ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming City Council had its regularly scheduled monthly meeting Wednesday and unanimously approved several measures which would bring funding into the city as well as approving permits for upcoming events.

Marijuana business fee set

During the meeting the council revised the 2022 fee schedule. The notable revision to the fee structure involved setting a $5,000 yearly permit fee for businesses which sell recreational marijuana and other cannabis-related provisions. The council amended two ordinances in January which had previously kept marijuana dispensaries from being allowed to operate within Ishpeming city limits.

Library staff wages

The council also approved a raise for part-time staff at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library after hearing a request from library director Jesse Shirtz. Shirtz presented a comparison of wages for staff members at libraries throughout Michigan that serve communities of a comparable size to Ishpeming and found that workers at the Ishpeming Carnegie Library were making less than their counterparts in other Michigan locations.

Special events

After a brief discussion the council approved two special event applications for the Michigan High School cross-country ski championship and a renewal for the Gus Macker basketball tournament. The cross-country ski championship will take place Friday. The Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament is a nationwide basketball tournament which has taken place since 1987 and features players of all skill levels competing and is scheduled from June 24-26. More information about the tournament can be found online at www.macker.com

Clean water fund

The council signaled their desire to apply for funding from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund/Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Fund. If funding is rewarded to the city, it could be used to fund projects intended to upgrade, repair and replace parts of the water and sewer system. These measures would help to keep the city’s water supply and infrastructure up to code, including the removal and replacement of any lead or galvanized water services.

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

A resolution was passed during Wednesday’s meeting which confirmed Ishpeming’s continued participation in the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority. The resolution also signaled support for the renewal of a millage for the trail, which connects Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming via 47 miles of connected, multiuse trail while focusing on the vast history of the Marquette Iron Range.

Randy Crouch can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. His email address is rcrouch@miningjournal.net.