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Months ago, Hancock’s City Council formed an ordinance committee to update the city’s ordinances. The reasoning was because some ordinances were so out of date that they were nearly unenforceable.
Most importantly, an ordinance was added which decriminalizes a majority of the city’s ordinances. Previously, a misdemeanor was filed upon violation, which would ultimately cost the city and tax payers’ money on court costs for the enforcement of an ordinance.
Under the new ordinance, a civil infraction will instead be filed after a verbal warning upon violation. A $25 fine is charged for the first offense, doubling to $50 at the second offense and increasing to $250 for subsequent offenses.
In addition, an ordinance was added to prohibit indoor furniture, bed box springs and mattresses being located or stored outdoors for more than 24 hours.
These ordinances as well as several other updates to existing ordinances were passed by the council 6-1, with John Slivon opposing.
The council also passed a motion to name the middle softball field at Driving Park in honor of Gordy Schaaf [shawf] as recommended by the Recreation Commission. Schaff is a lifetime Hancock resident who has been involved with the local ball leagues for over 45 years. Gordy Schaafhas played for multiple baseball and softball leagues in the city as well playing a part in organizing the Copper Country Commercial League and the Copper Country Fastpitch League, serving as league president for 37 years. He was inducted into the Michigan Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1991.
In addition, the council passed a motion to post “No Smoking” signs near the fields at Driving Park
Hancock Police Chief Wayne Butler gave his 1st 2016 Quarterly report. The Police Department will be hiring a new officer. Applications were received from throughout Michigan and even a few out of state in addition to 3 local applicants. It was ultimately decided to offer the position to a local applicant.
Local emergency respondents will participate in a disaster drill taking place at Michigan Tech this May. No details were given as to what the disaster will be or what date the drill will take place. As for the type of disaster, it will remain a surprise until the date of the drill. The purpose is to practice and show the efficiency of local emergency teams in the event of a disaster at the school and also to show how the school will continue operations after a disaster occurs.
