Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Bessemer Township board hears report on Memorial Park project

By KIM E. STROM

[email protected]

Ramsay - The Bessemer Township board heard a report Monday on the ongoing project to improve Memorial Park, including the addition of a swimming area along the Black River.

The board also discussed progress regarding digging of the new swimming hole. Supervisor Jeff Randall said parts of the project were held off until fall so water levels would be lower.

"It is close to being dug out," he said.

The swimming hole is projected to be 60 feet by 260 feet long and is engineered so water will flow along with the river to reduce debris, said Randall. So far the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has not permitted a sand beach.

The policy to not allow pets in the park is being reconsidered. Trustee Beverly Ikola mentioned that since construction began, people have been bringing dogs to the park.

The board discussed purchasing a doggie bag dispenser and requiring that people have their dogs on leashes.

In the case the policy is changed, people will need to clean up after their dogs or the township will return to a "no pet" policy, said Randall.

The board hired Nick Tarro for the Department of Public Works.

Two people were interviewed by township clerk Debra Janczak and Randall for the position.

"Both were good workers," said Randall of the candidates. "In the end, we recommended Nick Tarro. We felt his enthusiasm carried a lot of weight."

Randall mentioned Tarro's experience operating the township's fire truck may also come in handy.

"We appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to work with us," Randall said to Tarro who was present at the meeting. Tarro's employment is effective immediately.

In other business, the board:

-approved the purchase of six new tires for the township's Tanker 98 fire truck for $3,272 from Pomp's Tire Service of Antigo, Wis. Randall said the tires had never been replaced on the 20-year-old vehicle.