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May 2007 Postings 5-30-2007-05
ref 05-27-07-2 BACCO doesn't own
that pit Gene Carollo does.
5-30-2007-04
I've noticed that Kingsford city council
meetings work a bit different than ours:
When there is an issue discussed at a Public
Hearing, they not only listen but also keep track of letters received for
and against the item being discussed.
They do not make snide comments to the citizens
who get up to speak.
They do not disregard what the residents have to
say.
They table issues that have an obvious conflict
until it can be resolved in the best manner possible.
When I was a young Mountaineer, it was normal to
feel that long-standing rivalry with the Flivvers.
Now, I just feel envious of the Flivvers.
Vote for a change
in the next election; So Iron Mountain residents can again receive
the respect they deserve from their local government.
5-30-2007-03 Kudo’s to 5-29-07-04 my thought’s exactly. Also in case no one else noticed aside from the main Flagpole and the Courthouse and the Chamber of Commerce there was only ( 1 ) business in the Downtown area that showed respect and displayed our American Flag. Thank You Rocconi’s Ace Hardware !!!!!! Richard Dabb 5-30-2007-02
Response to 5-29-2007-05
You may be right. I shouldn’t be so judgmental.
Would it be fair to say there is enough documented evidence on this website
to claim that Mr. Marquart is "just handed checks"? I think there is.
Just recently, he was handed a huge check as a bonus, even after a
multitude of citizens complained about his incompetence to the council at
the same open meeting. That was unbelievable, to blow off Mr. Giguerre
at the same meeting, even insult him, and then turn around and
hand Marquart a 9% bonus. Don’t tell me you don’t know how many
things he has screwed up in this town - with documentation behind it.
What about Mr. Becotte? What can you tell
me about his contribution to our city? I know he was sold to us as a way to
save on engineering costs. That’s in writing. That has yet to happen. It is
obvious to me that he does not know the meaning of the word sewage, a
serious drawback to someone with the title of Director of Public Works.
He gets mileage checks handed to him on top of paychecks, too.
Do I really need to come up with more than we
already know about David Legge? Or Carl Little, Dave
Peterson, Gilbert & Associates, Eagle Appraisal, Rich
Brook? Are you trying to tell me that reassessment of property in Iron
Mountain is somehow not a duty of the "city assessor"? This
whole assessment situation is appalling, but would be funny if we saw it on
a TV show. We would be saying that something like that is so far-fetched it
could never really happen. But, here we are, having our pockets
picked with a job that was never correctly bid out, and not being done by
city employees, as stipulated. Read some documentation. It's there for
review.
STS Consultants
is on my list simply to illustrate the lack of engineering that Mr.
Becotte has done, and to raise awareness that they get city jobs that
are not competitively bid, hence, "handed a check".
As far as the city attorney, Mark
Woolard, and Brittany Hos(?), you may be right that I don’t have
much to go on to put them in the list. Look at the attorney’s results
as far as a background check of Mr. Marquart, though. What about the
rental ordinance? That had to be chopped up by a judge AFTER
it was rewritten a few times. Why do we even have Mr. Woolard, in a
position created just for him? With mileage? Ditto for Brittany?
With all of the "financial woes" we keep hearing about, you would think they
would not have created a bunch of new bureaucratic positions to suck up our
tax dollars, yet there they are. Yes, with the current state of affairs in
our city, I think there is a HUGE amount of unnecessary expenditure
of our tax dollars highlighted in this post. They are all "handed out
checks" that were not necessary before. It’s ALL NEW
expenditures. Think about it. You are being robbed blind.
It’s funny that they think they can brag about
the so-called "lower taxes." How much NEW expense is included just
in the things mentioned in this post? I haven’t even addressed the
fees raised or imposed for everything they could think of. Tax
cut, indeed.
5-30-2007-01
Does anyone know what the outcome of the DEQ
tests were of the ground samples?
5-29-2007-05 In Response to 5-25-07-01 5-29-2007-04
Mr. Marquart and Mr. Tousignant.
Yesterday was a special day for remembering our
armed services. There was a ceremony on the steps of the courthouse and
representatives were there from several neighboring communities. Where was
our mayor or city manager?
I was told that when you asked a man on the
street the question "What is going on this morning?" He had to tell you it
was a yearly Memorial Day celebration. Your response was as if you didn't
know.
Did you and our mayor not know about this event
and if you did, where were you as a representative of Iron Mountain? If you
honestly didn't know, WHY?
Our city government sure makes it's citizen's
proud!!
5-29-2007-03 After hearing about all the controversy regarding Iron Mountain’s city manager and council, I felt it necessary to attend a regular scheduled meeting. I must say I was astonished as to what I saw and heard from the public, city manager and council members. There were over 100 citizens in attendance at the May 7th meeting, in which at least ten addressed the council strongly voicing concerns regarding on-going issues in the city, none of which were positive. The biggest complaint centered on the current city assessor concerning the hiring of his felon brother-in-law and inaccuracies regarding his calculations in the reassessment. A long time, well respected, former mayor, council man and current TIFA board member brought forth a myriad of documented errors in the current administration. Even one former council member stated the atmosphere was like the TV show Fantasy Island. After every citizen spoke each received a loud round of applause, some even a standing ovation. So what do the Seven Dwarfs do, they award Snow White (the city manager) a 9% bonus to go along with his salary raise. Ladies and gentlemen of this community, you had better take notice of what is going on in this cities government. Please attend a meeting or at least visit the website www.ironmountainissues.org, but most importantly, vote so this sad fairy tale can come to an end. 5-29-2007-02 Keep your eye on that Hydraulic Falls water and sewer project. If TIFA let's that one get through them, they will be giving BACCO Construction Co. a $300,000-500,000 Christmas present.
They would be the only
beneficiary because they own the land this sewer and water
would service. The K-Mart Plaza already
has water and sewer and has no need for this project.
Doug Rigoni, Bacco executive sits on
the City Council. Bacco is the only beneficiary.
Connect the dots. We're watching
TIFA and Bacco and Doug Rigoni very, very carefully on this one.
5-29-2007-01
More sleight-of-hand at City Hall
Now we are going to get hit with a TV charge
of 5%. Marqurt says most cities in the UP already have it. So
what? It's a charge we didn't have to pay before, and we
wouldn't now if this council didn't levy it. It is another way to
extract money from us.
Council Member Dan Burke stated that the
1/10 of a mill cut was significant to some people. All together it
comes to less than $20,000 of a property tax levy of
nearly $5,000,000. That's less than 1/2 of 1%
of your city tax bill.
Behind your back, they slap on an
administation fee of 1% for the privilege of paying
your city property taxes. Cost to taxpayers,
$50,000.
They gouge us with an additional
$.15 per 1000 cubic feet of water for sewage treatment, plus
another $.25 per 1000 cubic feet of water used for some
kind of sewage improvement fund.
They added to the garbage collection
fee a while back that appears on our water bills.
Fees, fees, fees and more
fees. All passed quietly and adding up to
hundreds of thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, the only cut was the .7
mills by TIFA, not the City Council, and they fought that one
tooth-and-nail. The public knew a good thing when they saw it and
passed the Charter Amendment by way over 70%.
Handing me a dime while picking my
pocket for a dollar is not my idea of a good deal.
We have the most deceptive mayor,
city council and city manager in the history of this city. They have
got to go - all of them.
