CRYSTAL FALLS—Representatives of Great American Disposal have approached the County Board several times requesting the solid waste plan be amended to allow them to come into the county for solid waste services.

“The Finance Committee proposes the county call for bids to update the plan with an amendment, allowing a second company to come in and collect solid waste,” said Commissioner George Brunswick at the County Board’s March 9 meeting.

“Great American Disposal is willing to pay up to $5,000 toward the amendment. And, they would also like to open two transfer stations here,”

However, Board Chair Rosalie King noted the amendment could cost $7,500 to $7,800. She didn’t think the county should spend money to do this for a private company.

“We’re just asking to advertise for bids, to get prices to do the work,” Brunswick countered. “The county has been talking about this for years.”

His motion to advertise for bids ended in a stalemate at two votes in favor, his and Fran Wills’, and two votes opposed, King and Carl Lind. Commissioner Bob Black was absent.

Brunswick then called to “crap the county’s solid waste plan,” which also ended in a tie.

In other reports, Brunswick said he attended a 911 Dispatch meeting and learned July 15 is the date to begin dispatching for Gogebic County.

The 911 Board is encouraging municipalities doing the Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to include the location of fire hydrants in order to assist fire departments when they are dispatched.

King reported Iron River City learned it cannot apply for grant funds for the defibrillators, so the county may need to apply. They are trying to secure funds to replace the defibrillators used at county-wide police and fire departments.

County Administrator Jan Huizing noted the Iron Amateur Hockey Association’s Ice Hawks hockey team will be playing in the state tournament.

“The IAHA recently held a hockey tournament, which brought in 90 families, staying and eating here. They came from as far away as Newberry, Ironwood and the Keweenaw,” he said, commending the hockey association for its hard work.

John Faccin reported the Parks and Recreation Committee needs another member, and the Planning Commission needs two members.

The Authority in Aging also needs a member, Wills said. Lind suggested advertising for anyone interested in sitting on a committee in the future, in order to build up a database of volunteers.

The County Board agreed to adopt the 2010 through 2015 County Parks and Recreation Plan, with priorities for the boat wash and boat launch ramp at Pentoga Park.

Nancy Roberts of U.P. Engineers noted the plan lists priorities based on what the Parks and Recreation Committee wants, but the county does not have to approve any of the projects now. Approving the plan, she said, does not endorse any of the projects.

The board agreed to apply for a grant for the disinfection boat wash station at Pentoga Park, which includes road improvements, some water line extension and a septic system.

The grant amount is $55,000, so the county would have to come up with a 50 percent match of $27,500. Roberts said she could apply for other funding toward the match.

The next meeting of the Iron County Board of Commissioners will be Tuesday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m.