Marquette public meetings in 2024

Police-Fire Pension Board

The Police/Fire Pension Board approved the agenda and November meeting minutes, received and filed financial reports showing $70,069.60 in cash and a $47,675,462.91 portfolio, and approved a $4,300 invoice to Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company. All votes were 3-0. The board also noted that the presentation date to the city commission was changed to June 30.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved November 30, 2024 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Received, reviewed, and filed financial reports as of November 30, 2024
• Approved $4,300 invoice to Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company (3-0)

Board of Light and Power

The Board of Light and Power unanimously approved multiple equipment purchases and contracts, including a $1.84 million transformer, a $277,803 digger derrick truck, and a $73,000 stream gauging agreement. They also approved bills payable totaling $2.9 million and authorized $19,450 for easements related to the second interconnection project. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved bills payable of $2,895,486.91 and future cash commitments of $2,435,237.40 (unanimous)
• Approved FR PPE laundering contract with UniFirst (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of digger derrick truck from Custom Truck One for $277,803.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of #5 Sub replacement transformer from Virginia Transformer for $1,844,899.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of field reclosers from Midwest Electrical Systems for $60,154.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 15kV breaker from Wesco for $47,957.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two 69kV breakers from GE Grid Solutions for $220,800.00 (unanimous)
• Approved $19,450.00 for easements for second interconnection project (unanimous)

Marquette Housing Commission

The Marquette Housing Commission approved the consent agenda, including the Executive Director's report and financials, and increased BA administrative salaries. New officers were elected: Stark as President and Agassi as Vice President. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Approved consent agenda including Executive Director's report and financials
• Increased BA administrative salaries (motion by Agassi, seconded by Schumacher)
• Elected Stark as President and Agassi as Vice President

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend that the city commission disallow dogs from playground safety surfaces, such as pour-in-place or woodchipped areas. The motion passed with one opposing vote. The board also tabled discussion on a time capsule until January and heard public comments about dog enforcement and park signage.

• Approved agenda unanimously
• Approved November 18, 2024 minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Recommended to city commission to disallow dogs from safety surfaces (pour-in-place or woodchipped playground areas) (passed, John Stewart opposing)
• Tabled time capsule discussion until January meeting

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission will vote on routine approvals, including a $946,372.64 bill payment and property license applications near 305 W. Magnetic Street and 428 Fisher Street. A primary action is approving a $59,968 contract with Toole Design to plan active transportation infrastructure, which addresses increased pressure on existing bike paths from pedestrians and e-bikes. The commission will also reappoint Taylor Klipp to the Marquette County Transit Authority through Dec. 31, 2027, and consider an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate.

• Approve a $59,968 contract with Toole Design for active transportation planning (city match: $17,990.40)
• Vote on an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate
• Approve total bills payable of $946,372.64 via consent agenda
• Review applications for licenses to use city property adjacent to 305 W. Magnetic Street and 428 Fisher Street
• Reappoint Taylor Klipp as City representative on the Marquette County Transit Authority through Dec. 31, 2027

The City Commission unanimously approved a contract with Toole Design for active transportation infrastructure planning services, which will include community engagement and a final plan for potential adoption. The Commission also unanimously approved a five-year extension of the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act Exemption Certificate for 136 West Washington Street, and reappointed Taylor Klipp to the Marquette County Transit Authority. The consent agenda, including $946,372.64 in bills, was approved unanimously.

• Approved contract with Toole Design for active transportation planning services (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year extension of OPRA certificate for 136 West Washington Street (unanimous)
• Reappointed Taylor Klipp to Marquette County Transit Authority (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including $946,372.64 in bills (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority

The Marquette Downtown Development Authority approved changes to the New Year's Eve Ball Drop event, moving the stage to the 100 block of W. Washington and closing the block at 10 a.m. instead of 5 p.m. The board also approved personnel policy updates to comply with the Earned Sick Time Act, and approved the 2025 board meeting dates with a correction to May 8. The consent agenda, including November bills totaling $109,364.15, was approved.

• Approved New Year's Eve event changes: stage moved to 100 block of W. Washington, block closure at 10 a.m. (motion carried)
• Approved personnel policy updates reflecting Earned Sick Time Act (motion carried)
• Approved 2025 board meeting dates with May 9 corrected to May 8 (motion carried)
• Approved consent agenda including November bills and financial reports (motion passed)
• Approved absence of P. Sala (motion passed)
• Approved agenda (motion passed)

Public Art Commission

The Marquette Public Art Commission voted to give a 'stamp of approval' to the 'Free Space' concept for the old Delft theatre building, contingent on regular project updates. The commission also approved up to $250 for professional photography of the Oscillation closing event and discussed future projects, including the Cultural Trail name and Cultural Center renovations.

