Only businesses in the Ishpeming DDA may apply through the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP).
Applications are due to the LSCP by April 3, 2024, at 5:00 pm
Click here for the Match on Main website for additional information
Marquette County Recreation Plan Update – County Wide Recreation Survey
April 30, 2024
April 26, 2024
Re: Marquette County Recreation Plan 2025-2029
Marquette County Planning Division is beginning the process of updating the County Recreation Plan; these plans are updated every five years in order to maintain eligibility for various grant programs. Part of the process includes performing a countywide survey of recreation interests to assess recreation needs.
To participate in the County-wide survey click the link: (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2PX9TSN)
The survey will close on June 30, 2024.
EGLE Finding of No Significant Impact: DWSRF Project-Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement
April 29, 2024
Click the link below to view the Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of 30-day public comment period for the City of Ishpeming Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project.
2024-04-29_City of Ishpeming EA_7708_Ishpeming
Construction to Begin on $16 Million Ishpeming Sewer Infrastructure Project
April 18, 2024
Ishpeming, Mich., April 18, 2024 – The City of Ishpeming today announced construction is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2024 on a more than $16 million sewer infrastructure project. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) project construction will begin near the Marquette County Road Commission at the corner of North Second Avenue and Ash Street. Work will proceed to Ash Street, Hickory Street and Hemlock Street. Construction in these areas is anticipated to last 3-4 weeks.
Residents should expect disruptions to traffic patterns during construction activities. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
The CWSRF project, first announced in September 2023, will include a combination of several components of the City Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure including sewer main replacement, installation of a redundant main and necessary upgrades to lift stations to provide a long-term solution to its aging infrastructure.
As work progresses, key updates will be provided. While not anticipated to last this long, the funding timeline allows for the total project to be completed no later than December 31, 2026.
“This project will update critical infrastructure which is more than 70 years old. Improvements will address many challenges facing our community,” said Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini. “Updating this aged system will provide long-lasting, reliable new systems using the most up-to-date materials and technology. These improvements are expected to reduce unnecessary strain on the treatment plant systems often occurring during high water events.”
The project includes $8.025 million in grant funding through the American Rescue Plan and an $8.025 million municipal bond from EGLE through federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) funding.
The full scope of this project includes approximately 25,000 feet of sewer main being 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 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
Nestled in the heart of Marquette County, the City of Ishpeming is a spirited community of approximately 6,600 residents over 9.2 square miles. Rooted in a proud mining heritage and fueled by the ingenuity of its small businesses, Ishpeming embodies a deep sense of community commitment and care. Residents and visitors alike enjoy a wealth of opportunities for leisure and well-being, with trails and outdoor amenities to explore as the birthplace of organized skiing. To learn more about Ishpeming, visit https://ishpemingcity.org/.
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Ishpeming Area Wastewater Treatment Authority: Notice of Project Plan -Public Meeting
April 5, 2024
The Ishpeming Area Joint Wastewater Treatment Authority will hold a public meeting
for the purpose of receiving comments from interested persons on a proposed FY25
Clean Water Project. The meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. (local time) on April 22, 2024
at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, 700 Sunset Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849, during
their monthly board meeting. The proposed project will include upgrades to the biosolids
treatment and ultimate disposal methods for sludge from the facility. The improvements
are necessary to control costs in addressing changing regulatory requirements. There
are no negative impacts expected with the proposed project. The estimated proposed
project cost is $3.8 million, which is to be funded through a low interest loan and potential
grant dollars.
Copies of the Project Plan detailing the proposed project are available for inspection at
the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Written comments received before the meeting is
closed on April 22, 2024, will be addressed in the final Project Plan. Written comments
should be sent to the Ishpeming Area Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility, Attn: Casey
Rose, 700 Sunset Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849.
