BARAGA — Before the regular monthly meeting of Baraga’s village council, four members of the council were sworn into their previously held positions. Diane Mayo, Tony Cerroni and Paul Stark were sworn into council seats and Wendell Dompier was sworn back in as village president. Mayo was also reappointed as council clerk during the meeting.

Nick Lozier didn’t run for reelection because he’s purchased new property and will no longer be living within the village limits. Dompier thanked him for his work on the council.

“It’s been a blast,” Lozier said.

The board will be advertising for letters of interest to appoint someone to Lozier’s seat. Lozier said anyone who wants a say in how the village is run should apply, but it helps to be approachable and to know the people in the village.

MJO Contracting has finished their outdoor work on the village water system, according to Jim Koskiniemi of U.P. Engineers and Architects. The water line along U.S. 41 has been laid, but is only tested and in use north of M-38. Testing south of M-38 will resume in spring. Work under 4th Street is completed, however the paving wasn’t completed before winter. Work on 3rd Street and M-38 will wait until spring.

The council also voted unanimously to approve a $143,700 installment loan for a new front-end loader. Dompier said the old one had been repaired many times but wasn’t workable anymore. The council received a couple bids, Dompier said. The new one is a 2018 model but will be able to utilize the bucket and blade attachments from the old loader. Dompier said the loader is used by the Department of Public Works for tasks around the village including pulling docks out at the marina.