5-28-2007-01 Just scanning the site and noted post
5-27-2007-05 mentions City of Allen Park Suit concerning sewer back up. I would
hope the writer is not using that set of circumstances in the class action suit
and making a comparison to the City of Iron Mountains responsibility in the
Fleshiem Street sewer issue or the Grant Street water main issue..... sewer back
up into your basement drain from heavy rain in a combined sanitary and storm
sewer system that is at capacity from the rain..... and sewage being forced into
your outgoing sewer pipe under high pressure that causes it to blow out of your
toilet, saturating your home or.... water seeping into your basement from a
outside water main leak and water blowing up through your basement floor
destroying it and the plumbing in your home with enough pressure that the
toilets and vent pipes are ripped from is fasteners and jacked up through the
roof and the basement fills with 4 feet of muddy water,...... may be two very
different sets of circumstances. My point is I don't believe that it makes much
of a difference what the supreme court would say in the Allen Park decision. the
cases are not even similar. 5-27-2007-05
POHUTSKI v CITY of ALLEN PARK (116949) (To be
argued with JONES v CITY OF FARMINGTON HILLS) – At issue:
When sewer systems back up into homeowners' basements, must city governments
pay for the damage? The answer could affect a large number of Michigan
cities and homeowners. Background: The plaintiffs are a
group of Allen Park residents who brought a class action lawsuit in Wayne
County Circuit Court against the City of Allen Park. In February 1998,
sewage backed up into the plaintiffs' basements after 2.45 to 3.3 inches of
rain fell in the area over a 24-hour period. The plaintiffs argue that the
City of Allen Park must pay for the damage to their basements. The City of
Allen Park argues that Michigan's governmental immunity statute (MCL
691.1407(1)) bars the plaintiffs' lawsuit. But Wayne County Circuit Judge
Edward M. Thomas said that earlier Michigan cases recognize a
trespass-nuisance exception to governmental immunity -- in other words, the
judge found that the city, as owner of the sewer system, had a duty to
prevent sewage from invading private property. The City asked the Michigan
Court of Appeals to review the Circuit Court decision, but the Court of
Appeals issued an order on May 4, 2000, stating that the City had not
persuaded the Court of Appeals "of the need for immediate appellate review."
Now, the Michigan Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether MCL
691.1407(1) bars the plaintiffs' claims.
5-27-2007-04 I will not be posting any more comments on the outcome of the Trial this week and have removed some of the comments submitted. This site was not created for that purpose. Webmaster 5-25-2007-03
I'd like to comment on something said at
the last council meeting. The council was having a discussion on health
insurance. There were comments made about how they really should starting
making an attempt to build a fund for the retiree health care, and they
not hinted that previous councils should have thought of this long ago.
They (Marquart, Tousignant, etc.) were acting like they were the first
council to try to address this problem. What a load of BS!
That issue WAS addressed by a previous council, and they had a fund
built up to well over a million dollars for it, which I consider to be a
good start. If you refer to this link from the hot links page,
May 18, 2004 newspaper article
, you will see in the second paragraph that
this present council are the ones who destroyed that
already established fund. Now, they are acting like it's their idea to
"fix" something that previous councils ignored. Their comments on
this are the height of hypocrisy to me.
Furthermore, doesn't the mayor hold some kind of
position in the Michigan Municipal League? It should interest you to know
that the MML is FIGHTING a state bill to limit health
insurance. Their reason? It will take away cities' ability to attract
talented individuals to municipal employment. Wow, that actually makes
sense. However, it's exactly the opposite of what he is doing to Iron
Mountain employees and retirees.
5-25-2007-01
Another submission for the dumbest comment
award: When addressing the plight of Mr. Ron Giguerre and his sewage-filled
home, Mayor Tousignant said:
"We don’t just hand out checks."
Well . . . not if you are just a lousy citizen
without influential friends. But, here is a quick list of people that are,
in my opinion, "just handed out checks" by the City:
David Legge
- reassessment, convicted felon - over 5 grand a month for using a tape
measure
David Peterson
- reassessment, don’t know anything else about him
Carl Little
- reassessment
Eagle Appraisal?
- Marquart says so, but, does it even exist?
Rich Brook
- reassessment, even after rejection of his figures twice by the county -
forty grand in a month?
STS Consultants
- all manner of plans not bid out for
Bob Becotte
- DPW Director, but what does he actually do other than cover up sewage
dumping? What happened to his ability to do engineering for the City?
Mark Woolard
- does part of Marquart’s and part of assessors’ jobs
Brittany Hos(?)
- I have no idea what she does
City Attorney?
- I hope he doesn't get paid to sit at meetings and not chime in with legal
advice when he should.
Did I miss any? Probably.
5-24-2007-09
I have been talking to a lot of people through
general conversations lately and I can tell everyone on this web site,
----- the absolute consensus is that they will vote for anyone who is
willing to get rid of this Mayor Tousignant and City Manager Marquart!
I have never seen so many animate people who are
plain fed up with these two men and members of this council!
I believe this city is finally waking up to the
evils in our city government and are now willing to do something about it
come election time!
Process is as follows:
(1) Tousignant loses election (He is history
and just a bad memory)
(2) Four new candidates will be elected that
have integrity and honesty and care about this city and it's citizens!
(3) First new business for the new council
will be to fire Marquart on the spot
(4) Begin the healing process of this city and
get back to brass roots of decent leadership again.
(5) Call a town house meeting and ask the
citizens about their needs, wants and desires and ask for support from them
so these needs can be a reality
(6) Iron Mountain deserves this and we
are going to get our city back!
Expectations of Marquart, Tousignant
and council members over the next few months
(1) They will try to raise money from a
few wealthy people in the community and try to buy votes.
(2) Marquart will use his free news media,
Radio, TV, and local newspaper to release so-called announcements of great
things he has done and what the future holds (This will be exposed for what
it is as he does it)
(3) Marquart and Tousignant will suddenly
become everyone's friend and even return calls from those who call to
complain.
(4) Marquart and Tousignant will probably
resolve to finally pay Mr Giguere for his sewer damaged home (I hope they
do) but will make it sound like they have been trying to fight for Mr
Giguere for all of these months and finally caused it to happen. It is
already too late for them to take credit for this so It won't help them,
although I hope for Mr Giguere's sake, it does happen this way.
(5) Marquart and Tousignant will write and edit
articles for their friends to place in the paper like in the past.
The citizens group in this city has
inside sources and the truth will be printed, with documentation on
this site, as they take these steps to deceive the public
Concerned citizens group for better government
5-24-2007-08 Tennis Courts north side, east side, 25 location, and City Park. Baseball east side, 25 location and under construction north side. And the cost of filling in the duck pond (wetlands?) staggering even if it is done with a grant, grants are our tax dollars I’m sure we could find better uses for the funds. Also look good at the site where the pond is at best you would have an area prone to settling kind of like a small scale Chapin mine. (PIT) 5-24-2007-07 If I may comment on the sewage issue - regardless of what was in the sewage, and how much environmental damage was done - the dumping was illegal, and it was authorized by Bob Becotte. He should be fired just for being so stupid, and Marquart should be fired for joining in the coverup attempt. 5-24-2007-06
Deer at City Park
Response to 5-24-2007-02
While I agree with what you are saying, I'd like
to add that keeping residents busy arguing amongst ourselves is a perfect
way to keep us distracted while they continue to do what they please.
However, if you've noticed, big
decisions get made when our heads are turned and sometimes they are
permanent. Irreversible.
They will claim to take public input, and yet
have their plans already drawn up.
Marquart and the council have been setting the
stage with the deer pen since October, 2005. If you check the minutes to
various meetings, and also the letter in the 2006/2007 budget proposal, it's
there in print. Setting the stage also includes those statements made about
mange, and how their enclosure is "cruel and inhumane" when the council has
been presented, over and over, with various ideas and monetary solutions to
improve the pen.
What gets me is the lying about it.
At the last council meeting, Marquart said it
was high school kids' idea, from January, 2007. Well, at the very least
Marquart recommended it April, 2006 in writing.
The council also discussed it December 11, 2006
and at the January 8th, 2007 meeting they had 7 people speak at public
comment: 2 people stated that they might want the pen
reduced (1 for a Winter park), 4 people wanted it to stay
in its entirety, and 1 wanted a wading pool. So that is
6 total out of 7 that did not want it entirely
removed.
When the council spoke at that meeting in
January, every single one of them thought the deer pen should be removed:
Robin said to get rid of them for financial reasons, Doug said the money
spent on feed could be spent on park improvements instead, Sally said the
"bowl area" could have summer concerts, Eden said additional recreation
space, Ken said the council should create a Master Plan...
