A RETAINING WALL on West Ludington Street in Iron Mountain isn’t in danger of collapsing soon, but city officials are considering whether it should be removed or replaced. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

ecisions will be made later this year on American Rescue Plan spending in Iron Mountain, as the city has used only a portion of the $765,000 in federal pandemic aid it obtained three years ago.

Under the final rule for the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in March 2021, local governments must commit their funds by Dec. 31, 2024. The deadline for spending the money is Dec. 31, 2026.

Replacement or removal of a retaining wall on West Ludington Street between Forest and South Pine streets is at the top of Iron Mountain’s list. A topographical survey has shown “there is a potential to take the wall down,” City Manager Jordan Stanchina said Monday, adding the cost is substantial as it would involve street reconstruction.

The sandstone wall, dating back more than a century, is marked with traffic cones and barricades but the street is still open. Cement blocks have been placed in front of vulnerable sections.

Removal would include taking out the upper portion of Ludington Street, which splits when approaching from the east.

Iron Mountain has so far spent only about $140,000 of its ARP funds for a conversion to LED street lights throughout the city. The city’s unspent funds are earning interest, so most of the original sum remains available, Stanchina said.

In other action Monday, the city council:

— Heard resident Virginia Feleppa suggest a closer look at enforcing stop sign violations at the corner of H Street and Crystal Lake Boulevard. Some motorists “are ripping right through” the area, where children are sometimes present, she said.

— Met in a closed session to discuss settlement strategy in a sex discrimination lawsuit filed against the city by former Mountain Police Department officer Teresa Williams, who resigned her position in April 2022.

— Congratulated Director of Police and Fire Services Ed Mattson on his retirement and noted that Det. Lt. Michael Weslin’s retirement will be effective next week. The city will be one officer short until a recruit graduates from the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy in mid-August. Since it is summer, however, the school liaison officer will be able to slide into the open slot so there will be little to no overtime as a result of the vacancy, Stanchina said.

— Approved the purchase of two parcels near Mud Lake that are in the tax foreclosure process at a total cost of $2,200. The parcels are normally underwater as they are part of the Mud Lake stormwater retention basin and it would be best if the city had control over them, Stanchina said. There were no comments during a public hearing.

— Approved the purchase and installation of three ethernet switches for the city’s technology systems from Guide Star of Iron Mountain at a total cost of $12,547.

— Agreed to pay $9,315 to McCoy Construction & Forestry of Escanaba for engine repairs on a John Deere street sweeper. The cost for a new engine would exceed $32,000, said Scott Thomas, Department of Public Works supervisor.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.