Notice to Taxpayers and Electors of the City and Users of the Water Supply System: Intent to Issue Revenue Bonds
March 26, 2024
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS AND ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF ISHPEMING
AND TO USERS OF THE CITY’S WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
OF INTENT TO ISSUE REVENUE BONDS AND THE
RIGHT OF REFERENDUM RELATING THERETO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Ishpeming, County of Marquette, State of Michigan (the “City”), intends to issue and sell revenue bonds pursuant to Act 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended, in one or more series, in a total amount not to exceed Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), for the purpose of paying all or part of the cost to acquire, construct, furnish and equip improvements to the City’s existing water supply system, including water main and lead service line replacements at various locations throughout the City and upgrades and improvements to the storage tank, together with all necessary interests in land, rights-of way, appurtenances and attachments thereto.
SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF REVENUE BONDS
THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE REVENUE BONDS SHALL BE PAYABLE from the revenues received by the City from the operations of the water supply system (the “System”). The revenues will consist of rates and charges billed to the users of the System, a schedule of which is presently on file in the office of the City Clerk. The rates and charges may from time to time be revised to provide sufficient revenues to provide for the expenses of operating and maintaining the System, to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and to pay other obligations of the System.
BOND DETAILS
THE REVENUE BONDS will be payable in not more than forty (40) years from the date of issuance of each series of bonds and will bear interest at the rate or rates to be determined at public or private sale but in no event to exceed such rates as may be permitted by law on the unpaid balance from time to time remaining outstanding on said bonds.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF PAYMENTS FOR BONDS
SOLD TO MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY
IN THE EVENT THAT THE CITY DEEMS IT DESIRABLE TO SELL THE REVENUE BONDS TO THE MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY, THE CITY MAY ALSO PLEDGE ITS LIMITED TAX FULL FAITH AND CREDIT AS SECURITY FOR THE BONDS. IN SUCH CASE, IF REVENUES OF THE SYSTEM ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PAY DEBT SERVICE AT ANY TIME, THEN TO PAY DEBT SERVICE THE CITY SHALL ADVANCE LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS INCLUDING, IF NECESSARY, FUNDS FROM THE LEVY OF TAXES UPON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY, SUBJECT HOWEVER TO CONSTITUTIONAL, STATUTORY AND CHARTER TAX RATE LIMITATIONS. IN ADDITION, THE CITY MAY BE REQUIRED TO PLEDGE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS MONEY RECEIVED OR TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY DERIVED FROM IMPOSITION OF TAXES BY THE STATE AND RETURNED OR TO BE RETURNED TO THE CITY AS PROVIDED BY LAW, except for money the use of which is prohibited for such purposes by the State Constitution. The City may enter into an agreement providing for the payment of taxes, which taxes are collected by the State and returned to the City as provided by law, to the authority or a trustee, and such funds may be pledged for the payment of the revenue bonds.
RIGHT OF REFERENDUM
THE REVENUE BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A PETITION REQUESTING SUCH A VOTE SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE CITY IS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IF SUCH PETITION IS FILED, THE BONDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN APPROVING VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY VOTING THEREON.
THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 33, Act 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended.
Cathy Smith
City Clerk, City of Ishpeming
MATCH ON MAIN GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR CITY OF ISHPEMING BUSINESSES WITHIN THE DDA DISTRICT
March 25, 2024
Program Highlights
Match on Main is a reimbursement grant program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that serves to support new or expanding place-based businesses by providing up to $25,000 in funding to support eligible activities. In alignment with the City’s professional services agreement with the Lake Superior Community Partnership, the LSCP will serve as the applicant on behalf of the City of Ishpeming. Only businesses within the Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority are eligible for consideration.
The LSCP, via a shared review committee comprised of LSCP and City staff, will determine which business within the DDA district is selected for inclusion in the final application for support. The LSCP can ultimately submit only one proposed project to the MEDC. If awarded, the business will work with the LSCP to receive funds once the project is complete.
The maximum award to any individual applicant is $25,000. A 10% cash match is required.
