City Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening. I'd like to call the order call to order the Monday, March 30th, 2026 meeting of the Marquette City Commission at 6 PM here in the chambers. Please rise for the pledge of 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. Deputy city clerk. Roll call, please. Commissioner Davis, here. Commissioner Gotham, here. Commissioner Hanley, here. Commissioner Larson here. Commissioner Mayor

here. Mayor Prom Ottawa and Mayor Schlaggel here. Commissioners, do we have a I like that. Um, commissioners, do we have a motion to excuse promot? Commissioner Gotley, I move to excuse uh Promotayway for personal reasons. Is there a second? I'll second. There we go. Thank you, Commissioner Larson. Uh, all in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed? No. Motion passes 60. Um, I don't have any announcements. You have anything? Agenda.

Oh, did I miss something? Approve the agenda. Oh, ma'am, there I go again. Sorry, the little one, little baby got me flustered tonight. So, uh, motion to approve the agenda as written, please. I move that we approve the agenda as presented. A second. Commissioner Davis. I'll second the motion. Any discussion? Nope. All in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed? No. Motion passes. 60. All right. Now, we're on to announcements. Uh, since we have none there, we will move on to our boards and committees. We have one appointment tonight. Is there a motion, please? Commissioner Carson.

I move that we appoint Hannah Snow to the Public Art Commission for an unexpected term ending O2 26 of 29. Thank you. A second, please. Commissioner Davis, I'll second the motion. Thank you. Any discussion? Nope. Okay, seeing none, all in favor, please say yes. Yes. Oppos? No.

Okay. Motion passes 60. Welcome to Hannah. Um, that brings us to our first public comment. Public comment. This cannot exceed three minutes per person. Please state your name and physical address up here at the podium if you would like to have time for public comment. Anyone for public comment? There's a lot of people here. Good deal. Great. Hello everyone. U my name is Angela Palamei. I'm a dentist, a business owner, and a resident. and a taxpayer here in the city of Marquette. My practice is located in the Savings Bank building directly adjacent to the proposed parking structure and hotel project. My husband and I both grew up in this area. I graduated from Marquette Senior High School and he from Westwood High School. After completing our education, we chose to return here to build our careers, raise our families, and invest in this community. I'm here tonight to speak on the proposed parking structure in Brownfield funding and to share the real impact this project is already having on my practice and my patients. This project is being presented as a public benefit, specifically public parking, but I have serious concerns about whether that public benefit is still justified. The scale of the parking has been reduced and the structure appears to be closely tied to a private hotel with approximately 80 hotel rooms and similar number of parking spaces. Is it reasonable to expect that during peak occupancy much of that parking will be used by hotel guests? That raises a fundamental question. How much of this will truly function as public parking? At the same time, this project relies on brownfield funding, which means future tax revenue is being deferred for many years to support this development. So, as a taxpayer, I have to ask, is it appropriate to defer that future tax

revenue for a project that primarily supports a private development with limited or uncertain public benefit? We are not opposed to private development. We support thoughtful growth in our community, but we believe that future tax revenue should be used to support public priorities like our schools, our parks, and the shared spaces that benefit everyone, especially if the public return from a project is uncertain. Beyond policy, there are real impacts happening right now. My practice has served thousands of patients for from Marquette in this location for nearly 20 years. and including the previous provider. Patients have been coming here for almost 40 years. Many of my patients, including those with disabilities, rely on being able to park directly next to the building or being dropped off by the back door. That access no longer exists. To date, we have not received any proposed plans or communications as how my patients will be accommodated through this change. Today, those same patients are forced to navigate longer, more difficult routes, especially during the winter months. This directly affects patient safety and accessibility. At the same time, over the past two years, I have been faced pressure to move my practice out of the building, including through lawsuits that have forced us to retain costly legal counsel to successfully defend our rights. Still, we have been seeing public We have seen public comments suggesting that we are refusing to leave out of stubbornness, and that's not accurate. We have honored our lease and have simply asked that it be honored in return. They're also continued in

That's it for time on this one, but you're welcome to come back on the second public comment and finish up. Thank you very much. Anybody else for public comment tonight? First round? Nothing. Okay, hearing that, public comment is closed. That brings us to our first presentation of the night. It is the city of Marquette climate action plan. Uh thank you, Miss Tley, for presenting. Go ahead up and get up to the uh podium there.

Good evening, mayor and commissioners. My name is Anna Tsley. I am a senior at Northern. I'm a political science major concentrating in public administration. Uh in December I was selected for the rural leadership fellowship program which is a public private partnership with invest and the Michigan economic development corporation and I was selected to do the climate action plan for the city of Marquette. So what is a climate action plan? This is a lot of text on a slide but it's all important. A climate action plan is a strategy document that sets goals and outlines a set of initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Using a greenhouse gas emissions inventory as the foundation. A climate action plan defines greenhouse gas reduction targets and provides a framework for achieving them. Identifies priority actions and facilitates coordination across departments. Supports effective action over time by establishing methods of assessing progress and adjusting the local strategy. So what is a greenhouse gas emissions inventory? It calculates, quantifies or assesses municipal or community associated emissions and their sources. They're an accounting of the carbon pollution that result from certain activities and processes that support municipal functions. We are going to be conducting a government operations greenhouse gas emissions inventory. So what will this include? A target goal to match the climate action resolution 2050 goal, an emphasis on previous and aligning actions that the city has done, community input through a steering committee, a public survey, and public engagement opportunities. It's going to have an executive summary of climate change and climate action in Marquette, the greenhouse gas emissions inventory. It's going to have seven focus areas with objectives and actions. And then at the bottom, it's going to have a matrix with cost effectiveness. So those focus areas are going to be buildings and energy, transportation, water and wastewater, waste and recycling, natural resources, public health, and climate economy. So some

examples of this, Sterling Heights, Michigan. Uh, I took this as their efforts underway. They did a really good job at kind of showing different efforts that their city did and I kind of wanted to put that into our plan. Whitefish Montana did a really great job at kind of showing greenhouse gas emissions reductions and kind of the math and numbers side that goes into this plan. And then kind of an example of what a focus area is and the explanation that goes along with it is climate economy. It's going to have like a paragraph at the top of it, brief explanation of the situation at hand, like public health, whatever, and then it's going to talk about the different actions below. So, I just want to say I'm really grateful for this opportunity and I'm really looking forward to this and I can take any questions.