Well, they did. They hired a consultant to draw
up that Master Plan and had it at the Pavilion open house which, according
to Marquart, only 3 people showed up for. Did any of you know that there
was a "Master Plan" to take out the deer pen available at the Pavilion open
house? I sure didn't.
As far as "getting public input", just
when does our input count? Certainly not at public comment time at a
council meeting. Not in the voice of the people in the Daily News.
Doesn't this make you angry?
The "Master Plan" is in the 2007/2008 budget
letter and will be under the direction of Mark Woolard, Planning and
Community Development, along with Parks and Recreation Committee.
The deer may mean a lot to some of you, or they
mean nothing at all. But what should mean everything
to you is that you have a chance to stop them from doing what they
please, and loudly let them know what you want.
Let them know that we are not listless and
dim-witted. Marquart thinks he can run right over us with all the
issues....well, here is some damage that hasn't
been done yet. Speak up, for goodness sake, one way or the
other.
Fighting for the deer does not mean that
any other issue is being ignored, I can promise you that. It's just the
principal of managing to stop something before it happens for a
change.
When is the last time that has happened in the
last few years for us?
Even though she tried to back-pedal her words,
Eden has said that 75 people at the council meetings were a tiny fraction of
the community and did not represent how the whole city felt.
Do 6 people represent better than
75?
So, please speak up to
your council person, at meetings, in the Daily News, Parks and Recreation
Committee, Planning and Community Development, etc. Maybe an overwhelming
amount of voices will actually be listened to.
However you feel about the deer
pen, please let it at least be our
decision and not theirs.
5-24-2007-05 “ Northside wont be ready for a couple of years.” The North side field is being done with volunteer labor I have not missed a single work bee that was held on a day off of work, I don’t get many days off, and I have put in a couple evenings after work. The field could be ready much sooner if some of the ones who will benefit the most or maybe some of the parents would get a little more involved. I don’t play baseball and don’t have any children in the area to use the field. I volunteer my time to this project for the benefit of others who are too busy to help (thank God I only work 60 hours a week and have some time to help). Maybe the next time they have a work bee you and a few of the parents could show and help. Vision 2020 is coordinating much of the effort I’m sure they would love to hear from you. 5-24-2007-04 Just thought it was rather interesting that City Manager John Marquart and the Mayor "Team Tousignant" laughed when it was mentioned they were the only three people that showed up for the city park pavilion "grand re-opening" last Saturday. I guess all their real friends were there! 5-24-2007-03 I see where the number of visits to the
PUBLIC FORUM on this website passed the 200,000 mark sometime today. 5-24-2007-02
I remember Mr. Corombos’ letter in the newspaper
not too long ago. He used the term "smoke and mirrors" to describe how this
administration plays games with the budget. I would like to point out that
they are using the same tactic on issues. They know they are up against come
determined competition this fall. So, what is everyone talking about? The
deer in City Park. They know that a large number of people have strong
feelings about it. It’s a distraction. And it’s dirty pool to use the deer
that way. Of all the things we could be talking about, it’s deer, because
THEY KNOW how much the deer mean to this community, whether they look real
or not. It's a very low thing to do, holding the deer hostage to distract
everyone from their constant blunders.
Let’s not forget those numerous blunders they
have made, most recently, hiring a convicted felon to come onto our
property, and then giving Marquart a bonus. Then, with the echoes not even
gone from that one, the sewage dumping incident. Hell, Mr. Giguerre has not
had his issue resolved yet. He was at the last meeting, too. Just the last
couple of months have had more huge blunders than a four-year term should
contain at most. Oh, almost forgot. Our tax assessor has, for two
consecutive years been strongly corrected by the county equalization
department.
Yes, it’s all coming back to me now. The deer
issue is a RED HERRING, people. You should know by now how they operate.
5-24-2007-01
Oh yes, an ending to the parade and picnic at the park sounds
wonderful… but WHERE are you parking everyone? Just go to the park
during the bocce games and you’ll see how limited the parking is. If you get
more traffic going thru that park, it will no longer be a safe playground
for our children.
I’d have to see some major planning for changes before seeing
more traffic going thru there. And I still can’t see it being cost effective
to fill in that deer pen. There are far too many level parcels in the city
and township that would be much cheaper to convert to playing fields. So,
whether the deer go or stay, how is it cost effective (or safe) to add more
fields there?
5-23-2007-06 Hello All: I would like to just point out some facts here. The post on 5-23-2007-03 asks why we should do this for kids that don't live in Iron Mountain. I can only speak for youth Football and tell you that we have around 100 kids play football each Saturday and practice during the week at City Park. These are just Iron Mountain Kids that live within the City Limits of the town. The Soccer League builds it's teams per the area in which the kids live, so my guess is that most kids playing are from Iron Mountain. Near 500 per year I figure. If you get a chance ride through the Lodal Park at Kingsford. 3 Baseball diamonds, 2 football fields, skate board park and a small play ground. Then drive over near Dr. Faulks office and you will find a Soccer field. Then drive over to Woodland elementary school and you will find 2 more Soccer fields. The Soccer field and Baseball Diamond out by the airport. 1 Soccer field by the Menominee River. Then take a drive to Norway and visit the complex at Marion Park, multiple soccer fields. Then take another ride over to Niagara and look at their facility. Overall Kingsford has at least 5 Baseball Diamonds and I am sure I missed a few. Iron Mountain has 1 regulation size soccer field and that's at City Park and 1 youth field at Crystal Lake. That's all we have! We have 2 Baseball Diamonds in the whole City, East Side and West Side. Northside wont be ready for a couple of years. My purpose here is not to get rid of the Deer. I just see a better use for the current Deer pen. Someone suggested to me that City Park would be a great place for a City wide 4th of July Picnic. The parade could come down Hughitt and end up in City Park. The afternoon could be filled with games and events held on a field located were the pond is now. This location would benefit the parents who have to watch a couple of kids between the playground and the field. The log building could be used for vendors to sell hot dogs and hamburgers. Its just an idea of how the area could be better used, That's all. Dean Lefebvre 5-23-2007-05 In Response to 5-23-2007-02 I did not draw the line in the sand you did. And as an example of what the council thinks of its constituents if someone in the audience talks out of line the gavel gets raped, but there was one case where a speaker had to wait for the mayor to quit talking to get the floor. This was a private conversation between the mayor and a non elected so called official during public comment if you want respect then give it. News flash People of Iron Mountain have so convinced by the artificial deer at the city park that they have been feeding them. They are said to like plastic and wax fruit. 5-23-2007-04
Before things get too far with the issue
of the Deer Pen:
Let's take a step back and analyze the last few
years. Somehow, decisions pushed by the City Manager and Council have
caused many separations in this city.
Whether it is Fire Department vs. Police
Department, Landlords and tenants, Downtown merchants vs. other business
owners, people receiving blight notices for flat tires, Special Interest
votes.....people are increasingly upset.
What is the common denominator here?
As long as the Manager, Mayor, and Council can
keep us all fighting each other, they can go about their business without
the distraction of us watching over them.
As long as they are condescending and ignorant
at the council meetings, it deters people from speaking up.
As long as they try to discredit the most
honorable men in town, they think they can continue to be dishonorable.
I don't want to fight other citizens over the
Deer enclosure. I certainly don't want the Council and Manager to lie about
their intentions, although I'm not sure they know how to do anything else
anymore.
We have to be very careful to not sink to their
level. Issues can be resolved with some honest discussion between the
residents, knowing that we all want what is best for our City.
There is always a solution, always.
We cannot let things like the Deer enclosure
become an issue of long-standing resentment; another thing to drive a wedge
between people. I won't let Marquart do one more ounce of damage
like that to my City.
Corny as it sounds, we really are all on the
same team here.
Honestly, we have to concentrate and keep an
"eagle eye" on our local government right now because they are not paying
attention to the creative budget balancing that Marquart is getting
away with.
