Ian Davis

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the appointment of Alex Wilkinson to the Board of Zoning Appeals. During public comment, citizens raised concerns regarding the need for more sand on icy city streets and intersections, maintenance issues at the Lake View Arena (including icy parking lots, non-functioning doors, and lighting), and requested an update on a past proposal for the arena. Another speaker discussed snow removal practices and urged the city to order new, customizable snowplows with berm-cutting capability to improve pedestrian safety. A third speaker addressed the catastrophic snowfall and subsequent power outages, criticizing the lack of pre-established emergency shelters for people, pets, and livestock, and further raised a rumor concerning the Marquette Board of Light and Power's response time to the storm. Presentations included an update from the Board of Review regarding two current vacancies and an overview from the Assessing Department detailing the 2026 property tax appeal procedures, property value classifications, and annual petition counts. The consent agenda was approved, and new business addressed the approval of a permit request for the Noquemanon Ski Marathon trail access on city property for the years 2026 through 2028.

The City Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, which resulted in the formal excuse of one commissioner. The agenda was approved after moving a liquor license application to new business. The commission approved appointments and reappointments to several boards, including the LDFA, MBR, PAC, and DDA. A public comment period included a detailed presentation from an applicant for a new liquor license concerning renovation plans for a combined laundromat and bar at 629 North Third Street. The commission also received a presentation on the Marquette Area Wastewater Treatment Advisory Board, covering facility history, operational highlights such as treating 967 million gallons of wastewater, the successful completion of a $14 million solids handling upgrade project under budget, and future optimization goals. Finally, the commission accepted the consent agenda as amended.

The commission meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics. A presentation was given by the area sister city chair regarding the sister city relationship with Kayani, Finland, including the presentation of a clock made of tar. There was also a presentation from the city clerk and the election board, which included the annual presentation related to the city's election board, a summary of recent voting changes, and statistics from the November 4th, 2025 election. The commission also discussed directing staff to proceed with a contract to use the Prescy Pavilion for overfill use, specifying certain standards for the contract.

The meeting included the election of the mayor and mayor pro tem. Commissioner Paul Schlaggel was elected as mayor, and Commissioner Otawway was appointed as mayor pro tem. The commission discussed the delay in the opening of the dog park and requested that people refrain from entering the construction area. Public comments were heard regarding the urgent need for shelter space, with speakers highlighting the growing number of homeless individuals and the lack of available facilities.

The Marquette City Commission meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The agenda was approved, followed by appointments to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission. A presentation was given on the Citizens Academy fall 2025 graduation, and the Local Officers Compensation Committee presented their recommendations. A public hearing was held regarding the closeout of the CDBG project for the demolition of a portion of the former Marquette General Hospital, which involved collaboration with the NMU Foundation and Adamo Group.