Thank you. A great presentation. Uh, questions. Commissioner Davis, I don't have a question, but Ann, I'm glad you're greatly appreciative because I think we are too. This is a big deal. this is a significant um document that you're developing for the city. So um congratulations. Thank you very much for taking on this challenge and I think it really will be a nice um contribution to your resume in the future. So um best of luck. I'm looking forward to to your document that you come up with. Thank you. Anything further? Yeah. Thank you, Anna. Um, oh, Commissioner Gall, go for it.

I'm curious as to where the funding is coming from and and how will it be where is the funding coming from and and who is exactly coming up with the budget? So, spended

I am being funded. Um, I'm getting a living stipen and I'm getting my college paid for getting a public masters of public administration. Um, I'm also going to be using free EPA toolkits. Uh, Dennis is actually the one that found them, but it's a EPA um, Excel spreadsheet that I'm going to be putting into Energy Star, which is a free program, and we're going to be using Energy Star. A lot of other cities do it. It's required in Minnesota, free program. So, right now, everything is free. Um, I'm trying not to cost you guys too much money. Um I don't think that this is going to, you know, cost too much. Um it, you know, might, but

So this is just for clarification too that this is um part of a a partnership that we have um with Northern and we are receiving the services that Anna is is providing, the services, the experience, the education um for this. So, not necessarily an extra cost component for the development of um this plan unless we do need some tools or or resources um that we would have to work within the budget. Thank you. And I am sure it's going to be done cost-effectively. Not questioning that. I was just wondering um I ask another question. Yeah, please. Where are you going to present your findings? Where and how will you present

in a docu? It's going to be in a word document practically. um just going to be like any other climate action plan, active transportation plan, master plan. Um it's just going to be in a nice little book. Um I'm going to put it online and I'm going to make it in the in the paper form. So, Commissioner Gotautle. Um so, Anna is funded under the same rural leadership fellowship that our um previous uh rural leadership fellow and Mahhaga was um who we hired into the city manager's office. Um, so that's funded by the uh by NMU and the NMU Foundation. Um, so she's going to be preparing this plan um for um city staff review. Um, and then we'll bring it before the city commission for approval and adoption.

That's what I wanted. We're internally developing a climate action plan. Yeah. Mr. D, just a followup to that. Will there be an opportunity for the public to comment on it?

Yes. Um, I do plan on having an open draft period. Um, I I love to write. Um, I don't want you guys to scrutinize me too much, but you guys are it's our document. It's a public document and this is for the city. So, I I'm once the document is done, um, you're going to be reading about 70 to 90 pages of climate action. But, if you want to do that and you want to provide your comments, you are going to be more than welcome to. And and Anna, I believe you have identified already a couple opportunities for public input throughout um I think you're looking at a survey. You're looking at maybe um some open houses kind of thing.

Yes. So the survey is um going to be about 30 questionsish. Um it's going to ask you kind of a range of topics. Uh your behaviors and opinions on a range of topics. What services do you use of the city? Would you use of the city? kind of where do you envision this city going? Um, that's going to be open shortly and then it's going to be closing sometime in the spring. Once that's done, I hope to have some sort of or while that's happening, some sort of open house or event that people can come to and provide their public input. I also do plan on trying to go to games or going to like a drop off time after school to get people to do the survey and things like that. But um I think public input is really important. So I'll I'll be going around.

Anything further? Thank you, Anna. This is uh this is really something that's you know we need this to lead us in the right direction for the future and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. So appreciate your time tonight. Thank you. Okay. Our second presentation this evening is from the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Uh Joanna Worley, welcome.

Thank you. Okay, this is not a Mac. I have to remind myself that there. Okay. And then present. Okay. I think I'm done.

Good evening. I'm Johanna Worley, um, one of the newer members of the arts and count uh, arts and culture advisory committee. pleasure to be here and um tonight I'm here to share with you some of the big updates to our arts and culture office. Our arts and culture committee is a mix of new folks, newbies and veterans. I am one of the newbies. We have professionals representing six different sectors in a wide range of personal creative interests. We even have a youth member in our group. Um just as our board is diverse in perspectives, arts and culture touches all the corners of our lives. Um as a resident and a community member of Marquette, the work I'm about to share with you impacts your life and mine and my family. And I think most of these people are here that are on this. Um all of the pro projects and decisions have been directed via our community um through committees and master plans. Our arts and culture advisory committee has been guiding the city's work for 35 years now. We have also have a public arts commission. One of our new members was just appointed today. The city has a new community master plan updated this past year. The city's master plan um communicates our residents values and vision. These guiding principles ask the city to cherish our natural assets, pre preserve our entire history, create enjoyable yearround recreation options, connect our neighborhoods, and encourage vibrancy. The arts and culture play a vital role in achieving these aims in our community. The details of the work are outlined in the arts and culture