• Approved 'stamp of approval' for 'Free Space' concept (majority vote)
• Approved motion to pay maximum $250 for professional documentation of Oscillation closing (majority vote)
• Approved December 11th agenda (majority vote)
• Approved November minutes (majority vote)
• Approved absences for Jacqueline and Amy (majority vote)

Board of Review

The Marquette City Board of Review met on December 10, 2024, and unanimously approved the July 2024 minutes. The board also unanimously approved 28 agenda items, all of which were clerical errors and omissions. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved July 2024 Board of Review minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 28 clerical error and omission items (unanimous)

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission will consider several routine items, including the appointment of Jane Fitkin to the Planning Commission, updates on the Cliffs‑Dow development project and the Local Development Finance Authority, and a recommendation to purchase aggregate materials for up to $140,000 per year. The consent agenda includes approval of the November 25 meeting minutes, the December 9 joint work session minutes, and the total bills payable of $814,710.89.

• Appointment of Jane Fitkin to the Planning Commission (term ends 02‑15‑27)
• Cliffs‑Dow Project update by project team
• Local Development Finance Authority presentation
• Authorize aggregate material purchases up to $140,000 annually through FY 2026
• Approve total bills payable in the amount of $814,710.89

The City Commission approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included paying $814,710.89 in bills and approving minutes from prior meetings. They also appointed Jane Fitkin to the Planning Commission. Presentations were given on the Cliffs-Dow site and the Local Development Finance Authority, but no decisions were made on those topics.

• Approved agenda as written (6-0)
• Appointed Jane Fitkin to Planning Commission, term ending 02-15-27 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda, including $814,710.89 in bills (unanimous roll call)
• Approved minutes of Nov 25, 2024 regular meeting and Dec 9, 2024 joint work session
• Approved aggregate material purchase
• Approved Housing Commission MERS 457 Resolution (roll call vote)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Marquette Board of Zoning Appeals held a brief regular meeting, approving the minutes from September 5, 2024, and the agenda as presented. The board also approved the 2025 meeting dates, with a change moving the July meeting from July 3 to July 10. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of September 5, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved 2025 meeting dates with July 3 changed to July 10 (5-0)

City Commission

This is a joint work session of the Marquette City Commission and Planning Commission. The primary agenda item is a general discussion on community planning and the Land Development Code. No formal decisions are expected at this work session.

• General Community Planning and Land Development Code Discussion

The City Commission and Planning Commission held a joint work session to discuss community planning topics, including the Housing Action Plan and the development of a Climate Action Plan. There was general agreement to prioritize the Climate Action Plan in the forthcoming Strategic Plan, and the formation of a task force to oversee its development was considered. The upcoming review of the Land Development Code was also discussed. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was a discussion-only work session.

• Agreed to prioritize a Climate Action Plan in the forthcoming Strategic Plan (discussion)
• Considered forming a task force to oversee Climate Action Plan development (discussion)
• Discussed upcoming review of the Land Development Code (discussion)

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a consent agenda that includes approving $2.2 million in bills, a final payment for the Community Master Plan, and a fire safety service agreement. Roll-call votes are scheduled on resolutions supporting House Bills 4274/4275 and the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport. New business is limited to setting the 2025 meeting schedule.

• Approve total bills payable of $2,205,373.22
• Final payment of $6,163.83 for Community Master Plan
• Fire safety service agreement with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for $12,868.94
• Resolution supporting House Bills 4274 and 4275 of 2023
• Resolution supporting Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport

City Commission

The City Commission will conduct organizational business: swear in a new commissioner, then elect a mayor and mayor pro-tem. The consent agenda includes approval of bills totaling $915,299.91, a proclamation for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, and a resolution recognizing the Marquette County Police and Firefighters' Ball as a non-profit for charitable gaming.

• Swearing in of new commissioner
• Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem
• Approval of bills totaling $915,299.91
• Proclamation for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
• Resolution recognizing Marquette County Police and Firefighters' Ball non-profit status

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a Brownfield Plan for 710 Chippewa Square. The plan proposes converting the commercial property to residential workforce housing for households earning 120% of the Area Median Income or less.

• Public hearing and roll call vote on The Chipp Workforce Housing Brownfield Plan at 710 Chippewa Square
• Approval of total bills payable in the amount of $4,979,660.73
• Appointment of Christopher Durley to the Downtown Development Authority
• Contract items including Presque Isle Bandshell Design change order and Tourist Park Playground contract increase
• Marquette Area Public Schools ice contract

City Commission

The City Commission will consider the adoption of the Community Master Plan. The body is also reviewing several lease agreements and a proposal for concrete steps at 700 S. Lakeshore Boulevard.

