City Board and Commission Vacancies
November 10, 2023
The following Boards or Commissions have vacancies:
Housing Appeals Board – Two Vacancies
(One is an Alternate Board Member)
Zoning Board of Appeals – Two Vacancies
(one is an Alternate Board Member
Downtown Development Authority – Two Vacancies
LIVE: Channel 189!
November 8, 2023
The City of Ishpeming is pleased to announce the re-launch of our newest HD Spectrum streaming program, PEG (Public, Educational, and Government) Channel 189 – which is the first of its kind in all of Michigan!
This television channel provides residents an additional way to stay informed as it provides the city an avenue to create and cablecast educational and governmental video content that is available for community access on the basic service tier of cable television.
The city has worked hard alongside many additional partners to re-launch this communication channel for our residents to deliver the information they need directly to their homes.
In addition to LIVE streaming our monthly city council meetings, viewers can stay up-to-date:
- Inclement weather alerts
- Public school updates
- Senior center updates
- Voter information
- Upcoming community events
- Residential information such as the street cleaning schedule and garbage pick up
- City-wide updates and emergencies
- And more!
Go to channel 189 to stream today.
Public Hearing – City of Ishpeming 2024 Budget
October 27, 2023
CITY OF ISHPEMING RESIDENTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
A Public Hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Ishpeming City Hall, 100 E. Division Street, Ishpeming, for the purpose of discussing adoption of the 2024 Budget. A copy of the budget is available below or in the City Manager’s Office at City Hall, 100 East Division Street, Ishpeming, Michigan.
THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING: 20.9363 mills.
Public comments, either oral or written, are welcome at the Public Hearing. Handicapped persons needing assistance or aid should contact the City Offices during regular working hours 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Ishpeming Announces $20 Million Drinking Water Infrastructure Project
October 26, 2023
Special City Council meeting held on October 25, 2023 discussed city’s 2024 budget including the funding news and additional updates
Ishpeming, Mich., October 26, 2023 – The City of Ishpeming yesterday announced a $20 million drinking water infrastructure project is moving forward. The State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Intended Use Plan for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund fiscal year 2024 has put Ishpeming into the fundable range for funding half of the project as a grant and half as a low-interest (2%) loan.
“Our residents and business owners voiced their support to the state during the public comment period having a direct impact on the city scoring in the fundable range for this significant and very competitive funding which will improve our infrastructure,” said Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini. “The notice that went out statewide even called-out the volume of comments from our community in the State’s decision to score Ishpeming into fundable range for the project. We want to thank those who sent comments in and celebrate what can happen when we unite our voices.”
The project includes $9,896,800 in grant funding through the American Rescue Plan and a $9,893,400 loan from EGLE through federal Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) funding. Additional funding includes: $170,000 for Lead Service Line Costs, $86,700 for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) DWSRF LSLR Loan, and $83,300 for BIL DWSRF LSLR Principal Forgiveness (PF).
The BIL LSLR funds must be used for lead service line replacement work and associated activities directly connected to the identification, planning, design and replacement of lead service lines.
The proposed project should make meaningful progress on outstanding infrastructure needs, including the replacement of selected portions of the water distribution system which are deteriorated and undersized. These proposed improvements will impact the water quality by replacing water mains that have historically leaked causing interruptions to the water distribution system and potential water quality issues with water shutdowns and depressurizing the main line. Replacing these mains will remove approximately 39,000 feet of undersized galvanized water main, making the overall system more reliable.
As is standard in the City of Ishpeming, and to mitigate community impact, the City will require contractors to adhere to its “dig once” policy, allowing any other necessary underground work to be performed parallel to prevent cutting through pavement and dirt multiple times. “Dig once” benefits include long-term cost savings, efficient use of resources and reduced burden on residents near a work site.
The next 4-6 months will determine the exact project scope, intended for drinking water infrastructure improvements. Professional engineers remain engaged to bring the conceptual scope in the grant application to a final design for submission to the State and final approval to proceed. Surveying of existing water lines to validate their condition, location and environmental assessment which must be incorporated into the final plans is part of the process. This also helps to inform which water lines within the city will be targeted through this funding.
In September, Ishpeming announced $16 million in funding tied to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).
Special City Council Meeting on Proposed 2024 Budget
City Council had preliminary discussions about the proposed 2024 budget and requested city staff to bring creative solutions to the November 8 regular City Council meeting when the budget will again be discussed.
The following budget highlights were shared:
- Public Improvement Fund will cover a $200,000 City Hall handicap ramp replacement, $100,000 alley and lot associated improvements, $110,000 in repairs to the Lodge roof and $10,000 for the addition of an ADA-compliant restroom at Al Quaal, and $300,000 is set aside to repair problem sections of roadways in the city.
