City Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening. I'd like to welcome you to the Monday, May 26 meeting of the Market City Commission. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, city clerk. Roll call, please. Commissioner Davis.

present commissioner gottlieb commissioner henley commissioner larson here commissioner mayor here mayor pro tem ottaway here mayor schlegel here commissioner says there a motion to excuse commissioner henley pro tem ottaway i move to excuse commissioner henley is there a second you got me any any discussion then

Okay, all in favor, please say yes. Yes.

Opposed, no. Motion passes 6-0.

We'll move this on to approval of the agenda that is in front of us. Is there any changes to the agenda this evening? None? Okay, motion to approve. Commissioner Davis?

I move we approve the agenda as presented. Thank you, a second please? Commissioner Larson? Second.

Excellent, any discussion?

No.

agreement now okay all in favor please say yes yes pose no again motion passes 6 0. um any announcements okay we're going to pass on that this evening that brings us to our first item of business which is our boards and committees we have two appoint reappointments for this evening is there a motion please commission commissioner larson

I move that we appoint Richard Brebner-Derby and Athena Stanley to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee for terms ending 0601029.

Thank you. Second. Commissioner Mayer. I'll second the motion, Your Honor. Thank you. Any discussion?

Only that, you know, thank you for serving again. Same.

Okay. Anything else? Seeing none, all in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed? Nay. My motion passes 6-0, and it better. That brings us to our first public comment of the evening. Public comment cannot exceed three minutes per person. Please state your name and physical address when making public comment. Anyone for public comment?

I am Steve Slovensky, 521 East Arch Street, apartment C, Marquette. Although I was a land surveyor, I was always interested in development and government policy. I spent a year in 2001 at the Urban Planning and Design Institute in Milwaukee where I was a non-traditional employee. I'd like to address Marquette's fiscal policies in light of the world being in transformation or reset. The term reset is coined by the World Economic Forum, and they have published the parameters of the reset. Signs of the reset being underway are all around us. Constrained energy supplies are not compatible with increased growth and standard of living. In recent years, major energy projects have been disrupted or outright canceled, including Enbridge, Keystone, and the blown-up major Nord Stream pipeline from Russia to Germany. Now we have a situation where 50% of the world's exportable oil, not domestic oil, exportable oil, is coming out of the Gulf. And Qatar is the major exporter of LNG gas. And I guess if this war re-escalates, and if the infrastructure like the water purification infrastructure in the Gulf is destroyed, which it probably will be in an escalation. The Gulf oil is going to be offline for a long, long time. And affordable energy will be a thing of the past. I think what is needed now in Marquette is a pivot away from city financing major new public improvements. socialistic culture initiatives and its ever increasing portfolio of travel and leisure investments. And because once that reset is implemented as described by the World Economic Forum, the tourists and good times will be long gone. Just take a look at their website and plans for such things as what it is to be an employee in the new plan. The new plan will include austerity, lockdowns, and even 15-minute city guidelines. And these could very well come in the next five years. The empty hotels and VROBOs will be described as malinvestments by economists. A prime example of cities financing socialist culture is Portland, Oregon. Back in the 80s and 90s, I remember this, Portland was lauded as a beacon of urban development and culture, and it really was a beautiful place. It really was something else.

Thank you, sir. I'll have to cut you off for that first three minutes, but I would encourage you to stick around for the second public comment and finish your statement. All right. I'd appreciate that. Thank you. Anyone else for public comment?

Hello, my name is Roberta Noth. I am a retired special education teacher. I live at 1103 Northrup here in the city, and I'm a recent resident, and I've embraced the city. I'm part of the Sunshine Girls, which is a volunteer. We go into assisted livings and sing and play music for them in Marquette and Ishpeming and Nagani. I also am a supporter of the NTN and the Hiawasa Music Co-op, and I'm part of the Marquette Ukulele Group, and I'm also an NMU student. But I was rather shocked when I moved here at the condition of the streets, especially like Lincoln and Washington and Magnetic, and I think I was on the intersection on the front that literally I thought was gonna take my, bend my rim, And I found that I pay twice the property taxes of any other place I've lived, including lakefront property on the Big Manistique Lake. So my question to you is, what is the plan for the roads and the streets of Marquette? I don't see any work going on in the potholes. they really need resurfacing. I think it's getting to the point of no return. It's gonna be a huge investment if something isn't done soon. Any comments on that? Any plans?

Thank you, ma'am. At this time in the meeting, I know this is your first one, but this is not when we can actually go back and forth, but if you stick around until the end of the meeting, I'm sure that we might be able to give some insight into that from our city manager's perspective or one of ours.

Thank you.

Thank you. Do you have anything else you want to talk about? You still had some time there.

No, I just would like to see if there was anything in the works.

Was that it? Thank you. Anybody else for public comment? Hello. Hi.

My name is Bailey Quinn. I rent a house over at 1402 Altamont here in Marquette. I was here about a month ago, kind of had something prepared written just talking about being a renter here. I've since learned that about 50% of Marquette is composed of renters, which is a lot. So I've been trying to really get to the bottom of what is required of landlords specifically in Marquette. And Karen was super helpful and let me know that the requirements here, the rental properties must be inspected a minimum of once every three years. That's like a fire inspection. Certificates of registration and compliance must be affixed to an interior wall. and there has to be a local operator designated to be available at all times. Now the problem I'm running into is I rent a house that had some unpermitted modifications. And I know that my landlords know they were supposed to get it inspected because this certificate here says, A compliance certificate will be issued after inspection by city personnel and the structure is found to be in compliance. Now why we have building codes is to make sure things are safe. Because if you know the corner of Hampton and Altamont, those houses were built over a creek. So this is the water coming up from the ground. This used to be a garage because when they built these houses, they were smart about it. And they knew this area was wet. They knew this area would flood. But the problem is a lot of the folks that bought those houses, like my landlord company, a local company, Schramm Superior Properties, they have renovated the inside of the houses or bought them renovated. so this was a garage this is a wall here that has been built over a drain in the floor of the former garage that wall has disrupted the flow of water as the house floods the walls cut off the water to flow to the drain so After the whole month of April water sitting in the house, mold started growing up the walls. The mold is so deep in the walls, they will have to demo that entire wall and get a permit to do that if they want it done correctly. But that's expensive and that takes time and money and investment. So instead, they're just trying to evict us. to shut us up and i learned that there is no one in the city that enforces these requirements of the landlords the building codes are a county issue but yet the city requires a certificate of compliance so i come to you as the city commission and i'm going to keep showing up I come to you to ask, what can this city do to enforce the requirements to protect the renters? If this happened where I lived in Florida, Naples, Florida, the city of Naples would be finding the property owner every day for this out of compliance house. If they didn't pay the fine, they'd place a lien against the property when it's sold and they would collect that revenue to pay for the roads. Thank you for your time. Look forward to seeing you again. Thank you. Anyone else for public comment?