City of Ishpeming Receives $300,000 Michigan Community Center Grant
March 22, 2024
City to partner with Partridge Creek Farms on food security, community programming, recreation efforts
ISHPEMING, Mich., March 21, 2024 – The City of Ishpeming today announced it received $300,000 from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community Center Grants program. The grant program builds on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy to win projects, invest in people and revitalize places.
“Community centers anchor thriving communities across Michigan, offering Michiganders places to gather, connect, learn, and access resources,” said Gov. Whitmer when announcing the recipients of the $64 million grant program. “This funding for community centers will help us deliver on our ‘Make it in Michigan’ vision to revitalize cities and towns across Michigan by making them more attractive places to live, work, and invest.”
Out of nearly 1,000 applications, Ishpeming was one of only 100 cities or organizations to receive funding.
The funds will be used to provide increased food and community-focused programming through a partnership with Partridge Creek Farms (PCF), as well as establish a recreational gathering space including a skate park in the nationally registered historic district/downtown center. The new, highly-desired skate park will attract residents and visitors alike and will include some additional space which allows for gatherings such as an exhibitor fair, equipment demonstrations and other activities.
“This grant helps us further realize our goal of providing superior support and programming to our residents, their families and our workforce, enabling them to thrive and continue to grow together as a community,” said Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini. “We are grateful to the Michigan Community Center Grants program for prioritizing the needs of our city through this $300,000 grant, allowing us to promote needed programming that increases food security and opportunities for recreation in partnership with Partridge Creek Farms.”
Partridge Creek Farms works to reduce Ishpeming’s health disparities through directly addressing the root causes of food insecurity and bringing knowledge, power and tools to the area to grow and prosper. PCF’s vision is of a whole community that grows and eats nutritious, locally and equitably produced food year-round and cares for themselves, Earth and each other.
This grant will help to support the continued development of the 3.5 acre Partridge Creek Intergenerational Farm and programming in downtown Ishpeming, scale Farm-to-School efforts, foster PCF’s continued stewardship of community gardens (in collaboration with residents and volunteers), and promote access to hands-on experiential learning for all ages.
“This grant will be critical as Partridge Creek Farms aims to promote food stability efforts and empower Ishpeming residents to develop a more meaningful relationship with their food and each other,” said Partridge Creek Farm Executive Director Sara Johnson. “We are also excited to work with the City of Ishpeming on the creation of a mixed use space that we can utilize for activities and programs that will bring people together.”
The City and PCF continue to raise funds and pursue grant opportunities to benefit residents through impactful programming.
NO COMPOST WILL BE AVAILABLE IN 2024 FROM THE ISHPEMING AREA WASTEWATER FACILITY
March 14, 2024
NO COMPOST WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE
ISHPEMING AREA WASTEWATER FACILITY
FOR 2024
Please call 906-486-4391 with any questions.
March 2024 Progress Report / Update for 2022 Audit
March 6, 2024
The 2022 audit highlighted several material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, and issues of non-compliance relating to financial reporting, statutory timelines, and internal controls for the City of Ishpeming. The specific causes named, in the report, for these conditions consisted of staffing shortfalls related to turnover and limited functional knowledge of finance and accounting.
It is crucial for the City of Ishpeming to take these findings seriously, applying immediate and methodical measures to rectify the concerns. Since receiving the audit in summer 2023, City administrators have been hard at work to do just that: addressing the specific issues raised, and strengthening the City Finance Office and its outputs.
The update below includes a reminder of findings presented in August 2023, as well as a new, most recent, update as of March 6, 2024.
