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
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.
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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Public Participation Plan 2023
January 25, 2024
The City of Ishpeming is looking to hear from its residents!
Every year, the City reviews its Public Participation Plan and invites residents to do the same.
It is important that the public be engaged throughout these city planning and development processes as Ishpeming continues to grow. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation shares some ways to stay involved in City planning, including participating in open meetings, getting involved in boards and commissions, and attending public hearings.
The City of Ishpeming’s Public Participation Plan is available for viewing here:
Election Precinct Inspectors
January 22, 2024
The City of Ishpeming is always looking for persons interested in working as Precinct Inspectors for City Elections. Inspectors duties include, but are not limited to opening and closing the polls, assisting voters to exercise their right to vote, issuing ballots, tabulating results and preparing required documents.
Precinct Inspectors receive two hours of required training. Wage is $15.00 per hour.
A registered voter interested in serving as a Precinct Inspector can obtain an application at Ishpeming City Hall, 100 E. Division Street, Ishpeming or by clicking here to access the State of Michigan website to print an application.
2024 City of Ishpeming Water Rates
January 12, 2024
NOTICE:
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024
THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE IN YOUR UTILITY BILL.
THE NEW MINIMUM BILL WILL BE $117.43 FOR 0-2500 GALLONS OF USAGE.
THE BREAKDOWN IS AS FOLLOWS:
WATER $54.80
SEWER $40.73
GARBAGE: $21.90
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TOTAL: $117.43
THIS INCREASE IS MANDATED BY CITY ORDINANCE THAT STATES THAT EVERY JANUARY 1ST THERE SHALL BE AT LEAST A 5% MINIMUM INCREASE IN UTILITY COSTS.
City of Ishpeming, Charter Communications Announce Charter’s First High Definition Public, Educational and Government Channel in Michigan
January 10, 2024
After nearly three-year effort and 60-day working trial period, Channel 189 to provide community information to Ishpeming residents
Ishpeming, Mich., January 10, 2023 – The City of Ishpeming and Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, “Charter”) today announced the full launch of Channel 189, Charter’s first high-definition (HD) Public, Educational and Government (PEG) channel in the state of Michigan, providing a central source of community information to Ishpeming residents.
The effort, which took nearly three years of collaboration between Charter and Ishpeming, had a trial launch in November so that officials could ensure the channel was backed with the proper infrastructure and content, and that employees could be trained on the system powering the channel.
“The City of Ishpeming is constantly looking for creative ways to keep our residents better informed of what’s happening at city hall and in their community,” said Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini. “We are grateful to Charter for their partnership in making this remarkable resource available to our residents.”
Programming on Channel 189 will include:
- City Council meetings
- Inclement weather alerts
- Public school updates
- Voter information
- Upcoming community events
- Residential information such as the street cleaning schedule and garbage pickup
- City-wide updates and emergencies
- Informative video content
Local Charter Spectrum users subscribed to the basic service tier of cable television can turn their televisions to Channel 189 to take advantage of the City’s programming. Among Charter-supported PEG channels in the state of Michigan, Channel 189 is the organization’s first HD channel, which enables more dynamic content to be shown to viewers.
“Charter’s belief in connectivity is about more than broadband and cable, but also in connecting communities of people together,” said Charter Manager of State Government Affairs Joan Movrich. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen the connection of the City of Ishpeming to its residents, and those residents to each other through Channel 189.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FEC) estimates that there are approximately 5,000 PEG channels operating throughout the country. According to national journalism think tank Nieman Lab, “Three quarters of PEG operations today are small, managed by one to three employees, and generate hyperlocal programming for a couple of cable channels typically listed as ‘local access’ on a cable system’s programming guide. While the number of local access channel operations has diminished over the years, these smaller operations still serve as reliable community information sources.”
Residents, businesses and community organizations can suggest content for Channel 189 by calling the City at (906)485-1091 or visiting their website.
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 Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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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
- 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.
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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