Last call, public comment. Thank you. Public comment is closed. That moves us to our next item on the agenda. Our presentation from the Lake Superior Community Partnership and their update. Compliments of Mr. Christopher Germain and Natalie, and I'm gonna screw it up.

Chimico?

Am I saying it correctly? Chimico? Got it. Thank you. Hey, guys.

Good evening. It's good to see you all. I believe you are my last official public presentation. No longer as CEO, I might add. I'm now a senior advisor, which is like the coolest title I ever had because I have no idea what it means. We need to get the hang around. So it's been about 18 months since we came and gave you a formal update on the work, although I know many of you have been at LSCP events and been part of our initiative. So we wanted to just take a moment to share some updates and then also introduce Natalie so you can get to kind of understand the work that she's going to continue to do throughout the LSCP. So here's our quick refresher about the LCP as an organization. We are a membership based organization. We've been hovering right around 400 members between private sector businesses, public sector partners and nonprofit partners as well. We're really proud of that mix. We're really proud of that continued growth over the last three to four years in particular. And then within that we have three specific divisions. One is our economic alliance that does the longer term economic development work that I think we're most highly known for. particularly with our public sector partners. We have a business network, which is more like a chamber-style function. It's really a nod to our history as an organization. And we have a professional services arm that is more like consulting. We are the back arm for the Baraga County Economic Development Corporation, the Dickinson County EDA, the West End Health Foundation, and a number of other partners so that we can build their capacity and support our own as well. This is the spider web of ultimately what it looks like. We have a 501 , which is our organization. We have a C3 Foundation. that we work with, and then all of these other contracts and partnerships that allow us to, I think, have a pretty good grasp on what's happening all across Marquette County and the Central Upper Peninsula, but again, really to build all of these partners up, as well as ourselves. So our mission really is just to exist to ensure a vibrant local and regional economy. We kept that broad on purpose because we know a lot of our other economic development partners have very specific niches in what they do, and what we heard from our strategic planning process years ago was we needed somebody who was nimble, somebody who could react to things and pick up the new topics without having to go back and redo all of their foundational documents. So ultimately, our vision is around making sure we're accessible. We want to be the people that when people think of economic development or community prosperity, that we're the door you walk through. We might not be the right door to get you to ultimately where you want to go, but we'll get you to that right door from there. We don't want anyone to feel like they can't come talk to us about how we can create a more prosperous Marquette County and Central Upper Peninsula. So we have our annual report that's online. I just wanted to give you a few highlights of what's really in that report. 2025, as many of you know, was a huge year for us. It's starting to become a little cliche that we've had banner years year after year after year. I know the team's kind of hoping it slows down. And I'm sure maybe Natalie could use an easy first year. So keep that in mind. But 2025 was a big one for us. There's three here up there I'm really proud of. Number one, we had the only multi-community facade subgrant in the entire state through the revitalization and placemaking grant program. And what that basically means is we had a whole bunch of small projects that were going for MEDC funding that probably on their own were not going to be competitive. so we were honored for the dda in nagani ishmael and marquette to allow us to coordinate a multi-community facade grant application that was ultimately successful bringing over half a million dollars to marquette county matching that with more than half a million dollars of private sector investment as well the most well-known building for that is the anderson building in ishmael but queen city running and another building here in marquette were also part of that package P3MQT, which stands for Prosper, Partner and Progress, is our first ever local economic development summit. So we get lots of regional events in Marquette County. We don't really get to talk about our own unique challenges, which are absolutely unique compared to the rest of the Upper Peninsula. So P3MQT was designed to give us the space to do that. So if you were there, you heard all about housing, you heard about energy, air service. We had the Federal Reserve join us. We had the Village of Cassopolis come and basically tell us that it's okay to pick yourself up and really push forward. And then lastly, we secured $3 million in the last state budget to support the efforts at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport. As I think you're all well aware, we're the only commercial airport in the Upper Peninsula that doesn't get federal subsidies. So the other five airports get $37 million a year in federal subsidies. We get nothing. The fact that we have two airlines and soon to be three is impressive, but it means we have a lot more work to do to make sure that we continue to have that. So we put a lot of our effort last year into securing that funding. Ultimately at the LCB, we have five key external focus areas that we work on. Number one is retaining and expanding existing businesses. And this is, I always point out that again, we don't have attraction in this term for a reason. We have partners that do a lot of the bigger attraction work. So we focus our efforts on people who are already here. That's where most of your job growth comes from. That's where most of your community prosperity comes from. So we met with over 500 clients last year. 221 pulse visits, which are quicker, a little like, hey, how are things going? Just so we can gather and understand what's happening on the ground. And then we had a few more than that, even business retention expansion visits, which are deeper dives. How can we get more resources to Marquette County? How can we really understand those challenges? Ultimately, working towards more than 5,000 jobs were impacted by those visits alone. This is our VRE program, this map. You can see Marquette's in the yellow there specifically. So over 46% of the population and over more than half of our clients were in that area. So we heavily operate in the city of Marquette, although we are, of course, a countywide organization, and we make dedicated efforts to make sure we get to every corner of the county going forward. So what was cool this year from 2025 is we changed our program so that only true deeper dive business retention and expansion visits counted, so we weren't inflating numbers. If you see those numbers, you know we actually sat down and talked with those businesses and used that to formulate the rest of our programming. Another retaining and expanding business focus for us was again the airport, and those numbers were really great last year. We were about 4% shy of breaking historic records for the airport. We are well ahead of schedule for breaking them this year already, and that's even without the United flights and that delay that's getting pushed to October. So we're really proud of that work, but that's going to continue to take a lot of partnership and trust to build what's happening at the airport to make sure that we are not susceptible to changes in federal funding. That's kind of the pro, right, to not getting that federal subsidies. We're not susceptible to that, but it means we have to do some additional work. Around creating vibrant communities, we met with more than half of our local governments and sat down and had one-on-ones. We had multiple one-on-ones with the city of Marquette and city staff. In particular, we secured more than $200,000 in funding to work on childcare efforts, and we secured, again, that half a million dollars on