Erickson Raises Township Water Rates
During the reports portion of the Agenda Mr. Brunello advised advised the Board that the Gogebic-Iron Waste water Authority was still working on their Budget. Mr. Suutala advised the Gogebic Range Solid Waste Authority had adjusted their manager's salary to $44,000 which is on par with other similar managers. Mr. Genisot reported that the County Soils Officer, David Anderson spoke with the Planning Commission, noting that the Township ordinance should only be aimed at dust and noise control, and hours of operation as his department handles the other issues regarding gravel pits. The Planning Commission will have to revise the currently proposed ordinance accordingly. The Waste Management Corp. advised the Township that their rates were being increased by the amount of the C.O.L.A. , which is 2.8%.

The Township has received a letter from the Robert Tervonen, Manager of the City's water department stating that the city intended to increase the township's water rates by 9%. In a separate letter, the Township was advised by Scott Erickson (husband of librarian Elaine Erickson) that the Township would not be receiving any credit for the water leak at the trailer court.

Under Old Business the Township Board discussed the response from Ironwood's Public Library accepting the Township's proposal for renewing the library contract for three years. The final agreement calls for $15,000 plus an annual 3.25% C.O.L.A. , $8,874 in arrears. In addition, the Township will be assigning their Penal Fines (approximately $ 15,000)

The original amount requested by the library board was $20,000 per year plus $17,747 plus the C.O.L.A. plus the Penal Fines. In the end the two parties were in agreement with the terms stated previously.

The Township negotiators saved their taxpayers approximately $23,874 ($15,000 in charges and $8,874 in arrears).

It should be noted that the city's viewpoint on the arrears was disputed by the Township Board.