- The City’s Water and Sewer Meter Replacement Project is ongoing for the installation of radio read meters that lead to more accurate billing, and both plans and funding are aligned to replace low manhole covers on Third St.
- Motor Pool funding is confirmed for a new sidewalk snow plow, which is better suited for downtown.
The Ishpeming City Council consists of five elected members. Regular city council meetings are held on the first Wednesday after the first Monday of each month at City Hall (100 E. Division Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849) beginning at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are streamed live on YouTube and broadcast live on Spectrum Channel 189.
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WINTER PARKING BAN EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1ST THROUGH APRIL 30TH
October 19, 2023
CITY OF ISHPEMING WINTER PARKING BAN
The Ishpeming City Winter Parking Ban (Ordinance No. 5-1200) goes into effect November 1st and runs until April 30th. Times for the parking ban are as follows:
- Residential Streets: 1:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Downtown Streets: 2:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Parking permits for City lots can be purchased at City Hall. Permits cost $25.00/month.
To view the ordinance which regulates overnight parking, please follow the link below:
Ishpeming Cemetery – Prepare for Winter
October 18, 2023
NOTICE
Ishpeming Cemetery – Prepare for Winter
In order to prepare for winter, Ishpeming City officials ask lot owners to please remove all non-permanent objects (planters, decorations, benches, etc.) from their grave sites by November 1, 2023. Items left at the site will be disposed of after that date.
Please contact Ishpeming City Hall with any questions or concerns at 906-485-1091, Ext. 203.
City of Ishpeming awarded more than $1.7M to help fund its Municipal Employees’ Retirement System
September 20, 2023
The Michigan Department of Treasury grant will bring Ishpeming’s retirement system to nearly fully funded
Ishpeming, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 – To assist in funding the City of Ishpeming’s municipal pension system, they applied for, and received a grant in the amount of $1,776,032 through the Michigan Department of Treasury’s (Treasury) Protecting MI Grant Program. The awarded money will be applied to a surplus division (SG) in Ishpeming’s Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS), an independent, professional retirement services company that was created to administer the retirement plans for Michigan’s local units of government on a not-for-profit basis.
Earlier this year, under the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget, Public Act 166 of 2022, Section 979a, the Michigan Treasury appropriated $750 million to establish and operate a local unit municipal pension principal payment grant program for qualified retirement systems with a funded ratio below 60 percent. Parameters of the funding eligibility allowed for retroactive payments; as of the City’s Dec. 31, 2021 financial statement audit report, Ishpeming’s MERS was 50.3 percent funded, which is below the 60 percent ratio, as defined in the Protecting Local Government Retirement and Benefits Act (Public Act 202 of 2017).
“We are truly committed to our current and former employees, and once the audit revealed our system was underfunded, we knew we had to take care of the City of Ishpeming retirees, who served this community and its residents, so they can have a secure retirement,” said Craig Cugini, city manager of Ishpeming. “The first step in turning things around included bonding our pension with taxable bonds to help fund the program, bringing us to 95 percent in MERS funding, which set us apart from other municipalities facing a similar situation. And then when the Michigan Treasury grant became available, we recognized the funding opportunity as yet another way to ensure our former and current employees are taken care of.”
“Ishpeming took control of a situation that many municipalities were facing several years ago, with market fluctuations causing severe drops in pension fund levels across the country,” said State Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “The early step to bond the pension, starting in 2021 and concluding in 2022, shows the city’s commitment to its retired public service members. The additional funding secured once available through the state in 2023 shows its strategic know-how in navigating resources for its community.”
In 2017, when the City of Ishpeming was identified as having an underfunded pension system status, per the Public Act 202 of 2017, they were required to create a MERS Corrective Action Plan, which includes the development and implementation of corrective options for the local unit of government to address underfunded status. To view the corrective action plan and the monitoring update, visit Ishpeming’s website.
To learn more about the Michigan Department of Treasury’s (Treasury) Protecting MI Pension Grant Program, please visit the Department of Treasury site.
About Ishpeming
The City of Ishpeming is located in Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is home to about 6,600 residents. Boasting a rich mining heritage, creative small businesses, dozens of miles of trails and many outdoor amenities, and a community-centric culture, Ishpeming is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. During 2023, Ishpeming is proud to celebrate its sesquicentennial birthday, honoring the past 150 years and looking ahead to a bright future. To learn more about Ishpeming, visit https://ishpemingcity.org/.