There isn't a problem that can't be tackled, but
if November comes and half the town isn't speaking to each other...well, to
me that's more damage done than monetary damage.
5-23-2007-03
I won’t disagree that we could use more sports fields for our kids; but
here’s a question. How many of the kids using these fields live
within the city limits and how many not? Why is Iron Mountain
responsible for providing all of the athletic fields? Our athletic fields
will not bring in visitors. The deer do. Yes, the deer are an expense; but
doesn’t this council agree that we must invest money to bring in money.
Let’s develop the park into an attraction. People love animals. Even little
zoos are popular. When we had Bruno and the buffalo, people lined up around
the fence to see them.
So, anyway, let’s talk about getting other areas involved in looking at
sports fields and tennis courts. Iron Mountain tax dollars shouldn’t have to
provide them all. There’s a whole lot of flat township land
out there that could be utilized that would cost less to develop that trying
to level off that deer area in the park.
5-23-2007-02 In Response to the Deer at City Park. Its a shame that some citizens are making claims that the Tennis Courts and the Soccer/Football Field are not being used. You are wrong. Stop by the Tennis Courts this morning and someone will be playing and again later on this afternoon. The Soccer/football field has been reseeded using money raised by our youth sports programs. I personally will be there this morning watering the grass with equipment bought with funds raised by youth sports programs. Yes the City is supplying the water, but I think we can afford to have 1 safe and healthy playing field in Iron Mountain for our children. Please do not draw a line in the sand and then dare citizens of Iron Mountain with a different opinion from yours to cross it. This accomplishes nothing and only starts a feud. If anyone would like to discuss this or talk about an alternative place for an additionally field please call me. Dean Lefebvre 396-2186 5-23-2007-01
At Monday’s council meeting, Tina Peterson
addressed the council about the deer pen at City Park. She said that most of
the people she has talked to want the pen to stay. After that, council
member Caudell responded by saying that all of the communication she
receives regarding the deer is in favor of getting rid of the deer. It was
then said by other members that, if they decide to pursue getting rid of the
deer, they will have another public hearing on it. Big deal, they never
listen to the people who actually voice their opinions openly, the way
government is supposed to work - the very reason for public comment.
I have a suggestion. When that public hearing
comes, the people who get up and speak should be the only comments that are
counted as public comment. Time and again, issue after issue, people get
up and publicly speak on issues, only to be told by council members that
they don’t represent the majority that they hear from privately.
This is supposed to be open government with open meetings. I don’t believe
those alleged private communications should be counted as public
input, simply because there is no way to verify if those alleged
communications ever took place. They can, and have used that excuse to
ignore public comment over and over again.
It doesn’t matter what the people say at public
meetings. It doesn’t matter how many get up and speak. It doesn’t matter how
strongly the sentiment is against what this council is trying to do. The
council always come back with comments about all of this alleged private
communication that supports them. That is not fair representation of
the people who exercise their right to participate in open government.
Truly, those private comments have absolutely no place in our government.
There is no way to verify they even occurred, and these ghost comments
are always used to overrule the open and public comments made by concerned
citizens. Issue after issue, that is the case. Doing that seriously
undermines the rules and process of our government, and may be one of the
biggest factors in the mistrust felt by so many citizens toward our city
government.
5-22-2007-04
Instead of getting rid of the deer at City Park
I have a suggestion. Cut the trees down to the south of the soccer field and
clear the land. Use the money from the sale of the timber and build whatever
kind of recreational field you want. I think we should ask Sally Jacobs to
bring this up at the next council meeting. She could sit in her living room
and watch all the kids playing. You'd like that wouldn't you Sally??
5-22-2007-03
Hot off of the latest council meeting, my new
submission for the dumbest comment award:
"The (city park) deer don't even
look like real deer." - Eden Caudell
5-22-2007-02 Seems odd to me that every time I am at city park I always see people coming in to look at the deer. I can’t recall seeing tennis being played more than a slight few times. I have seen many people taking photos of the deer haven’t even seen anybody watch tennis let alone take a photo. Soccer fields and football fields are large high maintenance limited use, used only by a few and only for a short season. And with the outrageous cost of water in Iron Mountain who is paying to water these. I will admit the bocce ball court was a great idea a rather small area which gets fantastic use, large turnouts and something an entire family can enjoy. I would hope that the council would do what the residents of iron mountain really want rather than what they really want. But then I still hope for world peace I think those two have about the same odds. VOTE in November it is our only hope. 5-22-2007-01
I was at the Iron Mountain council meeting last
night. I want to address something that was said about future costs for
retiree health care. First, the city manager said that they were able to
reduce the yearly cost for health care by changing plans. He said the costs
went from over a million dollars a year to around $600,000.00 a year. That
sounds like it was cut in half. Then, a few minutes later he was talking
about the future need to account for unfunded liabilities like health care
costs. When he talked about that, he gave the figures from BEFORE the health
care plans were changed. I believe he said the figures were from 2004,
and I think that was very misleading. Then, council member Van Laanen said
something that led me to believe they are planning on attacking retiree
health care again. Come on, council members, haven’t you destroyed their
future enough already, without swaying public opinion with misleading
figures to set them up for another cut they cannot afford?
5-21-2007-09
I can see it all clear as day. City Manager
John Marquart and the executive committee of the city council (Tousignant,
Van Laanen and Rigoni) are trying to figure out how respond to the
excellent and accurate portrayal of the mismanagement by this city
manager and city council by TIFA Chairman Ted Corombos.
They compose an inaccurate letter and don't
want their names attached to it. Hmm, who of the remaining four council
members might sign it. Let's see, the dimmest of the dim is Dan
Burke.
Surely, we can get him to sign it.
Dim Dan bites.
In his mere one and a half years on the city
council, he has been a consistent follower. Can anyone think of one
idea he has had that has amounted to anything? He leaps at the chance
to get his 15 minutes of fame at the expense of an Iron Mountain icon.
Sorry, Dim Dan, it didn't work and they used you.
Nothing you or the city manager or
the rest of the dwarfs that pass for a city council can diminish the
honesty and comon sense 30 that Mr. Corombos has displayed in his 30
years of public service to Iron Mountain and its citizens. You have all
demeaned yourselves in the process.
5-21-2007-08
The most
lopsided debate I can imagine would be between Ted Corombos and Dan
Burke.
If Dan
"Cheap Shot" Burke thinks he's up to it, let him post his acceptance of
the challenge on this website and I will take it from there.
P.S. I'm
not holding my breath.
5-21-2007-07
After reading the letter from Mr. Burke in the
newspaper tonight, I now reluctantly have to add him to the list of those
who must go. He was the only one that I saw as having potential to rise
above the mess and intrigue that the other council members are wallowing in,
until now. I thought his letter was in very poor taste - a councilman
launching a personal attack on a citizen, and in a public venue. Shame on
you, Mr. Burke. You badmouthed someone without giving any evidence to
support your innuendo. I guess you are learning well from your mentors. I
expect Mr. Corombos will respond at the meeting tonight.
Can someone out there who is more qualified than
me give us a definition of "abuse of power"?
5-21-2007-06
To Dan Burke
It is quite obvious that many citizens were
wrong when they suggested that you were the only hopeful left on the city
council that had a chance of becoming a good council member and whom we
thought was going to hold an open mind to what was said at the last council
meeting.
We hoped you might have enough guts to stand up
for what is right and wrong and see the lies that Marquart has told through
the years, but then again, foolish people we are! Marquart has you wrapped
up in his hands and controls your mind the same as the rest!
Attacking Ted Corombos is a big mistake Mr
Burke! He has more knowledge and creditability about this city and it's
failures and lies from our Mayor and Manager than you could ever hope to
have in a lifetime. In fact, if you could learn as much in a day as Mr
Corombos forgets, you would still be just as ignorant about what has been
done to this city during your seat on the city council!