revitalization and placemaking. On childcare in particular, we're really proud of the work. In April of 2025, we were asked at the LSCP to take on the UP Regional Childcare Coalition because of our work with SPARC, right, and ultimately the changes that we're having here. So that has allowed us to have a regional perspective on how to address childcare in homes, in facilities, how to make it more affordable, how to make it easier to start a childcare business, and everything in between. So we're proud of that work. We're also, of course, proud of our housing work under Creating Vibrant. I know a number of you were at the Housing Solutions Summit a couple of weeks ago, which I think is really the pinnacle of that work, but it's really just about halfway through our housing strategy that we're working towards right now. So we had over 100 folks join us for the Housing Solutions Summit. We've had some really great follow-up. We have a lot of work left to do on that strategy, which has a dedicated strategy. But last year, we were also recognized as the first ever coalition of the year by the Home Builders Association, beating out places like Detroit and Grand Rapids and Midland and other places that are far more well resourced. So housing is a tricky issue. We all know that. Nobody can change this overnight, but we're doing the right things to actually move that forward. We're tracking more than 600 units of housing all across the county right now. We think that number is low, and the majority of that number is in the workforce and affordable housing categories. So you might not see it yet, you might not feel it yet, but the housing cycle takes years, right? So we're starting to really see the fruit of that labor going forward. We also are really proud of a partnership between Marquette County and Delta County called the Community Growth Academy. It's a new program at the state level that was really designed to help communities who were navigating the EV transition. But they wanted someone in the UP, so we're like, hey, we have this regional economy really between our two counties that don't necessarily get along super well. So is there ways that we can try to foster that and bridge that gap? And so we have a fellow working at the LSCP who's focused on outdoor recreation, in particular in the Superior Trade Zone, to try to bridge that gap. And it's also going to bring some additional funding, again, mostly to work on outdoor recreation work. Our third area is growing entrepreneurship. This has been a big one for us, especially ever since COVID. The entrepreneurship numbers have been continually elevated compared to pre-pandemic. The huge highlight for us, of course, is the Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub. You may remember a couple of years ago, we secured $3.4 million from MEDC to operate the central UP hub. That does run out this year. That money will disappear, at least at the scale that we've had it. So there will now be about a million dollars for the entire UP. instead of $9 million for the entire EP. So we are working with partners across the EP to continue that going forward right now. But since that started two years ago, we've put over $400,000 in direct grants to small businesses across the region and worked with more than 500 businesses across the seven counties that we oversee. Fourth area for us is advocating shared interests. This is all of our advocacy work in Lansing. If you follow my LinkedIn, you see that I basically live in Lansing, it seems like some weeks, and that's so that you all don't have to, right? So you can be up here and we have a voice down there that we can be part of statewide policy conversations. So we had more than 80 government meetings last year. We had a ton of letters of advocacy and support for grants and other programs. And then we tracked some really key issues, which I know you as a commission have also taken some positions on. Number one for us, of course, has been energy. A huge issue ever since 2023. We're well aware of the reports that show skyrocketing energy costs. If something isn't done, folks in Lansing are aware of it, but they just cannot seem to agree on how to deal with it. so we are continuing to keep it top of mind we also of course watched hr1 which is a big beautiful bill on the federal level we're watching the health care impacts in particular right watching how that rural health care transformation fund impacts our area and then the earned sick time act was another really big one which may seem like years ago but it was just last year that we were working on the earned sick effect act so There was a solid compromise that was put in place for there, and we were actively advocating to make sure that small businesses weren't going to be overburdened by that compromise, but it still met the intent of the law at the time. And we have a couple of others that we're tracking on here. I know you have on your agenda tonight the housing bills, the housing readiness bills. We're tracking not only those, but a whole lot of other housing bills as well that are moving through at Lansing and in DC. And we're also watching the property tax bills, which also moved out of the state house last week in particular. I think we shared the same concerns that you all likely share about those bills. And then, of course, many other things you can see down at the bottom, from commercial rehabs to short-term rentals to elimination of MEDC, other health care bills, and so on. So our legislative list is about six pages long, I think, at this stage. So it's not short. And then our last focus area is around connecting and informing our members. We just really believe that we want to be the place that people can gather, they can debate hard issues, they can learn new things, they can make connections to move our community forward. So we had nearly 3,000 people at events in 2025, which we're really proud of that number. We're in 32 ribbon cuttings celebrating investment in our communities. And then we expanded our breakfast and business series, which again, I know a number of you have been to over the years. This again are some pictures from that P3 MQT events. Again, it was the first time ever last year. It exceeded all of our expectations. So we'll definitely be bringing it back. although we're trying to figure out how we beat Casopolis from last year. Karen, right, shaking your head. That was a really incredible keynote that they had. And then Breakfast in Business, again, expanded to six last year from the four the previous two years just because there was so much demand. So we're really proud of that. Kind of bummed that Jess isn't here because that middle picture is totally her giving the state of the states, or state of the city. Gosh, she's not governor. She's just mayor at the time. So maybe she's on her way, but it's right now. So State of the City Address, which was the first time, again, event for all of us that we were proud to see. This is the LSCP team. You see I had to cover my title. I can change it. And then we have there, of course, Natalie, who is joining us from the MEDC. And I'll have her introduce herself here in a minute. This is our board of directors. We just had our elections. And actually, this did not change at all, except Rhea Deaver has ascended into the chair seats. And Robert Luke has become our vice chair. So everything else has stayed the same on our board. We're really proud of. This is our revenue as an organization. Operationally, we have about a million dollars, and that's actually overselling it. We're really more in the $900,000s because some of that is grant money. And in addition to that, we actually manage more than our operational and grant funds, right, through the Small Business Support Hub and other things, bringing that community to our communities and operating on a pretty lean team, despite all that. These are our upcoming events. If you're a golfer, we've got some space left. The Enemy Fall Fest that connects our student population at Northern to our local business community. P3MQT is October 9th, so I'd encourage you to save that in your calendars. And then the Small Business Celebration is November 5th coming up, and we have a handful of 2026 Breakfast and Business events. But of course, the biggest change for us is the CEO transition that's currently occurring. Natalie's been CEO since May 8th, right?

