Renovations coming to Ishpeming’s library
Changes will be coming soon to the Ishpeming library.
The Ishpeming City Council approved a bid for just over $124,000 for improvements to the lower level of the library. Those improvements include handicap accessible bathrooms, build a community room and modifications to the children’s library.
However, there is a problem with funding. The library is about $25,000 short in funding for the renovations.
“We should have sufficient funds, I think, by the time construction is underway and complete. We may have to move some funds as we wait for donations to come in,” Ishpeming City Manager Jered Ottenwess said.
The council decided to approve the bid and the construction, but remaining funds will be coming out of the Public Improvement Fund. The city will be paid back once the donations are received at the library.
The council also approved a new ATV/ORV trail plan that will help connect trails within Ishpeming and other trails in Marquette County.
“People middle aged, the elderly…they travel in groups (of ATV’s and ORV’s),” Ishpeming Mayor Tom Hall said. “Let’s do our best to get that to come through.”
The hope is that by connecting trails, it will bring more ATV and ORV drivers to Ishpeming, and therefore increase revenue at restaurants and shops.