Believe me, you are way out of your league when
it comes to attacking a man like Ted Corombos! His honesty and respect and
dignity is unchallenged in this community from those who know him! Obviously
you don't!
By the way ---
You asked Mr Marquart if he was familiar with
TIFA and he assured you he was. What did you expect him to say, "No Dan, it
is true I am not familiar with TIFA, but I do a good job of faking it!"
Would you have printed that response?
You are not worth responding to any more because
you are a puppet like the rest of the council.
After we remove Marquart and the Mayor after
election, You might be the logical one to also be dismissed because of your
support of an "out of control" and corrupt council!
Wake up Mr. Burke
5-21-2007-05 If anyone thinks Dan Burke wrote the Letter to
the Editor in Monday's Daily News it's because they don't know Dan Burke. 5-21-2007-04 Hello All: I have gotten some complaints about some comments not being posted. I have looked into the problem and can tell you that every suitable comment submitted is posted. The only thing that I can think of is if you visit this site often and do not have your internet setting to check for a new page ever time you visit you may not get that latest postings. Try refreshing the page. The Daily News has asked me to remove all links to their web site found on this site. This is unfortunate and I really don't understand the reason, since the Daily News is hosting a Public Website. I have removed the Link from the home page to satisfy the request. Webmaster 5-21-2007-03 In response to Dan Burke's Letter to the Editor: 5-20-2007-02
I would like to make one final comment on the
City Park issue, in response to the first part of post #5-19-2007-05. The
thought of more compromise with regard to City Park deeply disturbs me. Why?
Because it was that sort of "compromise" that got the size of the deer pen
drastically cut in favor of the soccer field that is already there.
Compromise is a dangerous, but innocent, feel-good sounding word in this
context. It has been used time after time to whittle away many aspects
of what the park used to be. We who remember what the park once was know
that we cannot afford another such compromise, because history has shown
that there is no compromise at all - just a gradual chipping away and
eroding of the park in the name of compromise and "progress".
5-20-2007-01
Post 5-15-2007-03 talks about how if there is
ever any controversy going on in the police department, it is always the
same officer involved. I am outraged by that obvious, below-the-belt attempt
at character assassination. Unfortunately, your post demanded an
airing of these other embarrassing items to counter your bias. There
are more, but this sample is more than enough to prove my point. And they
are all able to be verified if you know where to ask - you know, by checking
with someone who is not trying to cover something up.
Question:
What is, by far, the most infamous controversy involving the police
department in recent years?
Answer:
The trial of Phil Bal, which starts this week.
That’s one.
Aside from Phil Bal creating a huge controversy,
there is also the question of the controversial response by other IMPD
personnel to one of the incidents involving Phil Bal. That has been kept
very quiet. That’s two.
What about the part-time police dispatcher going
to police school on our tax dollars? Never approved, never reported on,
except on this website. That’s three.
What about what that dispatcher did in his
tax-dollar-paid-for motel room? Oh, some of you didn’t hear about that one?
Another one swept under the rug. Ask the local sheriff about it. He knows.
That’s four.
What about the police patrolmen losing their
union affiliation? Again, glossed over.
That’s five.
What about the drunken joyride by off-duty IMPD
personnel in a Kingsford Public Safety police car? Oh, didn’t hear about
that one, either? Funny, because patrol officers were suspended for it.
That’s six.
These are the biggest and most recent
controversies in the police department that I can think of, and not one
of them involved the officer who handled the sewage dumping incident.
Why are you, whoever you are, trying to single out one officer who is just
trying to do his job without kowtowing to politics? I think you knew all
about these other items, but you have a selective memory. Do you see a
pattern forming? The only controversies you hear of are about one
officer. The rest were kept quiet, in effect, singling him out. Why is that?
Is it just because he was not willing to lie down with dogs? That's my bet.
5-19-2007-05
When we get honest differences of opinion, reasonable people on both sides can usually reach a sensible compromise. Neither side will get 100% of what they want. In the end, both sides can say they are reasonably, if not totally satisfied.
I specifically refer to the deer in city
park versus shortage of soccer and/or football fields discussion.
1. - Over the years, both youth soccer
and youth football have grown to become large programs, not just in
Iron Mountain but county-wide and in Niagara as well. Therefore, it
is not just a self-contained Iron Mountain issue.
2. - Both football and soccer need
large, flat parcels of land. A certain amount of
additional flat land is needed for parking. Water
and rest room facilities are also desirable.
3. - The City of Iron Mountain does
not have a site meeting these requirements available. That
still leaves a number of other choices. (a) build
one, (b) seek the use of private land that may be
available under a mutually satisfactory lease and a hold harmless
agreement, (c) look for land outside the city
limits, whether privately, township, city or county owned and
negotiate a satisfactory agreement with the appropriate parties.
4. - The deer at City Park is a
tradition going back well before the Great Depression
I am told by many senior citizens.
It the only such enclosed area in the county. You can go there
anytime and have a very good chance of seeing deer. Generations of
residents and tourists have enjoyed and have fond memories of their
visits to the deer enclosure. I have yet to find a senior citizen
who remembers a time when there were no deer there.
If the city can figure out a way to have
both an additional football field and the deer, I
personally have no objection.
To get rid of such a
unique and long tradition would be a serious loss to the ambience
and history of our community.
Do we have the reasonable people
available to solve this problem? I don't know. If, as an earlier
post suggests, the city council is applying for a grant that would
effectively eliminate the deer, it would be another example of their
lack of concern for the wishes of a substantial percentage of their
constituency.
5-19-2007-04
Response to Mr. Lefebvre:
I sincerely understand what you are saying about
a lack of fields for our youth. I agree that they are needed and would
never begrudge that, and I admire that you have taken it upon yourself to
water the soccer field.
However, reducing the deer pen is not what the
city has in mind. They have been talking of disposing of the deer. The DNR
cannot let them be relocated because they have only known captivity and they
would have to be destroyed.
The council has already tried to say the deer
have mange, which is completely untrue, in order to justify the deer being
destroyed.
The Deer enclosure is an institution
in our city. It is an important part of our community culture. It is the
first exposure for many, many children to a "creature of the woods" and if
you've never seen a toddler's face light up as he/she approaches the deer,
you have really missed out.
It is also a quiet, peaceful place that adults
turn to when they need to just BE, to think. It is also a proven Habitat
for many species of birds and there are plenty of grants out there to
improve the Habitat instead of destroying it.
There must be other portions of
land in this city that can accommodate the need for sport fields.
Without an engineering degree, I cannot go
beyond throwing ideas out there for consideration:
1. Is it possible to take a youth-size field,
increase it's borders to include both sizes and have the perimeter lines
flagged for whichever age group is playing?
2. There are so many parcels of land available
and possible donations that could be made for the cause of needed
fields. Have all of these resources been exhausted?
3. Can existing field properties be enlarged to
accommodate a second field? For instance, the North Side field: I may be
wrong, but it seems there may be enough property to add another field and
parking there.
I understand what you are saying about the
traffic on Saturday mornings for Football. You are correct that making the
exit a two way street would be safer for the children at the playground. I
also agree that providing facilities for our youth sports programs is
very important.
However, does it have to be that something is
taken away to provide this? I believe there must be a way
to have both opportunities available for the residents of Iron
Mountain. There is a large portion of residents who wish to retain the
Deer Enclosure...can't we at least probe further to find a
way to satisfy both interests?
The Grants for youth programs that you mentioned
would work in any geographic location, not just City Park. Let's see if we
can find other property and keep the City Park Deer Pen for all to enjoy.
I will personally begin a search and inquiries
into possibilities for field locations. I realize that you have probably
already done this, but maybe land opportunities have changed since then.
Respectfully,
Tina Peterson
5-19-2007-03
Mr. Lefebvre, I don’t deny that youth sports is
a great thing. In fact, I completely agree with you. You say there is grant
money out there for new fields. Fine. I just don’t understand why you would
condone destroying a unique and beautiful natural park area for that when
there are other areas in the city that could be used for the same thing. Why
pick on our park? Why is high school sports more important than driver
education, for that matter? It seems to me that priorities in this town are
very screwed up.