Update as shared on August 16, 2023
The City plans to take action to address the financial staffing and functional knowledge concerns that were highlighted in the audit in the following ways:
- Enhanced staffing expertise, especially with the development of Grant Getschow
- Enhanced financial reporting to city council
- Ongoing training and development for all employees working within the City finance department
- Strengthened internal controls related to budgets and banking including bank account reconciliations and more sophisticated invoice processing
- Development of an internal control system to reconcile property tax collections and disbursements
- Collaboration with external experts including accounting firms, other local governments, and Michigan Treasury
- Pursue deficit elimination plans with the council and support of Michigan Treasury
March 6, 2024 Update
The City is continuing to provide ongoing training and development, strengthen internal controls, and collaborate with external experts. Additionally, the City continues to methodically address the 2022 audit concerns and is taking additional action(s) in the following ways:
- Achieved a fully staffed and highly qualified office of financial professionals including a new city treasurer through internal promotion, two new account clerks (DPW and assistant/deputy treasurer), and the reassignment of account clerk (utility billing).
- Segregation of Duties has been strengthened specifically in the accounts payables process where one employee now enters payables into the system, a separate employee journalizes and reviews the invoices, and yet a different employee issues the checks.
- We are continuing to look for ways to strengthen checks and balances, which can be a challenge in a small office. As our new Utility Biller, Treasury Clerk, and DPW Clerks are trained in, the New Treasurer is stepping into their role more. As this happens duties and workflow are being split up between the Finance Director and the Treasurer to separate key functions like data entry and reconciliation and create checks and balances regarding cash disbursement and cash deposits.
- Completed an initial review of all financial policies, procedures, and workflows, with plans to update as necessary.
- Clearly communicating with City residents the results of the water billing internal investigation and what they can expect as the City moves forward with proper billing procedures in place.
One of the main concerns brought to light in the 2022 audit was a lack of timely tax disbursements and an orphaned balance left in the tax collection account that would eventually need to be identified and distributed to the proper entities. As of February 28th, City has successfully reconciled tax disbursements from the 2021 and 2022 tax years and in doing so has identified the undistributed funds in question. Roughly $24k will be distributed to the City’s general fund, $38k to the DDA, $9k to the Cities Utility Funds, and $26k of Delinquent personal property tax receipts from previous tax years collected in 2022 has been distributed to the community. The City is working to calculate interest spreads on the delinquent personal property receipts and has disbursed the funds (completed the week of February 26, 2024). This is a huge benchmark for the rebuilding of the city finance offices and combined with timely disbursements carried out throughout the 2023 tax year puts the city back in excellent standing as a steward of public resources.
The City of Ishpeming will continue to provide relevant updates to the 2022 audit rectifications periodically and expects all concerns raised in the 2022 audit to be fully resolved by summer 2024.
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Water Utility Billing Update (March 2024)
March 6, 2024
Residents and business owners in the City of Ishpeming can expect their water utility bill to be clearer than ever before.
The City has been installing and implementing new radio-read water meters, some of which have been paid for through a Michigan Department of Treasury Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships Grant (program funded October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2024). This equipment improvement will significantly improve timeliness and increase accuracy for water billing by using radio-read technology to achieve “actual reads.” Before this infrastructure upgrade, water billing was sometimes based on “estimated reads.” Up through January 2022 851 new meters in homes had been installed. In January 2023 the total sat at 967. In 2024 we have installed 242 new meters in homes, bringing the total to 1644 to date along with many more radios on existing smart meters, up to 30 in one day this February. Installing these new meters does require an appointment and access to the inside of home.
Additionally, water billing accuracies are now enhanced because all residences and businesses are newly assessed and properly validated and categorized for billing rates. As part of this recent assessment, the staff discovered some businesses were being billed for water usage at a residential rate and corrected the records. Going forward, residences and businesses in the City of Ishpeming will be billed based on actual read data and within their validated rate category.
The City believes residents have a right to timely and accurate billing. This new equipment supports this requirement. It is important to note that the City will not be asking any resident or business owner to back pay for water usage due to a failure to collect accurate readings on the City’s behalf. Credits to accounts will be issued by the City to residents and business owners who have previously been incorrectly billed more than their actual usage before the more accurate radio-read meters were installed. This billing correction will span 2022 to the installation of new radio-read meters, which began during October 2019.
Please direct any questions to the City’s hardworking billing department by calling (906) 485-1091 or by visiting City Hall (101 E Division Street) between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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