master plan. This master plan currently um was adopted in 2014. This was a 10-year plan that is now two years overdue. It has been deferred for several years as staff has been mindful of general fund spending and anticipating major shifts in the office's work and physical location. But now, as an advisory committee, we see that our community is ready and hungry for an update. This is not a plan that sits on a shelf collecting dust. Our staff looks to it for every major decision. It was also one of the most engaged planning processes in our city's recent history. And with this presentation, we're going to see why investing in an updated plan is not just a nice have or nice to have, but it's a need to have. And I'm going to continue on with the highlights. Lots of changes this year in the Office of Arts and Culture. These are some of the 2025 highlights. It was a big year. Art Week was a decadel long um very successful program, but we had the finale. Now Michigan mission is accomplished. While community enjoyed free familyfriending friendly events, behind the scenes art week served as a tool. It showcased our local arts and culture scene, activated public spaces, and engaged the community with many city products projects. Now you see those tools used every day here in Marquette. Every week is art week. The cultural trail um which we'll talk about more is a project now five years in the making. Officially has signs in the ground. The story makers were in markers were installed this past June. Construction began on the new city trail head and if you drive by every day there

are working trucks out there and cars. Um it will eventually house the offices of arts and cultures. Um our staff moved out of their longtime home in the lower level of Peter White Library. They're sort of without a permanent place right now. Um the arts and culture center studio spaces and galleries remain. So, the public has not lost any creative space in the move. And I'm wondering, am I supposed to be going on in this or just staying on this slide?

No, this is I'm I'm in the right place. Okay. I'm like, there's a lot of Yeah. Um, increased public art is the other thing we've done. 2025 and 26 will be major years for public art as well. Our offices serve let's see our offices um so what is the work of the office of arts and culture why do we have an office in the city don't we have artists and musicians and groups like LSAA or Hayawa yes we have an amazing amazing creative community here in Marquette but plants need soil and structure to grow and this is the work that happens behind the scenes of a vibrant community with an amazing amazing staff. One of our more important things is public art. The city has a public art policy and fund. Here's a sneak peek at some of the public art projects that you will see come to life this coming or this year. But that's not my job to talk about these today. You'll get a robust presentation from MPAC this summer. Advocacy and resources for a community. A vibrant community needs to be connected to one another to resources and opportunities. The Marquette Compass is an online arts and culture information hub. And in 2025, it had 6,600 local users. That's not bad for a city of 21,000. If you haven't bookmarked this, um, you should. People here in the audience and, um, and the city commission. Oops. I'm going to walk you just let you look

at this, walk you through a little bit about what the arts and culture um, Marquette Compass has. And it's moving on its own here. community calendar. Um, whoops. Why is this doing this? Okay. Okay. Um, but go to the community calendar. They're all the things that are happening locally in town. And if you have any things to put on, you can do that. You can put on things, too. I'm going to get out of that because it's driving me crazy. Um, community engagement and partnerships. One of the major shifts that the 2014 master plan asked for was focusing less on programs and more on building sustainable partnerships across the sectors. And it's quite remarkable all of the partnerships that have been developed um with this program. Just take a look at all of the partnerships we have. I think is quite remarkable. 10 years later, the art arts and culture staff works collaboratively with countless other entities to till the soil for creativity. Nothing happens in a vacuum. The projects, advocacy, and resources happen on a regional scale. And each each of these artsbased connections introduce and enhance the relationship of the city as a whole. The 2014 master plan directed a move away from direct programming and shifts towards collaborative support. You can see here a list of major programs in our community that staff have contributed to this year's year via resources, venue space, marketing and consulting.

This is just a sample and the support of our community is the daily work. This is what we mean when we say that every week is art week. Another important role defined by that master plan is recognition of those who make an impact in our community. Save the date for the next annual art awards which will be November 8th. Nominations are now open. As a city office, all of the work in this I is in the interest of building city infrastructure. There's a lot of talk about keeping the character of Marquette to grow, but in a way that lifts up our residents and helps visitors appreciate what makes Marquette Marquette. Arts and culture is essential to a healthy and vibrant city. This work is done through the policies, but it's most obvious through the arts impact on capital projects and public spaces. The best example of that, did I skip one, is the cultural trail head, the impact of the arts on a city project, the new cultural trail and new trail head. Hopefully, you've seen these markers along the lake shore. There are eight culturally significant sites that feature interpretive signage spanning seven miles of our shoreline bike track bike path. This is the first phase with lots of more sites in development. This project is an innovative interpretive trail that is unlike any other program in the region, if not the country. Our staff recently traveled to Grand Rapids to share this project at a conference and are part of several cohorts sharing this project on a national scale. This interpretive trail is amazing. It highlights our city history, but it also

invites current storytelling and contemplation of our future. It does this through not just narrative but also art. Orienting people in each site and inviting them to be curious and discover our community and its relationship to the land and water. More information can be found of course on the Marquette Compass website um about the development of the trail, the funding and project partners. And here's an example of some of the photograph of some of the trail markers and the map where they're to be found. Every trail needs a trail head and the former Chamber of Commerce building near the Father Marquette statue is now being renovated into a public building that will offer a community living room, a gallery wall.

Don't worry about that. Forgive me for interrupting, but don't worry, please. We're used to this. Yeah.

Um, accessible public restrooms, a rentable multi-purpose room, and wayfinding to local cultural resources and recreational trails, accessible gardens, and even a front porch overlooking the lake. It will be a year-round public space for residents to connect with visitors and to learn about our home. centrally located. It will be in the heart of downtown. We all know parking will be a premium at a premium, but it's in within five minutes walk of almost 600 public spaces. And now I'm just going to let you walk through the building. Uh none of the work people are in there. Uh but you can kind of get a sense as you go through. There will be maps and artwork. This is the living area. Um, that's quite lovely. You'll enter space into cozy living room that is designed to off designed to offer residents a third space to connect. This will be the rentable space. Back porch overlooking the lake. I want to get rid of that. Okay.

Present. Okay. This is not how my Canva works.