I agree 100% with the things you said in the
past about having to spend your tax dollars to subsidize your competitors
downtown. I think that is an insane and unfair position for you to have to
be in. I must respectfully, but vehemently disagree with you on the future
of our City Park, though. We are losing something unique to Iron Mountain,
and, once again, the citizens don’t have a say in it. The council is
forging ahead with the plan to destroy it, even budgeting for it. Damn
them for it.
There has got to be another suitable place in
town for sports fields. I hate to say it, but, 1,000 people or not, the
sports side of the issue is just that, a side, a special interest at the
expense of anyone else who would use the park the way it was intended to be
used - able to be enjoyed by all, and all ages, not just a special group. To
me, a family outing with a picnic, playing on the playground, and a walk to
see the animals is something everyone could enjoy, and it’s equally as
important as the sports fields that could be built in another place. You
cannot recreate the natural park we are losing forever in another place.
This plan is just stealing another special thing from ALL of the community.
Thank you.
P.S. If there was enough support, I would
contribute financially to an injunction to stop the destruction of our
natural, beautiful City Park if that gets approved in the new budget. I
feel that strongly about it.
This is just one more item that convinces me we
have to clean house in the next election. I will be polling the challengers
to get their feel for this issue.
P.P.S. A recent post mentioned items in the
new proposed budget. Any chance of getting a copy of that posted? Thanks
again.
5-19-2007-02 I would like to respond to some items about City Park. My name is Dean Lefebvre and I am the President of the Youth Football League. I am one of those persons that would like to get rid of or reduce the size and move the deer pen. The problem the Soccer League, the Football League and the Little League are facing is we don't have enough fields. Currently the Soccer/Football Field at the City Park is the only regulation size field in town. The field at Crystal Lake is a youth size field. I have been watering city park in an attempt to keep it healthy until October. I gave a presentation to the Parks Committee last fall showing how we could fit another field and possibly a baseball diamond on the site that is currently used for the deer pen. There is a lot of Grant money out there to help youth programs and the cost tot he city could be minimal. The log buildings on the west side of the play ground could be used for concession stands. The traffic flow problem that I have is that on Saturday mornings and afternoons we have between 100 and 200 kids coming the football field. The traffic caused by parents coming into the park is a safety concern. There is no reason to send those cars around the playground. I asked the city to see if we could make the road form the field to B Street two-way. This would keep the traffic away from the kids playing in the play ground. We have around a 1,000 kids involved in youth sports. Providing the facilities for these organizations is important. 5-19-2007-01
About those minutes from the last council meeting
and the Budget Proposal:
I'm sure they aren't meant to
be so condensed that the public comment lost it's fire....but showing Eden
Caudell's recorded last comment as "the city council must represent all of
the residents" just plain ticks me off.
Her real comment was that the
75 or so there were a "tiny fraction" of the community and did not
represent how the whole city felt.
Now how in the world did that change into what
is written in the minutes?
And what happened to the Mayor's comments about
"writing out checks?"
Or Mrs. Jacob's false statement about the City
Park deer having mange?
I would swear that Mr. Giquere didn't say it
would cost $41,000 to fix his kitchen and bathroom...he was trying to defend
the mayor's comment about the original lower cost of his house by explaining
that he had remodeled these rooms along with wiring and plumbing. He
shouldn't have to defend himself in the first place.
I wish the true comments were recorded for
posterity instead of the "clean" and condensed versions.
Every single motion prevailed unanimously.
Why, why will our kids
now have to walk around drinking/drunk people on their way home from
school? Because Eden Caudell said it would be so nice to be able to have a
glass of wine outside during the day. Because the council members were not
even thinking about the repercussions, just about how "cool" it would be to
have alcohol served on the sidewalks of our city. During the Day.
Because Eden Caudell said that it would "bring
many people to the downtown area" if there was to be drinks served on the
sidewalks, and all council members heartily agreed.
You don't think that maybe, just maybe, her
place will soon be serving drinks outside?
Why aren't these comments of Eden's in
the minutes?
How many residents want this?
What is to stop every establishment from serving
alcohol outside eventually? Maybe the local taverns will now follow suit?
Heck, maybe Super One should set up a couple of picnic tables and a keg?
Is this growth? Will my child have to step into
the street to avoid the "wine drinkers" on his way home?
I am tired of their version of "growth" if it
means schmoozing away tens of thousands of dollars for titles that have
brought nothing. Tired of "growth" that means sucking money from one fund
to inflate another, tired of Mr. Marquart boasting of grants that benefit
one while the rest of the city bottoms out in potholes. Tired of Mr.
Marquart boasting about grants at all: they are out there, the city
has been getting them before he came along, and we will get them long after
he is gone.
Tired of him blaming any deficits on pension
funds that employees sacrificed and bargained for, that they took paycuts to
retain.
Tired of this council spending massive amounts
of money on consultants, studies and recommendations when they
never even think to ask the people of this city what they need or want.
The budget for assessor in the 2006/2007 copy
was $38,900. The actual cost? $222,060. The opening
letter in that 06/07 budget said that it would include
reassessment costs, even projected the tax increases as part of the
revenue.
There is $109,350 budgeted for 2008 for
assessor. Shouldn't the extra costs be over by then?
The letter for 2006/2007 also states that Mr.
Marquart himself suggests doing away with the Deer and deer pen in City
Park. He questions if that area can be better utilized to improve
the park, suggests an outdoor amphitheatre or adding to the ski trail. He
also suggests an interactive bio-ecology lab for students. (can't the deer
fit into that category?)
In the opening letter of the (2007/2008) budget
proposal, Marquart unfolds the "Master Plan of City Park."
I kid you not, that's what it's called.
The recommendation from WHOEVER
(another consultant?) is eliminating the deer pen, which is 4 acres, under
the direction of Planning and Community Development.
They want more facilities, better traffic flow,
and enhanced usage for year round activity.
What about the recommendation of the
people of this city?
Why in the world do you need better "traffic
flow" through a park where there is a large playground?
Let's think this through, shall we?
Scenario 1- Estimated cost to bulldoze giant
hill where deer currently are, demolition of all fencing, grading,
installation of tennis court : $300,000 -$400,000.
Scenario 2- Estimated cost to install tennis
court on completely flat, level area directly across dirt road from existing
tennis court (where the airplane used to be): Heck of a lot less!
Scenario 3- Where tennis courts are
really needed? The property by the school, near
Prospect and Ludington; where 3 courts could be together.....where the
school needs and wants it for High School matches.....not where the council
chooses....not where the deer have to be killed.
Currently, the kids are split up at 3 different
tennis courts when they play matches against other schools and the coach can
only be at one court.
How do you want to spend your money? Is
spending that $9000 annually on deer feed really breaking our city as much
as the council claims, or do they have something else in mind for that
property?
If whoever uses petty cash every month in the
city hall building stopped, that would save $300 to $500 per month from the
budget...Petty Cash gets repaid every month under Iron Mountain Water dept.
There's a start toward the deer feed.
One last painful slap about the Deer Pen: The
budget letter states they are applying for a DNR grant to get rid of
the deer.
5-18-2007-04
I guess being a council member isn't
such a low paying job after all if you know how to manipulate, hey
Mr. Rigoni.
Let's see: You take a $500
a year job. You get a $250,000 to $400,00
gift, depending on the size of the water and sewer lines the city is
proposing to run to your company's property off the Hydrauluc Falls
Road.
Ah, but maybe you can do better than that,
Mr. Rigoni. You can bid on the job, too. After all,
Bacco, a company in which you are an executive and
part-owner, frequently bids and gets city jobs.
Say you get the bid and make a mere 10%.
That's another $25,000 to $40,000. Then there is the
proposed road itself for another $500,000 according to the Daily News.
Let's give you 10% of that if you get the winning bid, or another
$50,000.
Not a bad performance for a four year stint on the city
council, Dougy boy. For your and your company's self-interest,
that is.
