for Steiger Timer Operations to rezone its property from light industrial to heavy industrial.

On July 19, the council voted 3-2 to rezone the property on Tamarack Avenue that is owned by Bessemer resident Pat Steiger.

Mayor Kathy Whitburn and council member John Frello voted against rezoning the property. The issue of rezoning the property has been the focus of several meetings and hearings over the last few months, as Steiger was considering having an asphalt plant there. He later agreed to not put an asphalt plant there, or at least not under his ownership.

When asked, Frello said he voted against rezoning Steiger's property on July 19 because Steiger did not provide a letter at that time indicating he wouldn't put an asphalt plant on his property if the council approved the ordinance amendment.

"To approve it the way it was approved, anything and everything could go there," he said.

Whitburn said she also voted against rezoning Steiger's property because it hinders the process of establishing a city master plan for Bessemer.

Also on the agenda, the council reviewed 13 applicants for the city manager position and narrowed the list down to six.

The council agreed to begin the interview process. Former City Manager Michael Uskiewicz applied, but was not selected to be interviewed.

In other action, the council:

-Approved a request for assistance and support from the Bessemer Pumpkin Festival Committee.

-Agreed to arrange a time for retired pilot Jeff Heath to present about climate change.

-Agreed to pay Dennis Gustafson his remaining severance of $10,506.