A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application for proposed improvements to Lake Bancroft Park is the focus of a public hearing during the Ishpeming City Council’s regular meeting, which is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday. (Journal file photo)

ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming City Council is requesting resident input at two public hearings being held Wednesday during its regular meeting, set for 7 p.m. in the City Hall conference room.

A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application for proposed improvements to Lake Bancroft Park is the subject of the first public hearing.

The city will attempt to utilize a $250,000 grant awarded to Ishpeming’s Downtown Development Authority in 2015 by the Cliffs and Eagle Mine Marquette County Community Fund, $10,000 from the Iron Ore Heritage Authority, $50,000 from the DDA, and $10,000 in services and materials from Dan Perkins Construction as a match to obtain up to $300,000 in additional funds from the MNR Trust Fund.

Funds from MNRTF, if received, would be used for improvements to the trailhead for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, as well as additional amenities to the proposed pavilion as well as other sites improvements, according to a notice of public hearing.

The pavilion is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

The second public hearing will be held regarding an application from SEMCO Gas Company to renew a franchise agreement to provide natural gas to the city, according to an agenda supplement.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, the council will hear the first reading of the proposed ordinance.

The proposed ordinance, which renews an existing agreement, would allow SEMCO the right power and authority to lay, maintain and operate gas mains, pipes and services on, along across and under highways, streets, alleys and bridges, waterways and other public places.

SEMCO would also have the authority to conduct gas business in the city of Ishpeming for a period of 30 years, the supplement states.

The council will also hear a second reading of an ordinance for Jasperlite Senior Housing, a proposed development on the former Bell Hospital site at South Fourth Street, that allows the city to collect a service charge in lieu of taxes from the development sponsor.

If approved, the ordinance would allow the Jasperlite Senior Housing Limited Dividend Housing Association, LLC to pay the city an annual service charge consisting of 4 percent of the difference between rent collected and utilities paid by the developer.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-486-4401. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.