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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Ishpeming Police Officer Conner Bryant receives Outstanding Rookie of the Year Award
June 26, 2023
On Friday, June 23,2023, Officer Bryant received the Outstanding Rookie of the year award from M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Officer Bryant, was one of three officers, in the State of Michigan to receive this award. Officer Bryant was selected for this award due to his enforcement of drunk/drugged driving during his rookie year with the City of Ishpeming Police Department.
Cliff’s Shaft Mine Museum to open for the 2023 Season
May 26, 2023
CLIFFS SHAFT MINE MUSEUM TO OPEN FOR 2023 SEASON
Ishpeming MI – The Board of Directors of Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum are pleased to announce the opening of the museum to the public for 2023. The regular season will be May 30 through September 30, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm. Hour long, guided tours will run at 10:30am, 11:45am, 1:00pm, and 2:15pm. The annual fall festival is also being planned for September.
The working forge will be fired up with David Arbelius, our resident blacksmith, at the anvil with his handmade wares for sale. A variety of products, including local food items, will be available in our gift shop along with many popular books, rocks, apparel, toys, and souvenirs. Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum is located at 501 W. Euclid Street in Ishpeming, Michigan. For further information, please see our Facebook page, cliffsshaftminemuseum.com, or call the museum at (906) 485-1882.
Beautification Committee is seeking volunteers for the 2023 season
May 4, 2023
City of Ishpeming
Beautification Committee
is seeking volunteers for the 2023 season
The City of Ishpeming Beautification Committee needs volunteers, to either adopt some new City garden areas or to assist with locations that are already established.
If you are interested or know of friend, family member that might be interested in helping with the beautification effort in Ishpeming, please contact Cathy Smith at Ishpeming City Hall (485-1091, Ext. 203) and She will get you on the master list. It is exciting to share the joy of gardening and seeing our city bloom! Year after year our volunteers’ contributions are witnessed and appreciated by thousands of residents and visitors.
Questions directly related to beautification and the various gardens can be directed to Linda Andriacchi our Master Gardener at 486-4457 or email linda.andriacchi@gmail.com.
The Ishpeming Downtown Development Authority will purchase flowers and any needed supplies to keep all of these areas looking great all year long.
PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING!
CITY RESPONDS TO SINKHOLE NEAR ABANDONED MINE SHAFT ON APRIL 13, 2023
April 13, 2023
Ishpeming, Mich., April 13, 2023 – An abandoned mine shaft within the City of Ishpeming experienced a shift in the mine’s fill material early on April 13, 2023, causing a sinkhole to appear at the surface. We are glad to share that no injuries occurred and no city services were interrupted.
There is a road closure following this event, on Bluff Street. However, access to residential homes in the area has not been affected. Please respect the roadway closure, indicated with clear signage and barricades, until further notice.
Temporary Road Closure: A portion of Bluff Street including the intersection of Bluff and Jasper Streets and approximately 200 yards east. Residents along Bluff must travel east to Main or South Pines for access/egress during the closure.
The work crews will access from Jasper Street and are requesting residents travel with caution as increased trucks and operators will be operating in the area. Please drive slow and be watchful for this additional traffic from the work site.
At this time, there are no interruptions to any utility services for any residential or commercial customers in the City of Ishpeming.
- Public water service was shut-off to the site, without impact to residential or commercial customers
- There are no sewer or storm sewer utilities in the affected area
- Aerial power lines are about 50 yards north if the site and are unaffected
Officials at the City of Ishpeming praise the quick response by Ishpeming Police and Public Works, and the County Mine Inspector. The City of Ishpeming urges unauthorized personnel to stay away from the site until further notice.
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, hundreds 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/.
Media contact:
Adela Piper, Siren for City of Ishpeming
adela@sirenstrategy.co // 586.212.4792
NOTICE OF TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE: MAIN STREET FROM CANDA STREET TO EUCLID STREET
September 12, 2022
For More Information:
City Manager’s Office /485-1091 ext 203/204 / Citymanager@ishpemingcity.org
Notice Traffic Change – Main Street
The City of Ishpeming will be changing the Traffic Pattern on Main Street between Canda and Euclid from One-way to Two-way beginning October 3, 2022.
What people can expect to see with the change:
- Northbound traffic will Yield to Euclid
- Parking will be in opposite directions (no changes to the number of parking spaces).
- A yellow line will separate directional traffic (North and South)
- Removal of One-way signs within the new Two-way zone
Traffic from Empire to Euclid will remain One-way on Main Street.
JOIN TextMyGov: Report Issues and Find Answers or Receive Community Event Alerts
February 23, 2021