April 20th.

She's been with us for a while. She is now officially a CEO, so I just want to give her a minute just to introduce herself so you can understand how lucky we got in finding somebody who was already here and has the background that she has.

Awesome. Thank you, Christopher. Good evening, everyone. I'm Natalie Chimico, obviously the new CEO of LSCP. I've lived in the area for about three years and really what drew us to the area was the love for the area, the outdoor recreation and all the vibrant downtown areas that we have here in marquette county but marquette city of marquette in particular um i did want to share you know as christopher mentioned we are in the midst of a transition so he has graciously stayed on over the last several weeks um so i kind of have the training wheels on as of now but um next week will be i think friday is his last day so In the future at these meetings, you'll be seeing me, but look forward to working with all of you. One thing I just really wanted to hit on as we're looking at the future of LSCP and how we work together is really all of the great work that Christopher and the team have done over the last several years. I mean, I have to give huge kudos to Christopher and his leadership over the last four years to really elevate the organization and support the community. And so really my job is to continue that great work. He set a solid foundation and something that I think we can continue to build upon and find ways to support the community and the businesses and the people that live here. So really, I just want to share that really the focus of this next year is stability, especially with the transition going on. Our board has been supportive of Continuing our strategic plan for one additional year and so that work will continue and all the important work that he just highlighted will continue So I look forward to working with all of you. Oh just to give you a little bit of background about myself I spent about 11 years at Michigan Economic Development Corporation and so was in Lansing and varying levels of economic development experience there at the state and I also have county experience as well prior to that so I feel like I'm in a good position to you know join the area and support the growth of the community so anything else we need to address

No, I just think thank you guys from the city from the bottom of my heart personally And I'm from the LSCP for becoming partners in our work again You know the city left the LSCP for many years It really means a lot to us that you're a partner again that you've engaged and you're investing in this work Natalie's gonna do a really great job You all know I'm exceptionally sad to leave and I would not be leaving you a family demands weren't requiring it. So The works gonna continue and you guys continue to be a great partner in that work. So with that Thanks for joining us.

Thank you both We're not gonna get up took that easy. I'm sure somebody's gonna want to say something here Would you please do?

Natalie I you know welcome I'm excited about you coming on board and I've heard good things about you. So I'm looking forward to that Christopher I have watched LSCP since you've been there during your tenure and I pretty amazed at what has transpired and you will be so missed Not only in the in in that in the business world but in the community Thank you for your service.

I appreciate that Sally.

Thanks Mr. Mayor Thank You Yeah, Natalie a welcome aboard and super excited for you to be fully taken over the reins here and getting started in this new role Chris I just want to say, you know, truly. Thank you for all the years you put in now and I think we're all gonna really miss you and this is a I'm excited for both of you as you're kind of going on to your next steps here, but wish you and your family the best, and please don't be a stranger.

Actually, I'm still working my way through their Frosty Treats list of things, so I will be back a lot.

I guess I would just like to echo it. Thank you so much, Christopher, for everything you've done. I can just say that to be able to leave a position and get the respect of the region that you've gotten you, it's totally well deserved. And I'm sure that going through the process that Natalie's going to be able to pick up the torch and run with it. So thank you both so much for tonight's presentation. And here's to the future.

Awesome. Thank you all. Appreciate it.

Awesome, okay, that brings us to our public hearings. The first one is the single lot special assessment roll, 593, city clerk background please.

Thank you, Mayor. Section 40-21 of the Marquette City Code requires that when an improvement shall have been made by the city upon or in respect to any single premises, the expense of which is chargeable against such premises and the owner thereof under the provisions of this chapter and is not of that class required to be prorated among several lots and parcels of land in a special assessment district, an account of the cost to be charged to the owner shall be reported to the city treasurer who shall immediately bill the owner if known. City code further requires that when the city treasurer determines that a number of properties have had outstanding bills For a sufficient time the treasurer shall notify the city assessor Who shall prepare a single lot assessment role and schedule a public hearing before the City Commission on that rule? Impacted owners on the attached list have received notification of the time in place of the hearing in accordance with the requirements of the city code fiscal effect the unpaid charges reflected on this assessment rule total seven thousand six hundred forty nine dollars and forty nine cents

Recommendation confirm single lot assessment roll number five nine three and authorize the mayor to sign the warrant alternatives as determined by the commission Thank You city clerk that opens up public comment in regards to this topic does anybody like to speak to this Anyone know Okay seeing then public comment is closed Commission do we have a motion? Commissioner Davis?

I move that we confirm the single out assessment roll number 593 and authorize the mayor to sign the warrant.

Thank you. Is there a second? Commissioner Gottlieb? Second. Thank you. Any discussion? Yes, Commissioner Gottlieb?

I find it's hard for me to do this, but we have to do things like this as a city commission. I don't like having to do this, but I don't think we have much of a choice.

it's well said anybody else thank you I'm all in favor please say yes yes yes yes oppose no motion passes 60 our next public hearing is for the industrial facilities tax exemption

city clerk background please thank you mayor in march 2025 the city commission established an industrial development district for the able medical devices site with the understanding that able medical would subsequently apply for an industrial facilities tax exemption in accordance with mcl 207.551, the intent of tax exemptions provided within these districts is to support eligible Michigan manufacturers by lowering the tax burden on investments, making it more feasible to build new facilities, expand current operations, renovate older buildings, or acquire new machinery and equipment. Under this act, Local government units may grant tax exemption certificates to properties within an established district for terms of up to 12 years. Able Medical Devices invested over $8 million to construct a 30,000 square foot manufacturing facility and added an estimated 40 jobs in the city with an average wage of $36 per hour. Future long-term development plans include additional expansion up to 100,000 square feet, which would not be part of this tax exemption request. A public hearing is a required step in the process to consider an industrial facilities tax exemption application. This hearing was scheduled at the May 11th City Commission meeting. The required component of an IFT abatement is a signed letter of agreement between the municipality and the applicant stating that if an exemption certificate is revoked, the business may be required to pay all or part of the benefits received. Drafting the letter of agreement is currently in process and will need to be reviewed by the city attorney. Per MCL 207.572, the application cannot be acted on until a signed agreement is received. Additionally, the city is waiting for additional clarifying information from the state of Michigan on the application. For these reasons, the decision on the application will need to be postponed until all information is received and the agreement is reviewed. Fiscal effect, none by this action. Recommendation, following the close of the public hearing, postpone action on the application to a future meeting pending receipt of the required information from the state and completion of legal counsel review of the required accompanying agreement. Alternatives as determined by the commission.