• Resolution to approve and adopt the Community Master Plan
• Payment of total bills in the amount of $2,306,984.60
• Application for license to construct concrete steps adjacent to 700 S. Lakeshore Boulevard
• Scheduling of a public hearing for The Chipp Workforce Housing Brownfield Plan
• Professional services contract for Water Plant Improvement

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a work session to discuss a request to establish an industrial development district. The request was submitted by Able Medical Devices.

• Request to establish Industrial Development District for Able Medical Devices

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a budget adjustment for the 2024 fiscal year end and approve over $14 million in bills. The body is also deciding on several contracts, including ice and concession leases for the Marquette Junior Hockey Corporation.

• Approval of total bills payable in the amount of $14,194,248.49
• Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year End 2024
• Co-Generation Maintenance Services not-to-exceed amount of $63,000
• Marquette Junior Hockey Corporation ice contract and concession lease agreement
• LWCF Tourist Park Day-Use Road Grant Agreement

Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

The Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved the Brownfield Plan for the proposed Chippewa Square workforce housing project, subject to final review by the Executive Director, and recommended approval by the City Commission. The board also approved several payments, including debt service, environmental monitoring, and bond fees. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Chippewa Square Brownfield Plan, subject to Executive Director review, recommending City Commission approval
• Approved $96,087.50 for FY 10 CIP and Founders Landing RZFB debt service payments
• Approved $3,870.00 to TriMedia for Cliffs Dow groundwater monitoring and project management
• Approved $500.00 to Huntington Bank for MSC bond paying agent fee
• Approved $1,690.00 LBRF reimbursement for Habitat Baseline Environmental Assessment costs

Peter White Public Library Board

The board voted 5-0 to accept a sub-committee recommendation to decline the offer to accept ownership of the Marquette Women's Federated Clubhouse property, citing mission and financial fit. The board also approved the FY23-24 budget amendments, the 2025 holiday and closing schedule, and the 2025 board meeting dates. All votes were unanimous.

• Declined offer to accept ownership of WFC property (5-0)
• Approved FY23-24 budget amendments totaling $2,413,471 (5-0)
• Approved 2025 holiday and closing schedule (5-0)
• Approved 2025 board meeting dates (5-0)
• Approved bills for August 2024 in amount of $178,180.58 (5-0)
• Approved agenda as amended (5-0)
• Approved minutes of August 13, 2024 as corrected (4-0, one abstention)

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended approving the name 'Kids Cove II, A Playground for ALL' for the updated playground, emphasizing inclusion. The board also discussed the master plan update, including parking at Presque Isle Park and concession opportunities, and reviewed board operations. No other formal decisions were made; most items were updates or discussions.

• Recommended approval of name 'Kids Cove II, A Playground for ALL' (motion passed)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved August 19, 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved July 9, 2024 HAC minutes (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority

The Marquette Downtown Development Authority board approved the consent agenda, including August bills totaling $320,903.98 and financial reports. No new business was discussed. Committee reports covered upcoming facade grants, snowplowing bids, and holiday events.

• Approved consent agenda with August bills totaling $320,903.98
• Approved absences for K. Kovacs, L. Rowland, and N. Durley-Rust
• Approved meeting agenda

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act. The agenda includes a consent item to approve total bills payable of $1,803,767.28 and several funding items for the YMCA and a body‑camera replacement. New business includes an audit contract for fiscal years 2024‑2026.

• Approve total bills payable of $1,803,767.28
• Public hearing and roll‑call vote on FY 2025 budget
• Consent items: Axon body‑camera replacement, KBIC and Tribal funding for YMCA
• Audit contract for fiscal years 2024‑2026
• Appointment of two Arts and Culture Advisory Committee members

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Marquette Board of Zoning Appeals approved a 2-ft fence height variance and a 50% open construction fence variance for Thomas and Katherine Horton at 417 E. Magnetic Street. The approval allows a 6-ft high closed construction fence with lattice in the front and side yards, subject to the conditions discussed. The motion carried 5-0.

• Approved 03-VAR-09-24: 2-ft fence height variance and 50% open construction variance for 417 E. Magnetic St (5-0)
• Approved minutes of August 1, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved agenda with addition of 1 piece of correspondence for 03-VAR-09-24 (5-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will consider approving bills payable totaling $3,494,335.65 and funding for the Police Department and Employee Engagement Committee. The body also plans to schedule a public hearing for the FY 2025 budget.

