ONTONAGON — Ontonagon County took a big step in efforts to clean up blighted property by establishing a land bank and Brownfield Redevelopment Board.

The County Board opted to utilize all applicants to the Brownfield Board, most of whom the board decided will also serve on a related land bank board, increasing the size of both to seven  members.

In addition to commissioners John Cane and Dennis Makela, Marlene Broemer, Bob Rotundo, airport manager Margot Anderson, Al Warren and Ontonagon Village Manager Joe Erickson will serve on the Brownfield Board.

Cane, Broemer, Rotundo, Anderson, Warren, Ontonagon Village Trustee Donald Chastan and Treasurer Jeanne Pollard will round out the land bank board, with Makela a possible alternate.

Erickson and Chastan will serve as each other’s alternate and Commissioner Gray Webber will be the alternate for Cane.

An informational meeting on the land bank is scheduled for Nov. 29 at the Community Action building in Ontonagon.

In addition, the county is trying to fill open positions on other boards, including the Economic Development Corporation, Planning Commission, Department of Human Services, Commission on Aging, Library, Road Commission, Mental Health, Veterans Affairs and Jury.

Applicants should submit letters of interest to Clerk Stacy Preiss by 4 p.m. Dec. 14.