Yeah. I'll just walk you through it briefly, quickly. And there we go. So, local character will be found within the new building. Um, we have local artists that are going to be creating the ceiling, fireplace, tile, art in the walls, and the building itself is designed through the perspective of locals and will visually welcome people to our community. We will have an outdoor garden space. This warm welcome extends outside the building along with the Marquette beautifification committee. This summer will also see a new gathering space installed. It will be public art piece painted with native perennial flowers. The garden is also entirely funded by the Iben family in honor of their son Eric who is an innovative landscape architecture. This is just one of several major community investments in the cultural trail and trail head. When will this all be happening? The trail is it's in its first phase. These are big they're big ideas ahead. Um renovations will be complete this summer. Staff will move in by June hopefully and work will come with community partners to add final touches and to open the doors as a public facility this fall. The trail is in its first phase. There are big ideas. The cultural trail head is not just a physical trail head with maps and restrooms, but also a metaphorical trail head leading to our creative community. It's a hub for connection. Each site along the cultural trail invites that curiosity. And all of that is accomplished with less than 1.6% of the city's annual budget. Heck of a deal.

On top of that, Arts and Culture has brought in over $2 million in the last five years to our community. This is from a variety of grants and contributions that go into supporting the programs and capital projects. And those that are those are just the dollars added to the arts and culture budget. Relationships and resources you saw earlier leverage millions more in support for the city or city projects. Successful grants have uh built on one another as our infrastructure expands and confidence from outside funders increases. Marquette is now on the map as a place with innovative and meaningful city projects. Arts and culture is consistently the city's good news and now that's on a national scale. Framework of the cultural trail has leveraged funds for arts and culture projects but it could be used in other city grant requests. The cultural trail connects to transportation, parks, wayfinding, community building, environmental resiliency, and is an A+ example of a cross sector policy. To continue to build on that momentum, we need an updated arts and culture master plan. A current master plan is required for grant eligibility, just as you see with parks and recreation or the city as a whole. Arts and Culture is no different. Securing outside funding depends on this plan. Furthermore, the 2014 plan was crucial to guiding the work you see today. Our community has changed in the last 10 years, and we're at a point where we need to reassess our needs. This will strengthen our partnerships, prever preserve local character, and inform future capital projects. Investing in an updated plan is not just a nice to have, it's a need to have. As city

commissioners, we need to help ask your help to continue this momentum. Arts and culture advisory committee exists to advise you. This is our recommendation. We strongly recommend that you approve the funding to update the arts and culture master plan. Approval of the request for this fiscal year will ensure that arts and culture continues to thrive and that you maximize your investment. Thank you for your time tonight and your support of the arts and culture in our city. Thanks to the city arts and culture staff who you probably know are sitting here um community services for the boots on the ground in making these projects happen. Thank you to all the city finance attorney, clerks, DPW and managers who work directly with the arts and culture to make these projects happen and everyone else who ensures that the city has great bones to make this house a home. Thank you to my fellow committee members who contribute their time and knowledge and most of all to the city residents and creative community who make Marquette an amazing place to live. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Worley. That was very well done. Uh, commissioners, comments or questions?

Commissioner Godley, the room within the new building that you say you mentioned it was rentable. How big is it? Who's the target audience? And what is the target use for the rentable room? How big is it approximately? Just guess. I'm gonna ask our staff

maximum capacity inside maybe 75 but we're not there yet and any idea who you're renting it is not Tina Tina can you come up to the microphone just so the stream gets it. Thank you. You could go. One of them. Yeah. Sorry. All of the residents. That's the big focus that this is not just for the arts and culture community. Our t target audience is the community, I guess. Is it for parties? Is it for Oh, for that kind of thing.

Yeah. What are you renting it for? You could have baby like the Prescy Pavilion. Basically, it's the first new public facility in a long time for the public. So, anything that you might use the pavilion at Prescy for, you may also use this space. It's not a place for messy art making. Um, it's a place for meetings and gatherings. Thank you. Welcome. Anything I shouldn't leave and just in case. Just in case there are more questions, Davis.

Joanna, thank you very much and thanks for the whole committee being here tonight. That's really nice because now you're giving up more of your your volunteering, more of your time to be here. Uh that was a very nice, very comprehensive presentation and I'm so appreciative of what the arts and culture committee does. You ended with an ask. Um could you tell us what the plans are and like the the cost of that ask for the master plan? Okay. Well, it's John. Yes, there you go.

Yes. I believe we had $75,000 in for that plan um in the last two budgets. And then uh with all the challenges with the city, we uh that was one of the things among many that were tabled 75,000. Okay. And that's okay. Um hoping to start in 2027, correct? Yeah. Okay. You also mentioned parking and you acknowledged it as a problem. So, how many parking spaces will be at the building? Not a lot, but we'll let Yeah.

Yeah. I think the the upper lot has less than 30 and then the lower lot we know. So, the Barergot there's a path that walks up uh from that lot as well. Uh but as mentioned, you know, there's 600 spots within five minute walk. So, okay. Thank you. That's good. Anything else? Yes,

thank you. That was a very informative presentation and I really appreciate it. The one thing that I hear from a lot of people being at the Children's Museum and in my everyday life is the really big stress on why they got rid isn't going to be anymore. It was a lot of people's favorite thing. And I know you have the every week is art week, but it was a really good way to tie people in who don't have ties to the art community normal normally. And I would really like to see more events, at least if we're not going to do that, where we can tie that in because I feel like we're going to miss out on a lot of really fun activities for families and for people alike. Sorry.