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Ishpeming Announces $16 Million Sewer Infrastructure Project
September 15, 2023
Ishpeming, Mich., September 15, 2023 – The City of Ishpeming today announced a more than $16 million sewer infrastructure project that will include a combination of several components of the City Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure. The City plans to substantively address many of the items covered within the application process, including sewer main replacement, installation of a redundant main and necessary upgrades to the lift stations to provide a long-term solution to its aging infrastructure.
Once authorized by the Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), a Notice to Proceed can be issued to the contractor. The overall timeline allows for the project to be completed no later than December 31, 2026. Construction is likely to begin in the spring of 2024 with items being purchased and delivered, and site plans, milestones and other planning activities occurring this fall and winter.
“This infrastructure project will go a long way toward addressing many sewer system components, including the main line which consists of vitrified clay pipes, improving the functionality of our lift stations and installing additional sewer main adding redundancy for emergencies and reducing groundwater infiltration. These are long-term lifecycle replacements on a system that is currently more than 70 years old, and address challenges for the community,” said Ishpeming city manager Craig Cugini. “These improvements should limit additional strain on the system during high water events, as well as limiting the excess water flow to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The project includes $8.025 million in grant funding through the American Rescue Plan and an $8.025 million bond from EGLE through federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) funding.
Through the project, approximately 25,000 feet of sewer main will be replaced or rehabilitated. To mitigate community impact, the City will require that any roads undergoing work are repaved before winter, as well as ensure contractors adhere to the City’s “dig once” policy, allowing any other necessary underground work to be performed parallel to prevent cutting through pavement and dirt multiple times. “Dig once” benefits include long-term cost savings, efficient use of resources and reduced burden on residents near a work site.
This project should make meaningful progress on outstanding infrastructure needs, including:
- Installation of new PVC pipe via open cut throughout the city
- Reinforcing existing pipes located in wetlands, the Carp River and other sewers where open cut is impractical
- Backup generators and pump replacements for all eight lift stations
- A new, 30-inch diameter Carp River sewer crossing installed via directional drilling that will provide a redundant crossing, which is critical in times of high water and heavy flow
The City plans on sharing more specific details around the project’s scope in the coming weeks. Once a Notice to Proceed is obtained, and a more firm timeline is developed, the City will provide regular communication to residents on the project’s status and potential impacts.
The City has enrolled two companies that are either headquartered or located locally to assist with this undertaking. The contractor for the project is Payne and Dolan, which has an office in Ishpeming, and the engineer is U.P. Engineers and Architects, which is based in Ishpeming.
About Ishpeming
The City of Ishpeming is located in Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is home to about 6,600 residents. Boasting a rich mining heritage, creative small businesses, dozens of miles of trails and many outdoor amenities, and a community-centric culture, Ishpeming is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. During 2023, Ishpeming is proud to celebrate its sesquicentennial birthday, honoring the past 150 years and looking ahead to a bright future. To learn more about Ishpeming, visit https://ishpemingcity.org/.
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The City of Ishpeming and the Downtown Development Authority announce new grant program, the Start-Up Assistance Grant
August 9, 2023
Ishpeming, Mich, August 8, 2023 – Prospective business owners of the City of Ishpeming are invited to apply for the Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) newest program, the Start-Up Assistance Grant. This program is made possible by the DDA budget and aims to support and attract new businesses to Downtown Ishpeming by providing up to $2,500 to four qualified applicants each calendar year. These funds can be used for expenses related to establishing their business in downtown Ishpeming, including:
- Rent
- Repairs
- Equipment purchases or rentals
- Business supplies
- Business insurance
- Marketing efforts
- Other start-up related expenses
“This is a great opportunity for prospective business owners and entrepreneurs to make their business a reality and join Downtown Ishpeming, which is abundant in community, history, culture and opportunity,” said David Aro, Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority Member. “Through the DDA, we are focused on implementing programs that will create meaningful action to drive our historic downtown forward. By providing funds through initiatives like the Start-Up Assistance Grant, it’s just one of the many ways we can work towards achieving this goal, which includes supporting the businesses of Downtown Ishpeming and encouraging economic growth.”
To qualify for the grant, applicants are required to provide:
- A start-up business plan to assess its viability and sustainability.
- Details on how the funds will be utilized in the start-up process.
- Legal documentation including a W-9 form.
After submitting, the DDA will review applications in the order they are received. The committee will score applications based on the following criteria:
- Type of Business: The DDA is seeking businesses that will create jobs, complement existing businesses and are not similar to existing businesses in the community.
- Business Plan: Areas which will be highly considered:
- Demand for the products/services
- Access to capital
- Owner experience in the industry
- Number of potential employees
- Business location
- Use of Funds: Details of how the funds will be used in the start-up process.
