Juliane M. Giackino

The Gogebic County Hazard Mitigation Plan focuses on reducing risks from natural, technological, and human-related hazards. Key areas include weather-related events like extreme temperatures and snowstorms, hydrological hazards such as flooding and dam failures, and industrial hazards like structural fires and hazardous material incidents. The plan aims to protect life and property by identifying and mitigating potential hazards, enhancing community resilience, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

The agenda includes items such as the election of a chairperson and vice-chairperson, adoption of parliamentary procedures, appointment of a parliamentarian, and designation of meeting dates, times, and places. Other key items involve communications, appointments to the Gogebic County Fair Board, and public comments. The approval of an ambulance service agreement with Aspirus, authorization for the Fair Board to spend beyond the general appropriations limit, and the purchase of SSO gift cards for employees were also discussed.

The meeting included discussion regarding elevator repairs and seeking estimates for other improvements, with expenditures up to $150,000 using Trail Authority reimbursement proceeds. A resolution was approved for the Lake Gogebic Playground Renovation Grant. There was a conversation about fair board per diems, and agreement that the method for reporting present/absent attendees to meetings shall be uniform. The board was updated on a single audit for CARES dollars and the need to start planning for indigent defense. The MSU Extension updated the board on their programs and the SNAP-Ed position. There were comments regarding the MAC Conference, NACo, Covid-19 relief, and beaver dams on Chanel Lake.

The meeting addressed the cancellation of the 2024 fair, with citizens expressing concerns about its impact on businesses, families, and youth, and proposing alternatives such as a smaller fair. The board also discussed a resolution to support the Copperwood Mine project by Highland Copper. Additionally, the board reviewed the 2023 Apportionment Report and Resolution, heard a plea regarding social security and Medicare cuts, and discussed issues related to the Gogebic County Fair's electrical system and potential improvements. The board also entered a closed session to discuss a pending lawsuit and authorized counsel to move forward with a settlement agreement.

The Gogebic Brownfield Redevelopment Authority held a meeting to discuss several key items. The budget for Fiscal Year 2025 was approved, including allocations for travel/training, advertising, community grants, and supplies. The election of officers resulted in Velda Scalfani as Chairperson, John Wyssling as Co-Chairperson, Bob Blaskowski as Treasurer/Secretary, and Bridget Braspenick as Recording Secretary. The board also approved changing the Gogebic Range Bank Brownfield Administration Fee and discussed updates regarding the Johnson Store in Bessemer. The Treasurer's Report highlighted the need to seek higher interest rates for the account by potentially changing banks.