No, that's fine. We It's something we talk about. So I think because we're saying every week is art week, we're encouraging more community activity with other organizations taking over the activities. Anything we want to add to that? So, Art Week served a purpose for a while and it was really successful, but our staff needs the capacity to do these larger projects which is build capacity within our arts and culture community or maybe have free concert series within Marquette working with our partners, you know, working with Blueberry Dancefest. So, I would say really spreading it out that one week I don't think was a great the best return on the investment that the city could have on their um their budget. What you give from the general fund and I think the amount of work that we're going to do with the absence of art week is going to be much bigger and much grander.

Thanks. Um, you know, that's Tina, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear because I love art week and um, I really enjoyed participating in as much of it as I could, but if you're going to kind of pony up with these other events that are happening throughout the year and make a lot of noise for them as well and bring your arts and culture swagger to it. I'm looking forward to that. It's going to be great. So, um, that that's that was the one big takeaway that I had after last year was like, man, you know, that was such a great way to fill uh fill everybody's life with arts and culture if they're not really exposed to much of it in that one week. So, please be as loud as you can with these other undertakings. Um, and I really, you know, my love for the the Heritage Trail, arts and culture, uh, the Heritage Trail, and I'm excited to see the next rendition of uh, artwork that's going to be up on those. Um, it's it's something that I'm really uh, proud of as far as the community and over the years and give you guys a lot of credit for what you've done there. Uh, with that being said, I really appreciate everything that you brought to us tonight and, uh, keep up the good work.

Thanks. Yeah. Thank you everybody. You don't have to stick around anymore if you don't want to if you're here with the Arts and Culture Group, but we would love to have you stick around. Um, okay. What does that bring us to? That brings us to our consent agenda. Uh, commissioners, is there a motion, please? Commissioner Larson, I move that I move that we accept the consent agenda as presented. Second, please. Commissioner Hanley. I second. By any comments? Yes. Commissioner Davis?

Yes. I just want to emphasize a donation that we're getting to the senior center. Carol Steinhive is asking us if it's okay if she donates $10,000 to the senior center. And I think that's pretty amazing that she's willing to do that. She has been someone in our community that has given back a lot. I know that she has served on the library board for several years. She is going to be helping represent us on our sister city trip to Finland. And I just want to say a special thank you to Carol for that donation. Well noted. Thank you, Commissioner Davis. Anything else? Okay, with that being said, all in favor, please say yes. Opposed? No.

Mayor, this is a roll call. Oh, there's roll call in there. Not bad. Commissioner Davis, yes. Commissioner Dolly, yes. Commissioner Hanley, yes. Commissioner Larson, yes. Commissioner Mayor, yes. And Mayor Schlaggel, yes. Uh, motion passes six to zero, even though I don't see roll call for some reason. It only says it on the top. What item is the roll call? Which one was it for? Um, it is for the to schedule a public hearing for the vault. Um, Brownfield, there is a resolution with that.

Okay. Appreciate the explanation there. Thank you. Uh that brings us to new business. We've got a few things for new business. A little bit of housekeeping here tonight. Uh Deputy City Clerk, please give some background on the first item.

Commissioner Larson and Commissioner Hanley attended the annual Michigan Municipal League conference held in Lancing March 9th through the 12th, 2026. The following checks will be issued for travel expenses incured. Commissioner Michael Larson, check number 1014078 in the amount of $727.30. Commissioner Jessica Larson's check number 10 or excuse me, Jessica Hanley. Uh check number 1014071 in the amount of $156. Fiscal effect total travel costs are $883.30. Adequate funds are available within the fiscal year 2026 city commission travel budget. Recommendation approve the travel reimbursement for Commissioner Larson in the amount of $727.30 and Commissioner Hanley in the amount of $156 for the Michigan Municipal League Conference. Alternatives as determined by the commission. Thank you, Deputy Clerk. Uh motion, please. Commissioner Godley.

I move that we approve the travel reimbursement for Commissioner Larson, the amount of $727.30 and Commissioner Hanley in the amount of $156 uh for the Michigan Municipal League uh conference. Thank you. Is there a second? Commissioner Davis, I'll second the motion. Thank you. Any discussion? Um, briefly, I'm really glad that uh these guys had the time and ability to go to this. It's it really has to be quite helpful for the city commission for them to get the additional education, and I wish I had the time to do so this round. Noted. Good.

Okay. All right. That being said, all in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed? No. Okay. That two abstains. Oh, two abstain. I'm sorry. I was going to say motion passes forward to nothing to abstain. Perfect.

Thanks. Um number six, deputy city clerk. Mayor Schlaggel attended the annual Michigan Municipal League conference March 9th through the 12th, 2026. The following check will be issued for travel expenses incured. Mayor Paul Schlaggel, check number 101482 in the amount of $735.30. 30. Fiscal effect. Total travel cost is $73,530. Adequate funds are available within the fiscal year 2026 city commission travel budget. Recommendation approve travel reimbursement for Mayor Paul Schlaggel in the amount of $735.30 for the Michigan Municipal League Conference. Alternatives is determined by the commission.

Thank you, Deputy Clerk. A motion, please. Commissioner Haley. I move that we approve the travel reimbursement for Mayor Paul Schlaggel in the amount of $735.30 cents for the Michigan Municipal League Conference. Thank you. A second. Mr. Mayor, I'll second the motion. Your honor, any discussion?

Um, I will second what we heard from the on the last one from Commissioner Gotautle. It is a great conference and it is a good way to put us in front of not only other people from other municipalities but also right in front of our legislators and getting to meet with them and speak with them and lobby on behalf of our city. So, it's always good when you can have the mayor of the city there, especially to show how serious we are about trying to get things changed in our communities and get funding for our communities. So, I really appreciate that you were able to make it in your schedule. Thank you. Okay. Um, I can speak to this, can I? Even though I'm not voting.