Thank you, City Clerk. This time we open up the floor once more for public hearing. Anybody that would like to comment on the topic?

Good evening. My name is Leo Islub and I'm representing JM Longyear, which is the parent company of Able Medical Devices. Thank you for the time and for the consideration of our application for PA-198 tax abatement. I'd like to just add a little bit of detail to the project that you may or may not be aware of and talk a little bit about the economic development impact of this project and of the company as a whole. When we ask for this tax abatement, I would like to make it clear that we are not asking for just a discount on our taxes for a single building. We view this as a request for partnership between JM Longyear and the city to help grow something larger together. That's for the long-term economic benefit of Martet. According to an independent study by public sector consultants that we completed in December of 2025, JM Longyear's companies generated over $106 million in total economic output to the UP in 2024 alone. Those operations support approximately 617 families sustaining jobs across the Upper Peninsula and $42.7 million in local labor income across the Upper Peninsula. Data shows that for every job at a JM Longyear company, 1.9 other jobs are created and sustained in the community as the money that we pay to our employees turns over in the community. Crucially, 90% of our total company wages, $16.6 million, stay right here in the Upper Peninsula, most of that in Marquette County. I'd also like to acknowledge that the timeline of this application has not been straightforward or according to the normal parameters. And we sincerely appreciate the staff at the City of Marquette, Karen and her staff, being kind and working through this very new process for us, new to us, not to the state of Michigan. And we look forward to completing that with you. The physical execution of this project, though, has been a great success for us. We needed the new building to continue growing the operations at Able Medical Devices, and they are growing. Our 40 new jobs are close to being created now, and as has previously been mentioned, those are very good-paying jobs in the community. I'd also like to point out that by moving from Sawyer where we were located previously to Marquette, we are quite certain that there will be a lot more money turning over locally as people eat in restaurants locally and do their local shopping in Marquette. In the last few seconds of my public comment, I'd also like to mention that this was an outsized investment that we made for this first parcel to anchor what we hope will become a technology park in Heartwood and we believe there are there's room for another 5 buildings and we hope to either grow or attract similarly impactful investments in the area. Thank you.

Anyone else for the public hearing.

Good evening, everyone. My name's Mary Myers. I work for the Lake Superior Community Partnership, and I'm here in support of the project as well. At its core, this is exactly the type of investment communities work to attract and retain. It's private investment, quality jobs, and long-term economic growth. This project represents a major commitment to Marquette and companies choosing to grow here. Economic development tools like this exist to help investments like these happen. The long-term value of these projects extends well beyond the immediate investment itself. It means retaining and growing quality jobs here in the city, strengthening our local tax base over time, supporting surrounding businesses through employee spending, and also reinforcing Marquette's position as a place where innovative companies can succeed. From our perspective, this project is a win for the company. It's a win for the city and then it's a win also for the surrounding community. So with that, encourage your support and thank you for the time.

Thank you. Anyone else for the public hearing? Seeing none, the public hearing is closed. Do we want to go right to the motion? Okay, thank you. Commissioners, is there a motion? Commissioner Larson?

I move that following the close of the public hearing that we postpone the action on the application to a future meeting pending receipt of the required information from the state and completion of legal counsel review of the required accompanying agreement.

Okay, thank you. Second? Pro Tem Ottaway? Second. Thank you. Discussion?

Yeah, it sounds like there's a few things that we need to wait on before we can make an official decision on this. But while this is fresh, I certainly wanted to say that I appreciate the investment that Abel's made in Marquette and good paying jobs they've brought here. and i think everybody on the commission is certainly wants to support quality employment and employers for the long-term economic development in our community but at the same time i do think it is important that you know we take a careful look at these kind of tax attacks abatements uh moving forward especially right now when residents are dealing with higher taxes housing costs and utility costs um you know one of the things i keep going back to is that you know is that is this incentive actually changing the outcome it's already been it's It's already here. It's already been built. I guess I would ask the city, is this the sort of thing that should have taken place prior to the development, or is this kind of normal actions that would take place for that? But from earlier discussions, when Abel first came to us and the question was asked whether or not this would stop, this from being built? The answer was no, you know, that it was going to move forward. So, I mean, I think that's an important piece of that conversation. So it's not that I'm opposed to incentives in every situation because they can certainly make sense. But I think we have a responsibility as a commission to balance the economic development and fairness to residents. and small businesses who are carrying increasing costs themselves. So I just wanna make sure, even though we're not making a decision tonight, as we're thinking about this, that we understand what that clear public benefit is before we move forward with a decision like this.

Thank you. Pro Tem Ottaway?

Yeah, I'll echo Commissioner Larson's comments. I think we can all sit here and agree that we fully support the project at hand by Able Medical and the longer company. I think it's gonna do wonders for the community. I think there are a lot of legal questions when it comes to the tax abatement request, and I think we're going to kind of sit back and wait to hear what the state has to say about that. I think I'll kick it over to the city manager possibly to maybe take the rest of my time because she probably has some things she'd like to say, I would hope. Yes, please.

Boy, do I, no. I'm just kidding. To answer some of the questions that Commissioner Larson had asked in regards to the timeline, generally the timeline, there is, this is brought forward as an application before it is built, but there is a specific, or a certain circumstance with grant funding, I believe, or an award of MEDC funding, and then also the timeline for this development with this company Had to go back and forth between the parent company and then also a subsidiary So this has been something that has been discussed on the phone with MEDC and with I believe somebody from the state tax commission or at least guidance that would understand the state tax commission's rules and we've received verbal and informal Approval or guidance that says the state tax commission or the MEDC. I'm sorry can approve the a waiver of the timeline requirement to not have constructed any part of the building prior to the application. So there were also some changeover within the administration of the company as well, so there were some issues with timing of the construction, building, and then also the application. The state is looking at that, but one of the requirements with the statute is that we receive that confirmation prior to or that approval prior to the City Commission approving that application in full. And then there's also an agreement that is required. Again, we talk about having this be one of the first Applications, but this is there's another component of that that's the agreement between the company and the city to say that if there are any changes in the occupancy or They leave or something like that that that benefit or that tax abatement is repaid for certain conditions So that is the key information we are waiting for is it's just that confirmation that you the city attorney has been working on this as well and

yeah and i just want to clarify so the statutory requirement for this type of abatement says that the application has to be filed in a certain timeline before construction starts however that statute also specifically says that if there is written approval for the abatement from the medc then that timeline does not apply So we have gotten verbal, but we have not seen a written approval of this at this point, which is part of why you can't make a decision because the statute doesn't let you approve it until we have that written.

