Jig It fishing tourney to move date, location

GLADSTONE - The Gladstone City Commission heard information on the "Jig It" Ice Fishing Extravaganza coming to Gladstone this winter.

Tayna Schuster, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, said the event is moving this year, including both the date and location.

The Jan. 31 "Jig It" will have a home base outside Marble Arms in Gladstone and utilize the ice on the Kipling side of the bay. Schuster said the move was due to lack of fish caught in years past.

"Because of the area we are not going to need the (city's) help. We'll be able to do it all ourselves," said Schuster of parking and traffic concerns, among other things.

Schuster also said they will check the depth of the ice for safety reasons and cancel the event if it is unsafe. Also, no unauthorized vehicles will be allowed on the ice during the event. Carry-ins of alcohol and other beverages are still allowed, but Big Brothers Big Sisters is also looking into having the Gladstone Lions post up an area to sell beer.

Mayor Tom Sinnaeve said the new area will probably be good for the event.

"It's in a different area completely. I think you'll have a lot better luck there as far as fishing is concerned," said Sinnaeve.

In other action, the commission:

approved a seven-year PA 328 Industrial Facility Tax Abatement for Caliber Industries, Inc.

tabled a grant application match requirement of $1,976.29 for CUPPAD to do a marketing study for the M-35 Heritage Route until they can find out why Wells Township was not included in the payment structure

tabled a lien release for Marble Arms so that the building can be sold, until Commissioner Jim McKnight returns. Commissioner Craig Lauerman abstained because he owns the property.

approved signing the Great Lakes Fishery Trust grant application, allowing the city to accept $150,000 from the GLFT to be applied toward the Harbor Point Project Phase I.

approved a second payment to Kobas Electric for campground electricity upgrades in the amount of $15,927.30

approved Habitat Grant Project payment requests for 2620 7th Place, Escanaba, 808 S. 26th St., Escanaba, 19 Wintergreen Circle, Gladstone, 2711 7th Ave. S., Escanaba, 501 Superior Ave., Gladstone, and 712 Delta Ave., Gladstone.

approved a rental rehab project payment request for 712 Delta Ave. in Gladstone.

approved the first payment to Closner Construction for the Gladstone Electrical Shop renovations and addition work in the amount of $46,607.31.