CRYSTAL FALLS—During the April 8 Iron County board meeting, a revised easement for resident Blaise Andreski, prepared by attorney Tom Clark, was reviewed.

The revised easement is similar to the easement that was granted to the Donald Choquette family, allowing for a 33-foot easement strip

Commissioner George Brunswick said he “went out and took a look at the proposed route, which follows the existing Choquette easement and then continues along the south edge of the county’s land. I don’t have a problem with the new proposal because it would use an existing roadway.”

Commissioner Bob Black was in agreement with the proposed route as long as the Andreskis are too, noting it could be amended later if necessary.

But Commissioner Larry Harrington agreed with Civil Counsel Steve Tinti, saying he was worried about opening a Pandora’s box with other property owners.

Brunswick countered, “The county cannot landlock people.”

The County board, with Harrington opposed, approved the revised easement, which is almost identical to the Choquette easement.

The board also approved a resolution amending the credit card policy for county board members. Black had brought the issue to the board’s attention, “because only the chair and vice chair had credit cards. If other commissioners went away on county business, they had to pay and seek reimbursement, or else wait for the chair or vice chair to arrive to pay any bills. This makes it more fair for everyone, and would allow for a paper trail.”

Wills was opposed, expressing concern about someone stealing the card numbers and spending taxpayer dollars. Chairman Rosalie King also voted against the new policy.

The animal control officer duties were amended and go into effect as soon as they’re published. It reads: The animal control officer shall be a person qualified in accordance with the laws of the state to have the power to issue tickets, citations and summonses to those persons owning, keeping or harboring dogs contrary to the provisions of the ordinance.”

In other business, the County Board approved the release of accumulated vacation benefits in the amount of $345 to Rayleen Curnow Semke, who resigned as a dispatcher.

Turning to monthly reports, Black noted the defibrillator has been installed in the courthouse and employees are being trained in CPR and use of the machine.

The Parks and Recreation Committee, he noted, has been busy working on invasive lake species. Iron County was the first to send a resolution downstate asking that the state does something about controlling the problem, or giving counties authority over area lakes.

Brunswick reported he was working with a federal works program, hoping to secure employees for the county park and animal shelter, but with the rising minimum wage, there would be a shortage of funds available.

He and Pentoga Park Manager Pat Hingos have been working on a plan concerning a fence around the Indian burial grounds. Hopefully, he said, they can hire a contractor to construct the fence this summer.

Wills reported the Michigan Care Access Coalition, or MCAC, had 57 persons enrolled last month and 48 physician assignments providing $1,694 in services. MCAC is available for residents who need certain types of medical care but don’t have health insurance.

Chairman King reported the Iron County Medical Care Facility began a new program for employees to help them with various issues. So far the program has been well received, she said.

She also learned Victorian Heights is now qualified to take veterans, and the Veterans Administration may be able to help with those expenses. There are other programs at the assisted living facility, such as one month’s free rent for new residents, and double occupancy apartments.

The next meeting of the Iron County Board of Commissioners will be Tuesday, April 22, at 1:30 p.m. in the courthouse.