IRON MOUNTAIN — Iron Mountain City Council gave preliminary approval Monday on pursuing a $230,000 state grant to expand a mountain bike trail system.

Dickinson Trail Network is spearheading the project, which envisions about 6 miles of public trails on city property east of Park Avenue.

A roughly $70,000 local match would be needed for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, but it could come through private donations and in-kind labor.

“Ideally, the city match would be as little as possible,” DTN President Chad Susott said during the Zoom meeting Monday.

The proposed Pewabic Hill trail system complements DTN’s Millie Hill Trailhead, a 5-mile system just west of Park Avenue.

“It’s a good project. I like it,” said Iron Mountain Mayor Dale Alessandrini, adding he expects significant community support.

The Pewabic trail concept was introduced last spring when the council adopted a land use agreement with DTN to formalize expectations between the city and the non-profit group. DTN, with assistance from Traction Trailworx of Viroqua, Wis., has since staked out some 80 acres and estimated a construction cost of $250,000 to $300,000.

If awarded the grant, the club anticipates hiring a professional trail builder for construction in 2023. Contributions from the city in equipment and manpower would be welcomed as well, Susott said.

The application deadline for the Trust Fund grant is April 1.

City Manager Jordan Stanchina said more details will be worked out before the council is asked to schedule a public hearing. Barring any snags, a hearing could take place March 15.

DTN sees the mountain bike trail system as an economic boost, helping draw young professionals and their families as well as tourists.

Stanchina credited the club for advancing a worthwhile venture on mine-scarred property. Pewabic Hill is the site of the former Walpole Mine and now accommodates just a handful of telecommunications towers.

Council member Ken Clawson said he supports the project, but wants assurances taxpayers won’t be unduly burdened.

In other action, the council:

— Will receive public input before deciding whether to allow Bird to bring its electric scooter service into the city. Council member Kyle Blomquist said he would see it as “a great asset,” while Alessandrini said it would be “something different that we don’t have.” Bird would partner with a local entrepreneur to manage the scooters and there would be no monetary gain or cost to the city, Stanchina explained. Scooters are rented through an app and tracked by GPS. They would not be allowed on state highways, such as U.S. 2, which also is Stephenson Avenue in Iron Mountain.

— Agreed to seek bids for an LED lighting retrofit at the Department of Public Works. The city anticipates energy savings as well as a potential We Energies rebate to offset the estimated $10,000 cost.

— Approved $9,593 to buy two new Motorola portable radios for the police department from Elcom Systems.

— Appointed Louise King to the Iron Mountain Housing Commission.

— Was reminded that collective bargaining agreements expire June 30 for police patrol, police command, fire department and public works/office staff. The city’s labor relations committee will soon meet to develop a bargaining strategy.