Okay. I I would like to echo that. You said it very very well. But, uh, the point is is that when when we're down there and we're dealing with all of these, uh, representatives and senators and everything that that encompasses what Lancing is all about, it really gives us time to to really kind of uh, get our hooks into these people and let them know how important it is to pay attention to what's going on above the bridge here. And uh and it's amazing how many of these representatives from other areas are coming up to us as Marquette uh commissioners and letting us know how how impressed they are with what is going on up here with with the many topics. Um and it's just it's flattering, you know, to to and I'm very very very proud to represent as a commissioner and incredibly humbled and proud to be representing as mayor. But when when these people come up and they say, "You guys are doing it right." And we look around and, you know, get a little red in the face maybe. But fact is is we've got a great community, great leadership. Um, city staff is fabulous. You know, we we are very proud community and and we, uh, just going to keep it going. So, uh, thanks for the opportunity to to partake in that. And, um, with that being said, we'll bring it to a vote.

All in favor, please say yes. Yes. Yes. Opposed? No. That would pass five to one with one abstension. Uh item number six, deputy city clerk. I'm sorry, number seven.

The 2025 5-year recreation master plan includes a site development plan detail and timelines within chapter 12 that outline the need for replacement of the floating peers at Cinder Pond Marina. The facility was built in 1995 with a useful life expectancy of 20 years. The city has performed extensive preventative maintenance on the peers to extend their life to 30 years. However, the system needs to be replaced at this time. Recent storm damage has accentuated the need. The plan identifies the replacement of the floating infrastructure, associated utilities, a new layout to the to meet modern ADA standards, and replacement of the anchoring system. The total estimated cost for the project is $3,300,000. Staff intends to pursue this as a one-time grant and alternatively pursue it as a phase project, which would fund 50% of the project cost or $1,650,000. The phase approach, if approved, would be implemented as a two-year project, which includes a 2027 phase of 2,40,500 with a match of $1,20,250, and a second phase in 2028 totaling $1,347,500 with a match of $673,750. On October 31st, 2016, the city commission voted to support the June 21st, 2016 Harbor Advisory Committee recommendation as follows. The Harbor Advisory Committee recommends the city commission move forward with a two marina replacement plan generation 2, including a comprehensive 15% seasonal rate increase in 2018 and 5% increase annually through the buildout of Cinder Pond Marina and a single pier at Prescy Marina with a minimum of 32 slips with consideration of an additional pier

system. At such time there is a $350,000 replacement fund balance and 50 boats on the waiting list between both marinas. The following assumptions were built into hacks motion. 2% annual inflation and a freeze and pier system at Prescal Marina that would not require bubbling infrastructure or utility cost. Prescal Marina requires extensive bubbling to prevent ice damage and recent inflation has exceeded 2% since COVID. On March 23rd, 2026, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend the city commission approve this application, and the city commission revise the fiscal policy to include 15% seasonal rate increase for three years, beginning with the 2027 season, 8% seasonal increase thereafter, and a review of this review of the policy every five years. staff has completed the waterways grant application program application with with the required supplement information. The deadline for submitting the grant application is April 1st, 2026. Fiscal effect matching funds of 1,650,000 would be required for the full project buildout. A funding source for the local match remains to be determined and will require a separate commission consideration once the project development approach phase approach or single buildout is identified. Recommendation approve the recommended fiscal policy and the submission of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Parks and Recreation Division Waterways Grant Program application for the peer replacement at Cinder Pond Marina and authorize the city manager and her design to sign the application alternatives as determined by the commission.

Thank you, Deputy Clerk. Um, commissioners, is there a motion? Commissioner Gotautley, I move that commission approves the recommended fiscal policy and submission of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division Waterway Grant Program application for peer replacement of at Cinder Pond Marina and authorize the city manager or her designate to sign the application. Thank you. Second, please. Commissioner Larson, I'll second. Thank you. discussion. Yes, Commissioner.

Um I I think the the the biggest understatement here is the recent storm damage has accentuated the need. Uh I've been by the Cinder Pond Marina and oh my god, it's amazing what one storm can do. Uh I know this needed to be done before that, but now there is no choice. And with that said, I realize I'm going to probably catch some heat for making the motion that includes a 15% seasonal rate increase uh for 3 years and 8% thereafter. But I don't think there's much of a choice. I don't think there's going to be a marina there for boats to be in unless this is done. I think the city has done a wonderful job in in uh justifying its requests. And with that said, you have two days to get this signed and in. Oh my god,

we've been working on this since last year. So, we've been ready. Mr.

uh I agree with Commissioner Gotautle uh on this. I I think you know we had previously looked at this and you know at that time uh you know we hadn't moved forward on it but now with the recent storm damage I think that we you know we have to you know move forward on a grant like this uh it is a it's a large sum of money however if you know we can get any help with it I think that's something that we need to be looking at uh seriously and you know we will have another we'll have another look at this uh as soon as we have some idea on whether it's a single or a phase buildout uh and how that match will actually uh come in come into being. But uh as of right now, if we want to maintain kind of what our current waterfront looks like and you know for generations to come, you know, I think this is going to be unfortunately necessary.

Further comment, Mr. Henley, I disagree a little bit. Um I find a $ 1.6 million match when we're already in a very tight budget for a marina that has 90 slips in it or so. Um, and the majority of those are not Marquette residents. Not a great way to spend our money. I understand that it's necessary and that or and that we would have to do that like to keep the marina open, but I don't know that the majority of Marquette would agree in spending that when we could do it on our roads that need just as much work. Commissioner Davis. Oh, you want do you want I'm sorry. She seems like she wants to

Do you mind if I do you mind if I just clarify a couple of points? I just wanted to make make a couple of points on this one. The the $1.65 million match um is would be funded through those rates. Um what uh in order to come up with that match, there's a couple of opportunities or options that we see right now, but we are um exploring some other options that may be available depending on the timing of of the grant if we are a if we are awarded this in a one-year or if it's a two-year phase project. So the the rates are repaying either the city um general fund that would be providing an interfund loan if if that were an option and again the city commission is going to have to approve um the the match when um that time comes. Uh or it is funded through something like bonds and then those rates are being generated to pay for those bond payments. So um if there is something that's coming from the general fund, it is going to be returning with a repayment from the rates that are generated. Those rates are also then funding a a the next phase of that improvement as well. So it is unless the city commission is interested in um contributing 1.65 million from from the general fund. This is would be a loan um for a determined period of time or it will be bonds or it will be um from other sources that we are exploring right now.