Much more eloquently stated. Thank you. And then I just wanted to clarify on the tax abatement portion because this is something that has come to light as well. This property is within the LDFA boundaries for capture. And so the funding for this, the property tax revenue that is generated at this site is currently captured for the LDFA and is a component that is paid out to our Smart Zone as well. So which that plan, that TIF plan expires, I think, in about four years. So again, it's one of those similar to the DDA where that is being captured right now and being utilized or paid for. or to the LDFA for those services. And that is a total, estimated impact to the city would be about $20,000 a year and for the company it would be close to 70,000 a year maybe 75 which would be for a 12-year abatement would be shy of a million dollars so which is what they have communicated is key to their growth of their next steps so maybe not this building but the being able to reinvest in the next steps which is the growth is is helpful

Thank you for clarification anybody else any comments. Just out of curiosity is is a proper verbiage to go with postponing versus tabling.

Yes. And technically, I mean, again, you only follow Robert's rules as a guidance, but technically you're supposed to postpone till some definite date or event, which is why that language was included to the event being when we get the information from the state and have that signed agreement reviewed and ready to bring forward to you.

Okay, thank you very much. With that, we'll go through a roll call vote. City Clerk. Mayor, we actually don't need a roll call vote with the postponement.

That's just for the postponement. I can read it if you want.

It's fine by me.

Just saving your voice for the night.

Great. So we are postponed.

Your Honor, you still need to vote.

You need to vote. You still need a roll call.

We just don't need the roll call. Okay. Thank you. Okay. All in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed, no. Motion then carries 6-0. All right, that brings us to our consent agenda. Commissioners, is there a motion, please? Commissioner Larson.

I move that we accept the consent agenda as presented.

Second, please. Commissioner Mayer.

So moved.

Any discussion? Not going to get away from it that easy tonight. City Clerk, this does require a roll call vote. Go ahead.

Commissioner Davis. yes commissioner gottlieb yes commissioner larson yes commissioner mayor yes mayor pro tem ottaway yes and mayor schlegel yes motion passes 6 0. oh gets us into some old business

Bringing it back to the e-bike discussion and the next steps. Background, please. City Clerk.

Thank you, Mayor. The state of Michigan amended Michigan law in 2018 to accommodate the relatively new industry of electric-powered bikes, set forth state-level regulations and local governing authority in MCL section 257.662A. Additionally, MCL Section 257.660 provides the same guidance for electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric skateboards, or commercial quadricycles, a broad umbrella term that most low-powered micro-mobility devices fall underneath. Consistent with the wording of state law, current city code only allows for the operation of devices defined as Class 1 e-bikes on city multi-use paths and prohibits the use of all other vehicles powered by other than muscular power. Following exponential increased popularity and adoption of e-bikes and other related micromobility devices by the public due to the rapid evolution of the industry in both technology and pricing, the City Commission directed the creation of the e-bike task force composed of local citizens to research the topic, source community input, and provide recommendations for adjustments to city code and policy. The task force presented their recommendations to the city commission earlier this year and city staff have evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of implementing these recommendations. The results of which were presented in a city commission work session preceding this meeting. At this time, staff requires policy direction from the commission to determine the direction of regulation by way of new or revised ordinance or otherwise and enforcement of these devices. Fiscal effect, none by this action. Recommendation, provide the city manager with policy direction on e-bikes and other micromobility devices in the city, including direction on the creation of one or more new city ordinances if applicable. Alternatives as determined by the commission.

Thank you, City Clerk. Is there a motion please? Commissioner Gatlieb.

Yes, I'd like to make a motion that directs the city manager and staff pending legal consideration to develop an ordinance or ordinances to be written such that they would allow e-bike classes one, two, and three and micro-mobility devices with motors less than 750 watts be allowed on the multi-use path and that a reckless riding ordinance be created to allow law enforcement discretion to stop perceived dangerous riding, which would include excessive speed.

Thank you is a second.

Commissioner Davis a second the motion. Thank you discussion.

I'll start the discussion. I think following the work session we had earlier, that is the consensus that was generally reached, and it also supports what the task force presented in January. Obviously, there still needs to be some additional work done on physical changes. which we will have to deal with soon, I hope, as summer is here. But I think my motion does encompass most of what we wanted to see changed per the work session presented. Thank you.

Commissioner Davis.

yes I appreciate the motion and feel that it does a again um cover what we were talking about at the meeting and I just want to thank the task force members because I know they spent a lot of hours and met weekly and really dug into a lot of um the legal input and practical aspects of of this issue and um I appreciate their recommendations thank you any other commissioner pro tem out of it

Yeah, I think what these ordinances are doing is allowing the police to police the behavior and not the device itself. And one of the things that we have really learned throughout this process is it's almost impossible to tell the difference between some of these devices. You know, we want to keep the city safe. That is first and foremost the goal of putting forth any sort of ordinance. The goal is to make sure that everyone is safe. Ultimately, I struggled with this because I had concerns that we would almost be inviting more devices on the path, but as I looked around and considered the paths and what I've seen, the devices are already there, and they're gonna continue to be there, and ultimately it's a multi-use path. Not a walkway, not a bike path, but it's something that is ultimately for everyone in the city. And I really hope that, you know, by us really starting to police the behavior that's happening there, we can kind of get that behavior in check and everyone can be happy with that path and be safe. Thank you.

Thank you. Commissioner Mayer?

Yeah, just wanted to make sure and clarify here with the motion that the motion really is for potentially multiple ordinances or maybe one all-encompassing ordinance to be brought back to the commission at a later date to discuss and possibly vote on, correct?

Yes, that was the intent, yes.

Well, I really don't have anything in detail to talk about then. Thank you.

