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What comes next after May’s Fifth Street Fire was the focus of Tuesday’s Calumet Village Council meeting. The group discussed fees attached to installing a block perimeter around the site. The quarry stones themselves were free, but a $4,000 charge was assessed to place them as a protective barrier. In response to questions raised by councilor Andrew Ranville, manager Amber Goodman said to expect a similar fee for removal. She wants to put both on the expense list submitted to the federal government.
Goodman turned the floor over to Jeff Ratcliffe from the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. He presented on a deed release request before the council. The panel voted unanimously to approve the motion. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority placed a lien years ago on 118-120 Fifth Street related to the upper level apartments. On the first floor was a commercial laundromat. MSHDA wants to discharge the mortgage on the building, which is a total loss.
Ratcliffe also presented on a grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to help restore the site. A proposal is due soon to outline the costs associated with bringing a developer on board.
Ratcliffe intends to work with Main Street Calumet and other organizations to put together a road map that allows for modern amenities and building techniques to be applied, while still maintaining the historic nature of the downtown. He said that he has reached out to the Keweenaw National Historical Park as well. Ratcliffe says the grant is for $250,000 and he has been in close contact with Christopher Germain of MEDC. Germain is in charge of the Redevelopment Ready Communities program, which helped to fund the new pier in Houghton, among other area projects.
Additionally, the Council heard a presentation from insurance agent Mark Hannula regarding the village property lost at what was once the Evergreen Inn and Parkside Restaurant before that. Calumet believes it is entitled to around $68,000 for antique booths, a soda machine, and a roof it installed on the property related to a utility easement. The insurance company is willing to pay out around $20,000.
Hannula says that isn’t unusual and additional claims can be made as the equipment is replaced. It only must be of like quality and similar function. What was lost can be used at any location within the village.
Hannula says once the equipment has been secured, there are no strings attached. It could even be sold if that is what is thought best.
Hannula says Calumet has a similar policy for the awning, bar, and more at Schute’s Saloon. In light of the difficulties related to the coverage at the Evergreen, Hannula suggested that the policy be reworked to return a fixed amount if there is a loss. The council was receptive to the idea. Elise Matz thought $100,000 would be appropriate.
