CASPIAN—“It’s getting exciting,” Dennis Margoni told the Caspian City Commission at its Feb. 10 meeting, updating the board on the status of the Recreation Association of Iron County’s proposed project.

Margoni said his group has been in successful discussions on the RAIC project with Western U.P. Resource Conservation and Development Council. The council has approved the project, along with helping the project by supplying a grant writer, said Margoni.

An anonymous donation of $4,000 will allow the group to but in a temporary bocce court at the Windsor Center until the new recreation complex is up and running at the Caspian site.

Connors Sports is making two portable courts, which will be in use on the third floor of the Windsor Center, he said. During Rum Rebellion in July, bocce courts will be set up on a side street in downtown Iron River.

“We’re plugging along,” said Margoni. “It’s starting to get exciting.”

Although Commissioner Mark Stauber had high praise for Margoni and the proposed recreation facility, he wanted to assure Caspian residents that the city was not putting any money into the project.

“We don’t have any money to put it,” said Stauber.

“The city of Caspian is not putting in any money,” Margoni added. “But we need the approval of the city for what we’re doing.”

Commissioner Don Savage questioned what functions the city plays in utilizing the multipurpose building, home of the Iron Amateur Hockey Association. He questioned whether the facility could be use to help the residents of Caspian.

“Something that would be benefit them,” said Savage, noting how people will go to Angeli’s to walk in the winter because there is no other indoor place to walk in winter.

City Attorney Steve Polich said that the Caspian owns the building and has an agreement with the hockey association to operate the facility. However, he said, the city does have input.

City Manager John Stokoski told the board that the annual Winterfest will be taking place at the ski chalet, which is now the Caspian City Hall, on Saturday, Feb. 27. The day will feature the municipal sled races along with the Cardboard Classic, chili cook-off, a bonfire and fireworks at dusk.

Olympian Nick Baumgartner hopes to be at the hill, said Stokowski.

The Caspian DDA (Downtown Development Authority) has donated $2,000 and the Caspian Progressive Men, $100, for fireworks.

Jeremy Allen, new police officer for the Caspian-Gaastra Police Authority, was introduced. Allen began duties on Feb. 1.

Mark Stoor of AECOM updated the board on plans for a water project, saying the city was at the initial phase, the notice of intent. The proposed water project would include water meters, a new radio read system, new generator for the pump house and the addition of a telemetry system.

Funding, he said, would be 75 percent with 25 percent match from the city. The estimated cost of the project would be about $200,000 to $250,000 with the city’s match at about $60,000.

The matching funds from the city, he said, would come out of the city’s water fund.

“It would be a great selling point with our new sewer system to bring people into our area,” said Stokoski.

By a 5-0 vote, the board approved proceeding with the project.

The commissioner will contact both the Fire Authority and the Police Authority before proceeding with a request by Peg James of NorthStar Health Systems to donate funds to purchase 17 new defibrillators for all county first responders.

The city of Iron River is applying for a grant, said James, to cover 55 percent of the cost. The current defibrillators were purchased in1999 and by the end of 2010, no parts of service will be available, she added.

The commission noted that the city will contribute to the purchase, if the Fire or Police authorities cannot.