Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By IAN MINIELLY
Bessemer — The Bessemer City Council has heard from residents who own homes within the city at the last two meetings seeking relief from the city for damage caused by a broken water line that not only flooded their homes. The broken line left them with $4-6,000 water and sewer bills. The council has explained to both families historically the city does not provide relief, but does allow people to set up payment plans.
The discussion was tabled at the last meeting before the council made any definitive changes to the historic policy, but this week the topic is being addressed under old business. There has been a fear expressed by Charly Loper, city manager, of setting a new precedent regarding the bills should the city make any changes to policy, such as what would happen if past people that paid the full amount decided to seek refunds? The council will discuss the issue tonight.
Three new ordinances are coming under review under new business. The council will review ordinance 362, an ordinance to repeal and replace Ch. 98, the General Building Regulations; ordinance 363, an ordinance to replace Ch. 27, solid waste; and ordinance 364, an ordinance to replace Ch. 126 and to repeal ordinance 348 titled the Uniform Traffic Code Parking Lots. This follows the trend of this council and Loper to address old ordinances and either update them to fit modern Bessemer or scrap them altogether.
Loper discovered the city maintains many ordinances regarding garbage removal on the books from when it managed garbage service and is recommending the city remove most of them under Ch. 27 and only keep those that are necessary.
The city is also bringing up bicycle licenses and a new marketing plan under new business. Apparently Bessemer has required people acquire bicycle license from the city, but this has not been enforced in a number of year according to Loper. In addition Loper pointed our having a licensing requirement actually discourages people from riding, which is beneficial to people’s health and the environment and as such, Loper is recommending the city repeal the licensing requirement.
The city has a large agenda and many things scheduled tonight, but one additional issue residents will find is the potential increase of $1.50 for resident water bills if the city applies for USDA grants for water improvements. Jean Verbos with the Gogebic Range Water Authority said she is more than willing to assist to the city with the application.
