Council authorizes street-sweeper rental, names streets administrator and approves land purchase with Cleveland-Cliffs

The Ishpeming City Council approved several operational items, including renting a replacement street sweeper while a heavier unit is out of service, designating a streets administrator, confirming a new city clerk and approving a land purchase.

Public works staff reported the city operates two sweepers; the heavier Elgin model is currently out of commission. Staff proposed renting a replacement for roughly $13,000 (vendor estimate noted $13,545 on the quote). Council authorized the rental to avoid straining staff and equipment and approved booking the cost to the general fund equipment-maintenance account.

Council then approved Resolution 12-2026 to designate Jake Roberts, the recently introduced DPW director, as the streets administrator. Roberts had been introduced to the council as newly hired and said he lives locally.

The council confirmed the appointment of Emily Stack as the new city clerk effective May 11, 2026; Stack said she brings public-health and emergency-preparedness experience from 14 years at the Marquette County Health Department.

After a closed session to consider purchase or lease of real property under Michigan Compiled Law 15.268, council returned to open session and approved entering a purchase agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company to buy a parcel for $239,753, authorizing the city manager to sign the agreement.

Each of these motions passed with one recorded opposition unless otherwise noted.