And Commissioner Hley, you know, typically we review rates during budget season when we approve the fee schedule. So, I think, you know, having a fiscal policy that is u basically presetting those rates out a couple years in advance or at least the foreseeable future shows a real commitment to having these marinas uh be self-funded, which was the original goal back when we revamped the rate structure in 2016. And unfortunately, things aren't the same cost as they were in 2016. But, um I believe we also have a fund balance of I think you just said three $300,000 that'll assist with this effort as well. I was down here with Commissioner Davis first if you don't mind.

Well, I guess I'm going to echo Commissioner Hanley's concerns. I I think the marinas are very important to us to our city because it provides the look and the feel and the culture of of Marquette. Um so it's important to get this done. But I do have a concern about the match money and you know that the self-funding of the marinas is really what would will sell this to me but I think it's a it's a big leap because there's not that many people in that marina and I think that there is going to be some push back for the rate increases but um there isn't anything else we can do with this. I just want to make sure that it is self-funded and if you look at other projects that we've had in Marquette and the best example is the band shell. We don't have a band shell anymore. So the city ban went out and raised that money to build it and so that's it's similar to what's going to have to happen with the marina.

Mr. Mayor, thank you honor. Uh couple quick questions here. you know, if we're talking about borrowing from the general fund and using rates to pay it back, what is the timeline for paying that back? Uh, it would depend on uh whether this is a one-year or or if it's a two-year phase project. Um, and then also some of the other calculations for whether it's depreciation. I think that would have to be determined as well. Um so it would be we're looking I think at favorable at seven years we had um but as much as possibly I'm looking at John for confirmation on that.

Yeah. So the model ranges depending on the you know the funding mechanism and the rates that we get with that but uh you know up to 12 years for payback and the match are is that going to be a reimbursement system? Do we have to fund our part of the the match aspect itself up front and get it reimbursed later? How does that grant funding work? Yeah, so we would have to fund it and it would be reimbured at the conclusion of the project. So,

so the total amount we would be borrowing for the project would be how much initially? So, um, the one-year phased approach would be $3.3 million or the one-year approach. The two-year approach adds a little bit more mobilization. It's, uh, $3.37 million uh, over the space of two years for the total project costs. Okay. Thank you. I love that you know that off the top of your head.

Been looking at them for weeks, years, actually. Um, okay. With that, uh, I guess one more question here as I'm looking at numbers. Um, what is what is the current general fund balance at for the city? That's a you're testing me on this one and we just went through audit I believe on this one. Um, I do believe we were looking at I want to say eight 8 million at that point. I can look that up here shortly. Um but it was one that we were not con we were not concerned with the cash on hand um and that balance that carry forward even through a fiveyear seven-year outlook um when we were considering that

but I can get that gent number to you here momentarily. Thank you Mr. Davis. Are you done? I'm good. Great. Thank you. I'm just curious about uh the number of slips we will be able to rent while this construction happens and if we are reducing the number of slips that we can rent that reduces the income that we can take in. So

yeah, so I can talk a little bit about that. So our intent at this point is to we've worked with the dock manufacturer and uh our insurance company. Our intent is to get this at least into a usable form for the rest of the season. Um and so the the real question becomes timing. So, uh we'd be looking at um you trying to utilize the existing docks uh for this season. And we with the conversations with the dock manufacturer, we he didn't seem to think that would be as bad of a challenge as what it looks like. Um however, it's going to be it's going to be a challenge. And the the real challenge gets to be, you know, what the what the timing of that looks like. So, what we've been telling the voting public is that um if we're unable to open on May 1, which is realistically uh probably the case, um whatever the number of days are that we're unable to open for, we'll prorrate based on that uh time period. So, per day. Um so we are looking at uh we think optimistically a a reasonable uh set of revenue for this year. Um but that's yet to be determined. We have to wait for for the ice to um for the peers to be free floating enough to be able to do a in-depth assessment with dock manufacturer and with insurance which we're hoping should be in the next week and a half. Commissioner Gota say I appreciate and commissioner Davis's comments were something I really had considered much and I do appreciate what they're saying but with the with what the city manager has said. I think we're okay and that this is going to be self-funded.

Okay, that's okay. Yeah, Commissioner L.

Yeah, I I've certainly thought about that that as well. I mean, the docks certainly serve a limited number of folks and I would assume that if we just band-aid the docks right now, that that's not a long-term that's not a long-term solution as far as that goes. If we get into next winter and that, you know, that damage continues to happen. Um, you know, while I understand that, you know, maybe timing isn't necessarily uh, you know, ideal with our long laundry list of of projects that we have, I think that, you know, that there is a grant that's available for half that cost. Uh, and to be able to finally move this into something where it is self-funded uh, or self- sustaining is an important piece that I think we need to move into uh, at least at some point in time. Otherwise, we just might not have a working a working dock down there and or we have to find another, you know, opportunity. I don't exactly know what that is. Um, however, this might be that best chance, you know, that we get at least in the short term.