I think that this is a very responsible motion and I think that that's a word that's going to be coming up a lot and when it comes to talking about our pathways and the city of Marquette we need to be responsible for everything from a kid with training wheels to e-bikes to one wheels and our parents need to be responsible for our children that are out there using these devices And I think that you know this is a good start I would encourage this commission in future commissions to really treat this as a living breathing document that can be revisited and adjusted to what comes next whether it's technological advances or just. Changes that might be need be need to be made because of the attitude of the people using such. You know the myriad of of vehicles. So with that I'll bring it to a vote all those in favor please say yes yes pose no. Passes six to nothing. Okay. Moving on to new business. We have one item regarding the contract for professional services. City Clerk, background please.

Thank you, Mayor. The Community Master Plan and Strategic Plan identified the need for a sustainable tourism management plan to address the rapid increase in tourism in the city. City staff authored and released a request for proposals and received 10 proposals. After an extensive evaluation and interview process, the city-led team comprised of the city manager, community development director, DDA director, the CEO of Travel Marquette, and the leader of the Respect Marquette Coalition are recommending the city commission execute a contract with DAAR Place Consulting to act as a professional consulting firm to assist the city with the completion of a sustainable tourism management plan. Fiscal fact $60,000 is available in the fiscal year 2026 27 budget for this project. Recommendation approved the contract with the a our place consulting as recommended by the evaluation team and authorize the mayor and clerk to execute the contract alternatives as determined by the commission.

Thank you very much. Commissioners is there a motion please. Thank you. Commissioner Davis?

I move that we approve the contract with the DAAR Place Consulting as recommended by the evaluation team and authorize the mayor and clerk to execute the contract.

Thank you. Is there a second? Pro Tem Ottaway? Second. Discussion?

Oh, you know, I'm glad to see this because we've talked about it for several years, and I just want the community, because sometimes people think this is all about the tourists. This is really about the community, not about tourists, but how do we manage tourism, and how do we make it the best thing that can be happening in the community? That's it.

Thank you. Pro Tem Outaway.

You know, I think Sally made a really good point that this isn't just about the tourists, it's about the people of the city of Marquette, but we're lucky enough to have Dennis Stackowitz here, and maybe he would like to lean in on this a little bit.

Sure, I'd be glad to, thank you. This firm that was selected, they stood head and shoulders above the rest in their interview because they kept using the word community, and community is your home. and they understand clearly what type of project that the community and city commission has been looking for throughout the master plan process and the strategic plan which also allowed the budgeting for this. Point well taken and I have complete faith that this firm that we're recommending gets that.

Thank you. Anybody else discussion? Seeing none, we will put it to a vote. All in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed, no. Motion passes 6-0. That brings us to our second public comment. Again, public comments may not exceed three minutes per person. Please state your name and physical address when making public comments if you have not already done so. Thank you.

I'm Steven Slavinski, 521 East Arch Street, Apartment C, Marquette. I'll finish my comments on doing a pivot. I think I was talking about Portland. Yeah, prime example of cities financing socialistic culture is Portland, Oregon. Back in the 80s and 90s, I remember Portland was lauded as a beacon of argument, development, and culture. But now through the over-reliance on government control and finance, the city is in free fall. Tourists do not want to visit Portland because it is boarded up downtown and the streets are violent. The city didn't help when they turned a blind eye to Antifa skinheads and other criminals threatening the citizens and practically burning the city down. And I'll have to say, you know, I moved to Marquette seven years ago. I'm really thankful that these real hotheads hadn't taken control here. So I laud the city for not tolerating it. Or maybe they didn't try too much, but I know they tried to go in a few businesses, but they didn't get anywhere. The thing is the reset is gonna take place. I mean it's in motion right now worldwide. And so I think what we need to do is look at pivoting. Now of course there's a lot of momentum for financing expansion of a 20,000 person city, massive public works spending. massive adding to staff and hiring of consultants. But just based on this ABLE situation, the elites, they know what the city can pay and how they're gonna pay it. They'll let you know. But the thing is, you may have discretion on discretionary spending. rather than just to keep raising the fees on city people, you may be able to just turn down some discretionary spending. And also, you know, when headcount leaves, not replace positions. I really hope as a citizen that loves Marquette that when the reset is fully implemented, although it is a major change, that the city will retain its civilized character and give the citizens a voice and they not be treated like criminals. What do I got, 30 seconds? New York City, they're gonna tax the rich, but the rich are moving out. Citadel's moving, a lot of them are moving. Some cities are gonna try that, it's not gonna work. Like I say, the bondholders, they have the super computers, the AI, they know how they're gonna get paid and they'll let you know, thank you.

Thank you, sir. Anyone else for public comment?

Good evening. Roberta Noss, 1103 Northrop Street here in the city. And I know we had a rough winter, but the roads, streets were bad before that. I just want to know what's in the plan. Anybody have any?

we're gonna go through public comment or commissioner comment and then city manager will address your question okay well that's all i need just thank you thank you anyone else for public comment thank you public comment is closed i'm going to start with this guy we're going to move to comments from the commission starting with mayor pro tem ottaway

I'll keep it quick. We had a person in here earlier having questions about rental units in Marquette. Hope city manager can kind of touch base on that. One thing I want to really kind of explain, though, it is not the role of city government, especially city officials, to get involved in any type of civil issues. That is what a courtroom is for. Lawyers, judges, things like that. A lot of the things that were kind of brought up there were more civil issues, and I'm still, I wish the person was still here because I did have some questions for her, but in regards to what exactly she was trying to get with that, but hopefully the city manager can address some of the things that she had mentioned. Thank you.

Thank you. Commissioner Larson.

I don't think I have too much to add, just kind of going off of Pro Tem Ottaway's comments there is that While it might be civil, still I think some of those issues are still at least worth knowing that they exist. Still knowing that they exist, especially in a community that has the amount of rentals that we have in the community. While I know our tools are limited, it's still, I think, understanding the state of our community and the state of our housing is always okay. And hopefully we can direct folks to the right resources that can actually move the needle a little bit more on those particular items there. And as far as roads go, I've heard a number of the same concerns, specifically some of the intersections there on Front and Washington Street. And I'll leave that to the city manager to just kind of address very briefly on issues along those lines. But I think that's where I'm at here today. Thank you.

Thank you. Commissioner Mayer?