Applications and required documentation must be submitted to the Ishpeming City Clerk’s office within the calendar year window. Once the budgeted funds are awarded, the window closes. Applications are available at City Hall or online. This program is only available for businesses that fall within the DDA’s geographic boundaries.
Additionally, accepted applicants will be provided a one-year paid membership to the Lake Superior Community Partnership and the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about this grant program please visit: https://ishpemingcity.org/dda/downtown-development-authority-new-business-start-up-assistance-grant/
About Ishpeming
The City of Ishpeming is located in Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is home to about 6,600 residents. Boasting a rich mining heritage, creative small businesses, dozens of miles of trails and many outdoor amenities, and a community-centric culture, Ishpeming is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. During 2023, Ishpeming is proud to celebrate its sesquicentennial birthday, honoring the past 150 years and looking ahead to a bright future. To learn more about Ishpeming, visit https://ishpemingcity.org/.
About Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority
The Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) mission is to take meaningful action steps to revitalize the traditional historic downtown, using available funds in practical and achievable projects. Such as beautification, streetscape enhancement, urban design, façade improvements, historic preservation, use of technology, promotional events, advertising and marketing, collaborative efforts and partnerships, business development and redevelopment, selective property purchases and sales, and community organization.
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Expanded, world class composting coming to Marquette County
August 1, 2023
Partnership between the City of Ishpeming and Partridge Creek Compost secures $300,000 USDA Grant
Ishpeming, Mich, August 1, 2023 – The City of Ishpeming and Partridge Creek Compost (PCC) have secured a $300,000 federal USDA grant to create a world class, centrally located, composting facility within Marquette County that will benefit Ishpeming residents, along with institutions and businesses throughout Marquette County.
The City of Ishpeming will contract with Partridge Creek Compost for the expansion of its composting program, and provide composting service to the entire Ishpeming community as a waste diversion strategy. Through this grant, PCC will open a monitored, weekly household compost drop-off site for Ishpeming residents, and initiate a pilot household compost pick up by spring 2025. PCC is building additional composting infrastructure and the City of Ishpeming will partner with PCC through this municipal grant to provide support for this transition.
“Many Ishpeming residents display environmental consciousness, and the city is exploring ways to incorporate these concepts into our governing policies and programs,” said Craig Cugini, city manager of Ishpeming. “As we investigated options surrounding our waste collection, we determined potential viable options for improvement. One such area included composting biomass solids.”
The City of Ishpeming and Partridge Creek Farm first partnered together in 2017. In June 2023, Partridge Creek Farm launched a sister non-profit (Partridge Creek Compost) focused solely on the diversion, collection and processing of compostable waste, further expanding the partnership with the City of Ishpeming, Ishpeming Schools, Northern Michigan University, restaurants, and other Marquette County partners and municipalities.
“Approximately 60 percent of what goes into our county landfill consists of organic waste…waste that can be incrementally diverted, collected, and composted,” said Dan Perkins, director of Partridge Creek Compost. “Our goals with this expanded program are straightforward. We’d like to increase the intake of compostable material and develop the processing capacity to handle the additional material, all while providing informational campaigns and composting opportunities for residents and businesses.”
Ishpeming residents who are interested in the pilot program for curbside compost pickup are being asked to show their interest by signing up on www.partridgecreekcompost.org. The curbside pickup program will launch in the highest concentration of interest between October 2023, and May 2024, depending on equipment lead times and access to funding. For more information about this program expansion as a whole, please visit: www.partridgecreekcompost.org.
About Ishpeming
The City of Ishpeming is located in Marquette County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and is home to about 6,600 residents. Boasting a rich mining heritage, creative small businesses, dozens of miles of trails and many outdoor amenities, and a community-centric culture, Ishpeming is a wonderful place to live, work, and play. During 2023, Ishpeming is proud to celebrate its sesquicentennial birthday, honoring the past 150 years and looking ahead to a bright future. To learn more about Ishpeming, visit https://ishpemingcity.org/.
About Partridge Creek Compost
Partridge Creek Compost is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that seeks to pave the way for Marquette County’s sustainable future by keeping compostable waste out of the county landfill, and improving soil health. It is in our mission to direct all income, after operating expenses, to Partridge Creek Farm (PCF) to allow them to expand their educational and community engagement work. Creating a robust community and food system takes many moving pieces. Compost ties all those pieces together by turning unused food back into soil to grow new food; underpinning what will allow our communities to become increasingly self-reliant, healthy, and connected. Nothing builds community like food and gardening. And nothing grows food like Partridge Creek Compost. Learn more at www.partridgecreekcompost.org.
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