And we won't even get into the caper you
were a part of on the Kramer Road reservoir and water lines off of it to
your advantage. Not right now we won't, but in time it will all
come out.
No wonder you took out a petition to
run again. You are making far more money for your company PER-HOUR
being on the city council than you will ever make at your "day job".
5-18-2007-03
I took my grandchildren for a walk through City
Park the other day. They were absolutely thrilled to see the deer up close.
(I noticed they are shedding their winter coats - I wonder if that is the
"mange" that Councilperson Jacobs spoke about?) On top of seeing the deer,
we were all very excited when we saw a family of foxes playing around
near the pond. It seems that they have made a den in the side of the hill.
It was something that my grandchildren and I will probably never see again,
and what a great memory it will make with my grand kids. They were so
enthralled. Go see them soon if you get the chance. I sincerely hope
that we keep the deer at the park, and try to keep what is left as natural
as possible. Where else can you see wild animals around here? It’s the last
place left where you can see something like that. I think the park should be
advertised as a tourist attraction that gives the opportunity to see animals
up close. I wish there were more animals there like when I was a child. I
would also love to see a return of the goldfish pond with the bridge over
it. Put the sports fields someplace else and restore the park in its natural
beauty. Please.
5-18-2007-02
This is addressed to all those who want to know
the truth about the alleged sewage dumping incident. It is always an option
for you to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain any
government documents you wish to see. In this case, I would suggest
demanding from the City the following items:
*The original police department report, plus
attachments, photos, etc. for the incident.
*The original fire department report, plus
attachments if any, for the incident.
*The initial DEQ report if any, and any follow
up reports.
*The health department report, including water
sample results.
*Any official document that says what was
dumped was not untreated sewage. Conversely, any official
document that says what was dumped was untreated sewage.
I, personally, would like to see anything in
writing that led Mr. Marquart and Mr. Becotte to believe they could say
that what was dumped was not raw sewage. Also, pay attention to any dates on
any reports when checking for that.
5-18-2007-01
Response to 5-17-2007-08:
What are the REAL issues? I notice that you did
not offer any as examples. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but the tone of your
post suggests to me that none of us know what the REAL issues are. Just
the fact that you don’t see getting rid of the current mayor and city
manager as REAL, MAJOR issues leads me to that conclusion. So, what are
the REAL issues?
For starters, how about if the new candidates
try to address the major issues and stumbling blocks created by the
incumbents? That’s a no-brainer, and will take a lot of time and effort to
fix. The list on this point would be too extensive and long-winded to
include here. The challengers know what those points are, and I’m
sure they will come out in the next few months.
Next, instead of prettifying the downtown and
attracting fluff at the expense of all else, how about a concerted effort to
attract real industry that will bring new money into this area?
How about a pledge to follow and abide by the
entire City Charter instead of creative interpretations whenever it suits
the questionable purposes of the council and manager? You know, actually
take their oaths of office seriously? How about adding a new sentence to the
oath of office: "I shall not lie about any City matters." Too bad
that was not in already; it would have been easier to get rid of them
sooner.
Next, just about everything Tina Peterson said
in her post that announced her intentions to run for city council.
How about a sincere pledge to respect the people
of Iron Mountain, and the employees of the City? Then, to see it actually
happening?
Finally, how about finding a way to hold the
current council members and manager accountable for all of the problems they
have caused? How about a thorough investigation? How about publicly
announcing their lies and half-truths about many issues they have shoved
through, and an apology to all of the people they have "wounded"? How about
criminal charges if they are warranted?
In short, the REAL ISSUES in this election are,
first and foremost, to fix what the Fab-four broke, and to hold them
accountable for it. When trust with
the citizens is reestablished, we can then move forward as a community.
Unfortunately, all else is secondary to what Tousignant, Rigoni, Van Laanen,
and Jacobs - and Marquart - have done to this city in the last three and a
half years.
5-17-2007-09
Reading the minutes from the last Council Meeting (May
7, 2007) was interesting. One of
the first things I noticed was that it said: “Carl Little - 709 Blackwell
Ave., Gladstone – Asst. Assessor said…”
Who gave him the title of Assistant Assessor? Is he certified
as an assessor? I’d sure like to see that certification. If he calling
himself an assessor (even an assistant assessor), he must be certified.
The second thing that caught my eye was the Old Business. The
Sidewalk Café Ordinance. Talk about a conflict of interest when it was moved
by VanLaanen and supported by Caudell to adopt the Sidewalk Cafe
Ordinance. Let’s let everyone who wants an ordinance passed be able to
support those motions. She should have abstained from that vote completely.
Especially since her tables and chairs blocked handicapped access to the
sidewalk most of last summer. They can pass all the ordinances they like. If
those tables prevent handicapped passage on that sidewalk again this year, I
will personally contact the State of Michigan for their views on what the
Café is doing with the City approval. They might just like to hear how “un-cool”
Iron Mountain is when it comes to their handicapped citizens.
In fact, I’d like to see our board members get into a
wheelchair and try to negotiate around those huge planters that are also on
the sidewalks on ‘A’ Street by City Hall; or try to get past those signs
that are permitted to be placed on the sidewalks in front of businesses and
on the corners.
The third item I have questions about is where City Manager
Marquart informed the Council that Vision 2020 was requesting City Council
approval to move forward with the construction of a privately constructed
multipurpose building that will include indoor bocce courts, restrooms and a
concession area for the North Side Ballpark. The motion was approved
unanimously. So, is this going to be a privately owed building (and
business, with the concession stand) on City property? Was there a public
hearing on this? Isn’t that required by the Charter? Maybe I just missed it.
5-17-2007-08 I am glad we have the chance to make some changes
in this coming election. 5-17-2007-07 Recently heard that Bill Revord has a hidden agenda. Can anyone explain what that agenda is? Also, What happened to the bike path around Lake Antoine and the grant money. Just curious. 5-17-2007-06
Do I smell another
scandal in the making? Last
night's Daily New, Wednesday, May 23, had an article at the
bottom of the front page entitled IM to repair Hydraulic
Falls Road. It was misleading in the sense that it will be
a realignment of that road, not a repair job. That's minor.
What caught my attention is
the last sentence of the third paragraph. It reads -
"TIFA money will be used for utilities
work."
What utility work, I wondered.
There is no water and sewer line on the Hydraulic Falls now, so
why would any suddenly be needed, whether it's realigned or not.
There are water and sewer lines on
US-2. Any development from the K-Mart plaza to Pizza Hut (a
pretty good chunk of land) can easily be developed off of those
lines right now. Why are utilities needed at all and who would
benefit?
Want to guess who owns the land
immediately behind the K-mart Plaza site? Give up?
It's Bacco Construction. Doug Rigoni, an executive of
Bacco, currently sits on the city council.
Wouldn't it be nice to get a half-mile of water and sewer lines
from the highway right onto your property at zero cost?
Would it increase the value quite dramatically without Bacco
spending a nickel? Absolutely. There is no other purpose for
the utilities that are proposed.
Does the TIFA Board
understand what it may be getting into here?
Has it committed to this
project as the article implies?
What is the cost for a
half-mile of utilities?
Over the years, I
believe TIFA has spent its fund quite sensibly, although I don't
pretend to know every project they've been involved in. I'd
hate to see them get swept up unknowingly in this possible mess,
but I will not hesitate to take them to task if they do. I'll
have lots of company.
Bacco has done millions of
dollars of work with TIFA funds, all legitimatly through
competive bidding, but also presumably profitably. To turn
around and try to get a freebie of this magnitude because they
have a part-owner sitting on the city council is indeed
scandalous.
5-17-2007-05
Response to 5-15-2007-06:
I had put together an outline for a pre-election
"town hall meeting."
One idea I had was to have a city-wide poll,
possibly on-line, having the residents rate issues in order of importance to
them prior to the meeting.
I would like to see it held at the IMHS
auditorium with students involved in tallying up the polls, revealing the
results, and also involved in the questions.
