Ishpeming council approves $8,067 playground bid and $5,000 ADA ramp, then enters closed session on property matter

Ishpeming — The Ishpeming City Council voted to approve a $8,067.23 contract to finish edging and wood chips at the Alqual play lot and authorized a $5,000 purchase of an ADA-compliant ramp for the city’s kayak launch, then recessed to a closed session to consider purchase or lease of real property under Michigan Compiled Laws 15.268(d).

The actions came after brief presentations by municipal staff. A council member moved “that we approve the bid for $8,067.23 to finish off our playground,” and the motion passed with no recorded opposition. Staff noted the vendor, Game Time, has performed prior playground work for the city and that the competing vendor had quoted a high delivery fee.

On the kayak launch, a staff member said the dock’s current placement is “right in the middle of our swimming area” and described plans to move the dock north over the wetlands. Staff said they negotiated a used 70-foot ramp down from $7,500 to $5,000 and described the funding as coming from public improvement money and to be booked to the Teal Lake Water Trail Fund. A council member moved to approve the purchase and the motion passed.

During public comment, a resident identified as Gerald of 820 North 1st Street said new markers or ornaments placed near where the city plowed snow are close to his house and could be an issue when contractors dig in the area; staff offered to follow up and took contact information.

The council then voted to go into closed session to consider purchase or lease of real property pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws 15.268(d). A roll-call vote was recorded and the council recessed to closed session. The meeting later returned to open session and a motion to adjourn was approved.

Copies of the vendor bid and the funding source designation were discussed during the meeting; no further formal actions or contract awards were announced in open session beyond the approvals recorded above.