Thank you, Your Honor. Yeah, it's one thing maybe I think a lot of people don't realize. So, I mean, when we're talking about some of these rental issues or some of the, you know, the structural problems with some of these buildings, you know, the city... Has I think the word compliance was used in its zoning compliance The county typically as far as building code and a building inspector that that really is with the county Which to my understanding currently the county has not replaced their inspectors since the previous one retired So a lot of things right now have to go through the state and the state is one person for the entire Upper Peninsula So I would really advocate for a lot of folks that are having issues in this realm to maybe go let the county know that this is a really important role for this county to have someone that can do that kind of work. You know, I'm sure the city, in theory, could try to take that on, but that's also additional expense for something that typically the county has taken care of before. As far as the roads, I mean, I understand there's a few areas in town where the roads aren't perfect. You know, I was just in Sault Ste. Marie over the weekend, and... Over the weekend, and the... When I drive on our roads here, I just think how awesome they are because there are other places in the UP where the roads are just... And despite the terrain and how many hills we have here, our roads still hold up very well. I think it would be really helpful if, City Manager, maybe if you could talk a little bit about The matrix we look at for how we evaluate road repairs and infrastructure because I know we have a system and a method methodology that we use for that kind of stuff, but thank you.

Thank you Christian Davis.

I have nothing this evening. Thank you Christian.

I can't help but finish up with a e-bike comment. I encourage the city staff to work as fast as possible on the reckless riding ordinance given how big of a perceived issue this is Furthermore, I'd like to see follow-up on the physical changes the task force Recommended specifically lining the bike path and signage Be nice we heard to follow up on that in the next couple weeks as to what city is thinking I

Thank you very much. I would just like to, you know, I'm all over the UP for work, and our roads are, you know, we have this spring or the early thaws that really kick the snot out of them, and it takes us a little time to get on top of it. But, you know, overall, yes, they're not as nice as we want them to be, but they're really not as bad as they could be. That's for certain. And I know that we're putting everything into place to address those issues as best as possible. I'm sure we'll hear more about that. Just in line with the e-bike topic, I would just encourage people to please remember that summer is, although it may not be here weather-wise, except for a couple teaser days there, but we're about to get busy here again. And please beware of crosswalks and all of our pedestrians that are out, both residents and visitors, because I'm not seeing a lot of people that are following the rules of allowing people to pass when they're waiting at a crosswalk. and entering into the act of crossing. So I would encourage people to kind of remember that we do have to yield to them when they are in the crosswalk. and to be respectful. That goes in line with all of the other traffic that's out there, whether it be e-bikes or walking traffic. You know, be respectful of your neighbors. Go at speeds that are in line with the best for safety for all of our users, and please, you know, Again, don't don't forget.

We're all we're all human but be respectful of who you're around with that city manager Just before we get too much into the other topics I did just want to provide just one small clarification on crosswalks because there are very specific crosswalks that motorists are required to stop it and those are at Gosh the term and I'm looking at the police chief the term for crossing and crosswalks ones that are actually at main thoroughfares where you are a light and it's a at the intersection that is a main thoroughfare ones that are not necessarily main thoroughfares. And I would probably use this one here as an example at Baraga and Fifth or Fourth? Fourth? Yes. Fourth, thank you. My directions. That is not considered one where a motorist has to stop. Now, if they're in the crosswalk, they're already started in the crosswalk, you have to stop, but you do not legally have to stop, correct? So...

Thank you for that clarification.

I just want to make sure that we don't tell people to be in the road, in the crosswalk.

To be clear, the pedestrian does not have the right of way. The vehicle has to stop at the pedestrians in the crosswalk, but for a pedestrian to walk out in front of a vehicle, The pedestrian does not have the right-of-way.

Be nice, though, I guess. Thank you. Sorry. I think this has been one of the first years we haven't talked about it since some of that law has changed. All right, so first topic I wanted to just mention, and going off of the rental topic, and I really want to just stress that we really do empathize with our renters. However, it is beyond legal authority for us to intervene on some of these disputes that are between private parties, and that is, you know, tenant and a landlord. So the city does maintain a rental code and does enforce a rental code and it is focused on fire and life safety codes. It is more than smoke detectors, but there are certain things that we do not look at and enforce. But if it is a life safety and fire code, then yes, we are paying attention and we are enforcing that. There are some specific instances or questions that were mentioned tonight, and that is something that unfortunately does fall on to the renter for looking into. And that would be some information that you can get from the county and then follow up if there is a need for that. We do not regulate necessarily those rental listings. We look at those and we make sure that they are registered. We do not enforce lease terms or security deposits. So that is not something we can get involved in. Those matters fall within the jurisdiction of small claims court generally, but again, we don't enforce those. I will say that our community is incredibly fortunate to have mediation services that are made available at very low rates, so I do tend to provide some of those resources as well. We distribute the renters and landlords guide that the estate attorney general has put out there, and we make that publicly available. If there are any questions about the rental property that you are living in, please feel free to reach out and we can address that. I don't necessarily want to address any of the other questions here because that is a private matter and we've been in contact with that individual specifically. Moving on to roads. We do have our street improvement maintenance project that is currently underway, as you see with Fisher Street being reconstructed, and that involves a lot of the infrastructure underneath. There are a number of other roads that are included on this year's street improvement and maintenance project. That is a total of close to, I think, close to $1.4 million for some of that maintenance. We understand it is temporary and short term and it is not that reconstruction, but it is one that helps preserve the condition and the life of that road for a little bit longer so that we can extend that to when we need to replace that. Just to kind of touch on, in order to maintain a road in good condition in following our pacer scale, and the guidance set out there, crack sealing is recommended, and that costs $2 a linear foot, then there's some other reconstruction costs when we get into rebuild, and that is one that, incredibly expensive and why we have put some of that off to look at future investment and pairing that with infrastructure replacement and I'm happy to go over some of that or share some of that information directly with the residents that are asking but we will be talking about that very very soon when we get into budget so Yes, that is coming up. But just keep in mind that we have 90 miles of roadway that we maintain and that is everything underneath as well. So it is something that takes a lot of thought and investment. And I do appreciate the fact that, yes, our roads are good compared to many other places that we've been to. But we also understand that there are some areas for improvement that we need to look at. And just as a reminder, the last commission meeting, there was an approval for an extension of the SIMP project scope to include a portion of Washington Street right in front of that post office, which is pretty bad. So we are trying to extend that as much as we can. So I hope that helps. Did I answer all the questions that were out there? All right. And we're working as hard as we can on that e-bike. We already have a good start on that anyways. So, yes. Thank you.

Thank you. With that, we are adjourned at 7.14.