I agree that Mr. Corombus would be an excellent
moderator, and I would suggest a co-moderator such as Denny Chartier or Mrs.
Boddy.
The current council and city manager would be
invited as a panel. The challengers would have a chance with this forum to
introduce themselves and their ideas.
Most importantly, the citizens will have
the opportunity to ask questions and be heard.
After the meeting, the residents could fill out
a short survey rating the meeting and perhaps write down what they
would like to see in the format. Those results would be published in a
timely manner.
I believe it's important to have student
involvement: they are the future decision-makers, and current issues affect
whole families, not just the adults in the community.
Let's build on this....let's hear more
suggestions for this meeting.
By the way, at the last city council meeting,
Mrs. Jacobs had said that the deer at city park were reported to have
mange. This is false: they were simply shedding their
winter coats. I wanted to set the record straight as mange is a very
serious and contagious affliction.
(And kudos to all who defended a city police
officer.)
Sincerely,
Tina Peterson
5-17-2007-04
This election is our only chance to rid
this city of the corruption and arrogant attitude of this council and to get
rid of Marquart and Tousignant.
Everyone who reads this web site needs
to recommend it to any and all people you know are eligible to vote this
August primary.
If this administration can do this much
damage and waste the hundred's of thousand's of tax dollars since they took
office and caused this much division and desention, imagine what they will
do if they get back in office for another term?
They must be stopped!
The following people can stop them!!
Dale Alessandrini --- Past council
member with great knowledge of city government, not afraid to speak out
against right and wrong, is for the people of this community and can be
trusted! (Good bye Marquart!, hello honesty)
Dave Farragh--- Past city employee who
also is against this administration and knows what they have done and
continue to do to this city. He is knowledgable about city water
works, street department and functions of the city that will benefit the
people. First thing on the agenda will be to help get rid of Marquart!
Tina Peterson --- Have personally known
her for many years! She has had a rough time in her life and knows how to
persevere. She is a fighter! She is honest, reliable, not afraid to speak up
for what is right and wrong and speaks with poise and control. She is
believable when she speaks and loves to help others people who are
discriminated against. She will be good for this community and will help us
get rid of Marquart!
Bruce Rosen --- Very honest, reliable,
is fed up with business as usual and wants to bring genuine change to this
community and get rid of the corruption. He has common sense, will not be
intimated and is not afraid of this manager and mayor! He will not be a yes
man, nor will he allow the mayor and manager to control the council and
intiminate others. He will help this city get rid of Marquart.
Bill Toedter. --- Bill is one of the
hardest working men I have ever known. He is absolutely not afraid of the
Mayor, Marquart or any council member and is willing to spend any amount of
his own money to fight corruption in city government. He came from a poor
family and got what he has right now the old fashion way --- he worked his
butt off for it! He is honest and hates discrimination and will do a good
job for this community. He will help us get rid of Marquart!
Go citizens -- Go Go Go (Corruption
coming to an end, --- honesty on the way!)
5-17-2007-03
Response to post 5-17-2007-02:
Yes, it is too bad that all seven cannot be
replaced now. But, no need to wait two years for the mop-up operation. If we
get four new council members seated in November, it will be as simple as
following the City Charter to send Robin Tchokreff packing. We’ll see how
many unapproved absences it takes to accomplish that.
As far as Eden Caudell, she has shown her true
colors, so why wait? A recall is always an option there. I say leave Dan
Burke alone for now. He is new to politics, and he is learning the ropes
from the wrong people, that’s all. Give him a little longer to prove
himself, hopefully with a better class of people to learn from. By better
class, I don’t mean more money, I mean more integrity and honesty.
5-17-2007-02
I am very pleased that five good citizens of
Iron Mountain have filed petitions to run for the City Council.
I know three of them quite well and the
other two less so, having met them within the last six months, All
five of them are dedicated to more open, citizen-responsive government.
Like thousands of us, they are tired of the
closed, secretive, self-serving, arrogant government we have now.
They are tired of the deceptions, lies, poor
decisions, unnecessary spending, and rapidly growing bureaucracy.
My only regret is that only four of the five
can be seated. It's too bad all seven council members aren't up for
re-election. I guess we'll have to wait two years for a mop-up
operation.
Pick any four of the five. You won't
be sorry. They are, listed alphabetically,
Dale Alessandrini, Dave Farragh, Tina Peterson, Bruce
Rosen, Bill Toedter.
5-17-2007-01
Is post 5-15-2007-03 suggesting that
a police officer isn't supposed to report sewage violations to
the PROPER authorities?
It sounds to me like that poster was
suggesting the police officer should have huddled with Marquart and
Becotte to cover it up. That would have been a
hidden agenda and a coverup.
Now I'm wondering. What was the
hidden agenda of the poster?
5-16-2007-04 Can anyone tell me how we can find out if the DEQ
is still investigating the dumping of material from the sewers? I want to know
if they took soil samples, in addition to the water samples; and if they are
looking into where Mr. Marquart has authorized such material 5-16-2007-03
In response to 5-15-2007-03
Why does it seem that when there is a controversy involving the IMPD that one particular officer is always involved. Maybe because only one particular officer has enough sand to stand for what is right.
From what I have seen this man do over the years, and I will add I did not always agree with him, he stands for what he believes is best for the entire community. And for a man to have such dedication to the public he has my complete support. We need more like him. 5-16-2007-02
Hey folks. Poop happens in other places, too.
Check out this humorous youtube clip, and insert "Iron Mountain" and "city
manager" in the proper places. (need sound turned on)
5-16-2007-01
The deadline for filing for the
City Council was 4:00 PM Tuesday, May 15.
The following people have filed:
Incumbents: Sally Jacobs, Doug
Rigoni, Jeff Van Laanen, Ken Tousignant
Challengers: Dale Alessandrini,
Dave Farragh, Tina Peterson, Bruce Rosen, Bill Toedter
If no candidate withdraws within 3 days,
there will be a Primary Election on Tuesday, August 7.
Only one candidate will be eliminated in the
Primary Election.
5-15-2007-08 To the writer of post 5-15-2007-03, the hidden
agendas seem to me to be at City Hall. 5-15-2007-07
Response to #5-15-2007-03:
I am not at all understanding you.
First of all, the sewage is not a "controversy"
of the IMPD. It involves Mr. Marquart, Mr. Becotte, and the citizens of
Iron Mountain who don't want raw (read: unprocessed)
sewage materials dumped in various places across our city
for God knows how long.
Investigating a call coming in about a truck
dumping sewage on city property is doing your job, not
having an agenda.
Trying to organize help for an elderly lady is
called being a human being, not having an agenda. Her
basement was knee-deep in mud, her upstairs walls were cracked, her toilet
was blown upward, the roof vent was near blown off...do I need to go on?
If I have somehow misunderstood you, I
apologize.
If I haven't, shame on you for taking time to
criticize people who have given of themselves to help others.....while the
true person with an "agenda" has ripped this town apart.
Shame!
5-15-2007-06
Citizens
If anyone has ideas about how to set up a city
wide town conference debate with all of the running candidates participating
in this debate, please write a few suggestions on this site.
I was wondering about the high school as a site
for this.
As a concerned citizens group, we want to have a
city-wide debate about matters that pertain to this city and hear from those
who are running for city council and their ideas. Also to debate Tousignant,
Rogoni, VanLannen and Caudell and see how they handle others holding them
accountable for their actions where they are actually allowed to talk and
ask questions with out a gravel pounding on the desk.
This of course would be the opposite of the
chance they give to the citizens to discuss their ideas. We will have this
debate, but I venture to say that the above puppets of the council will be
afraid to appear in public without Marquart's presence!
Mr Corombus would be a good person to operate
the debate so all candidates will have a chance to express themselves
fairly.
By the way, I have heard that many of the
council members are suggesting that all of the controversy that is now
taking place in Iron Mountain is because of LandLords and their
organization! This is just another ploy to h |