• Approve bills payable of $3,494,335.65
• Authorize KBIC funding of $19,131.20 for Police Department radios
• Authorize Sault Ste. Marie Tribe funding of $9,185 for Police Department wireless modems
• Authorize $5,000 funding for Employee Engagement Committee Touch a Truck event
• Schedule public hearing for FY 2025 Budget

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of the minutes from the August 12, 2024 regular meeting. As new business, the commission will receive a budget overview. The meeting also provides time for public comments and remarks from the commission and city manager before adjournment.

• Approve minutes of the August 12, 2024 regular Commission meeting (consent agenda)
• Budget Overview presentation (new business)
• Public comments from residents (up to three minutes per person)

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission will meet to conduct routine business including approving bills totaling $2,914,444.74, appointing members to advisory boards, and receiving reports from committees. The agenda includes procedural items such as approving past meeting minutes and a consent agenda with standard financial and administrative actions.

• Approve total bills payable in the amount of $2,914,444.74
• Appointment of Patrick Pecor to Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (term ending 2-1-26)
• Appointment of Courtney Rajt and Travis Norman to Traffic-Parking Advisory Committee (terms ending 5-30-27)
• Appointment of Thomas Adolphs to Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (term ending 6-1-27)
• Approval of Fire Department Turnout Gear purchase

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission will hold a roll‑call vote on rezoning 446 E. Crescent Street from Planned Unit Development to Mixed‑Use, a change with no fiscal effect. The meeting also includes a consent agenda that approves the July 8 minutes, $3,944,074.87 in total bills payable, and licenses for portions of the Magnetic Street and Third Street right‑of‑way. Additionally, the Commission will approve a professional services contract for an EGLE LSLR grant.

• Rezoning of 446 E. Crescent Street from PUD to Mixed‑Use (03‑REZ‑06‑24)
• Consent agenda: approve July 8, 2024 minutes
• Consent agenda: approve total bills payable of $3,944,074.87
• Licenses to use portions of Magnetic Street and Third Street right‑of‑way
• EGLE LSLR Grant – professional services contract approval

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a work session to discuss the Chippewa Square Housing Tax Increment Financing project. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 29, 2024, at 4:30 PM in the Commission Chambers.

• Work session on Chippewa Square Housing Tax Increment Financing
• Public comments period (3 minutes per person)
• Meeting location: Commission Chambers, 300 West Baraga Ave

City Commission

The City Commission will review proposed updates to the Land Development Code following a Planning Commission recommendation. These amendments include updated definitions for terms such as agriculture, family, and manufacturing types.

• Public Hearing: Land Development Code Amendments (Ordinance #731)
• Consent Agenda: Approval of June 24, 2024, meeting minutes
• Consent Agenda: Approval of $1,582,321.30 in total bills payable
• Public Hearing Schedule: Rezoning of 446 E. Crescent Street
• New Business: Naming of Nheena Weyer Ittner Skatepark

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a new subdivision proposal for the Hemlock Park Site Condominium. The meeting also includes several consent agenda items regarding city contracts and insurance trustees.

• Hemlock Park Site Condominium Subdivision discussion
• Approval of $3,416,913.01 in total bills payable
• Contract for CR550 Bridge over Dead River Maintenance Project with Cross General Contracting, Inc. for $146,342.00
• Appointment of Lora Kinnunen as Trustee and Sean Hobbins as Alternate Trustee for WMHIP
• Solid waste collection service contract awards for City Facilities and Special Collections

City Commission

The City Commission will review a fiscal year 2023 audit and updates regarding the Cultural Trail. The agenda includes a proposal to replace a failed HVAC condenser at Lakeview Arena.

• Fiscal Year 2023 Audit presentation
• Cultural Trail update
• Lakeview Arena HVAC Condenser Replacement ($29,875)
• Land Development Code Amendments public hearing scheduling
• Approval of total bills payable ($338,218.54)

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a public hearing regarding Single Lot Special Assessment Roll #591. The agenda also includes several items for the consent agenda and a resolution for the Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program.

• Public Hearing: Single Lot Special Assessment Roll #591 ($2,246.22)
• Consent Agenda: Approval of bills totaling $966,737.40
• License Application: Use of city property at 517 N. Third Street for planter boxes and a ramp
• New Business: Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program Resolution
• Purchase Agreement Extension: 600 W. Spring Street

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission and Planning Commission are holding a joint work session. The agenda includes a discussion regarding draft Land Development Code Amendments.

• Draft Land Development Code Amendments

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a request to rezone 600 W. Spring Street from Municipal to Medium Density Residential. This action is conditioned upon the sale of the property to Habitat for Humanity.

• Rezoning of 600 W. Spring Street
• Approval of bills totaling $1,346,325.32
• Ordinance 727: Regulated Flood Prone Hazard Areas
• Ordinance 729: Downtown Development Authority TIF
• Draft Community Master Plan circulation

City Commission

The City Commission will meet to vote on proposed charter amendments and various city contracts. The agenda includes appointments to the Planning Commission and the Library Board. The commission will also review ordinance 727 regarding floodprone hazard areas.

• Proposed Charter Amendments
• Professional Services Agreement for Cliffs-Dow EPA Cleanup Grant Project
• Public Art Contract for Kids Cove Dragonfly
• Ordinance 727 - Designation of Regulated Floodprone Hazard Areas
• Sugarloaf Multiuse Path Extension Project contract approval

City Commission

The City Commission will consider rezoning 756 W. Washington Street from General Commercial to a Mixed-Use district. The meeting also includes a vote on a Short-term Rental Resolution and the approval of bills totaling $603,963.89.

• Rezoning of 756 W. Washington Street from General Commercial to Mixed-Use
• Vote on Short-term Rental Resolution
• Approval of bills payable in the amount of $603,963.89
• Scheduling a public hearing for the rezoning of 600 W. Spring Street

City Commission

The City Commission is holding a work session to discuss Brownfield Tax Increment Financing for housing. No formal decisions or ordinances are listed for vote on this agenda.

• Brownfield Tax Increment Financing for Housing

City Commission

The City Commission approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan for the Downtown Development Authority. The decision includes instructions for staff to develop a revenue sharing plan before potentially extending the TIF through 2054.

• Approval of DDA TIF Plan #4 with a term ending in 2036
• Direction to create a revenue sharing plan prior to future TIF extension to 2054
• Approval of $1,080,256.04 in total bills payable
• Bid award and contract approval for Presque Isle Bandshell
• Bid award and budget adjustment for Tourist Park Playground

City Commission

The City Commission will vote on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) TIF Plan #4. This plan expands the TIF district to include North Third Street and extends the current DDA TIF through 2054.

• Downtown Development Authority TIF Plan #4 roll call vote
• Approval of $2,980,512.56 in total bills payable
• Public hearing for rezoning of 756 W. Washington Street
• Purchase Agreement Extension for 600 W. Spring Street

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a work session regarding the Downtown Development Authority Tax Increment Financing Plan. This meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2024, at 4:30 PM.

• Downtown Development Authority Tax Increment Financing Plan

City Commission

The City Commission will consider a $50,000 contract for the Five-Year Recreation Master Plan. The agenda also includes an amended lease agreement with Moosewood Nature Center, Inc. to update utility terms. Other items include board appointments and a presentation on senior services.

• Contract with Dick Horton Consulting for the Recreation Master Plan up to $50,000
• Amended lease agreement with Moosewood Nature Center, Inc. regarding utility payments
• Approval of bills payable totaling $892,267.95
• Appointment of Alison Taras to the Public Art Commission
• Proclamation for Spread Goodness Day on March 8, 2024

City Commission

The Commission will consider contract approvals for the Lake Superior Shoreline Restoration Project and a dredging project. The agenda also includes several agreements related to the Marquette Maritime Museum Association and Moosewood Nature Center. Additionally, the body will designate a Certifying Officer for the Black Rock Crossing development.

• Contract approval for Lake Superior Shoreline Restoration Project
• Contract approval for PIDP dredging project
• Approval of $3,620,359.66 in total bills payable
• Designation of City Manager as Certifying Officer for Black Rock Crossing development
• Lease agreement amendment for Moosewood Nature Center, Inc.

City Commission

The City Commission will review several items including a security camera system lease, a firefighters labor agreement, and various board appointments. The agenda also includes a request for a fireworks display permit and the approval of city bills totaling $2,540,098.30.

• Approval of total bills payable in the amount of $2,540,098.30
• Lease of Synology security camera system not to exceed $39,720
• FEMA Grant Application for Fire Department Ladder Truck
• Noquemanon Trails Network - Office and Storage Lease Agreement
• Schedule Public Hearing for Downtown Development Authority TIF Plan

City Commission

The Marquette City Commission will meet to review appointments to the Housing Commission and Board of Review. The agenda also includes the approval of over $1.5 million in payable bills and a lease agreement for Noquemanon Trails Network.

• Approval of $1,564,108.46 in total bills payable
• Contract for cleaning services at the Captain’s Residence at Lighthouse Park
• Lease agreement for Noquemanon Trails Network office and storage
• Appointments to the Housing Commission and Board of Review