Thank you. Yes, Commissioner Mayor. Thank you. I have one more question for you here. uh you know are we essentially trying to and forgive my ignorance on this are we essentially trying to repair and replace what is there or are we doing a complete redesign of it and and the reason I I'll be nice here I'll get the reason why I ask is what is our plan if we end up in the same situation in two years but we still got five to seven eight years still left of paying back this remodel of it

yeah so what I would say is um every season we have ice damage to both marinas. Um Lake Superior is unforgiving. Um we with Prescy Marina when we rebuilt that that was a new situation. We never had floating peers in that in that basin before. We had fixed bin wall construction uh prior. So we learned a lot of things about that basin. We've been dealing with floating peers in Cinder Pond Marina since 1995. Um, and every year we have some damage and every year we fix it and we move on. Uh, we have never experienced anything like this in Cinder Pond in the history of the marina. Um, that can be attributed to, uh, mother nature to some extent. It can also be attributed to the fact that we're running on a 30-year facility that was designed to go 20 to 25 years. Um, so, um, I would say that the the basin is a known quantity. The uh bottom lands there is a known quantity. Uh the uh design that we're looking at is a more robust design than what we've gotten 30 years out of. Um so the the way the gang ways interact is much improved since uh 1995. Um and the uh the gauge of the metal that goes down that is the spuds that hold the the things in place. We'd be looking at something that's twice as robust as what's there now. So, um, great questions. Uh, but I think that, uh, you know, our partners have really kind of exhausted all the possible options and come up with something that's really quite good for for our community.

Um, well, I got to weigh in on this, too. Um, where are we in line with other municipal marinas or even private marinas uh in our region with with rental rates, excuse me?

Yeah, as far as the rates go, um, we're kind of right in the middle. Um, you look at a community like Paskki and other places like that, they're much higher than us. Um, you look at uh some of the smaller communities, um, you know, they're they're less than us. Um but uh there's not a a ton of real great comparables on Lake Superior. Um so a lot of the the places that we compare are Lake Michigan, uh Lake Euron, and other places like that. Um so right in the middle. Um I'd say, you know, when it comes to the rate conversation, um we had this conversation in 2016 and a lot of folks thought that 5% was unsustainable. Um but what we have now is we have 75 individuals uh paying to be on a waiting list for um a slip somewhere in in the system be it a moing ball um a slip at Cinder Pond or a slip at Prescy. So the demand is there and and I think that the important piece of this fiscal policy is the five-year re review. So I think we look back at this at fiveyear uh point and see where we're at.

Okay. I I think for me that's some saving grace right there of the five-year review. I I know we're going to get kicked back. It happened last time. Um I'm not uh I'm really not crazy about that, but I do understand what what the city is up against. Let's talk about um proactive maintenance, you know, preventative maintenance. what what are we going to do uh whether it's with the city or with the manufacturer, are they going to be involved with that type of uh yearly analysis of how things are being affected down there?

Yeah. So, um summertime maintenance is pretty low-key. It's just kind of keeping things up. The wintertime maintenance is and going into the spring as we start the season off is much more intense. Um all that type of maintenance is done by DPW facilities and they've really done a fantastic job over the years. Um you know helping us to maintain that that facility. Um the dock manufacturer has specifications for lots of different things and we're going to be working with them uh directly you know on uh certain elements of it. Um but the the reason we've gotten 30 years out of what we have is we've maintain it very very well. So, um, for example, if we get 6 in of snow on top of these these peers, they're out snow blowing those docks off so they don't get too much weight on them. Um, as the finger peers uh on any of the peers become uh start to degrade, we've pulled them off. We've brought them back to the shop and completely rebuilt them, then flood them flooded the new ones back out and reattached them. Um, so we have a really good plan with uh with the new design and uh we have a great team with facilities. So between the two um we have lots of confidence in in this and and it shows because we got 30 years out of this one. So

yeah, that's another great point that I'm glad you're driving home is that I can't believe number one that I've been up here for 30 plus years, but I remember when that got switched out and um that that is really something to be said for the maintenance and and PMing of what's going on down there. So anything else, Mr. Larson?

Yes. I I was just going to ask just as a so this what the recommendation is is that submit the grant itself and then this is going to come back before us if the grant is accepted with you know some more details on what that that financial ramifications would actually be. So this would come back in front of us another time and so the commission will have another option opportunity to take a look at that and I know you never want to turn it put a give a grant back uh but if you know at that point in time the commission decides that hey that that's financials is not something we want to move forward on that we have another opportunity to take a look at this is that correct

correct yes but um we this is the commitment to apply and hopefully um also apply with that fiscal policy with those rate structure that we had that would be ultimately repaying the city um back for whether it is a loan or whether it is a interfer fund loan interfund loan. Okay, good uh robust conversation there. Thank you commissioners. Thank you staff. Um let's bring this to a motion or to a vote, excuse me. All in favor, please say yes. Yes. Opposed? No. No.

No. That is a 4 to2 vote. Can I ask who voted? No. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh moving on to item number eight. Uh deputy city clerk.

The resignation of Rick Holmes from the Marquette Board of Light and Power, which was submitted last week, creates a vacancy on the board under the provisions of the Marquette City Charter section 6-5. The city commission has 60 days in which to fill this vacancy via appointment. In recent years, the city commission has made several appointments to fill vacancies on both the board of light and power and the city commission and staff is recommending a process similar to the one used to handle those appointments. Under the process utilized to fill the most recent BLP vacancy, applicants were made available both online at the city's website and in person at the city clerk's office and interested parties were given an application submission deadline. The following the deadline completed applications and related materials were disseminated to the city commission. Applications were also shared with the board of light and power for review as the city charter further stipulates that that the city commission shall consult with the remaining members of the board of light and power before the city commission makes its appointment. With this in mind, staff is recommending that applications be accepted until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17th. Following the submission deadline, staff will provide the applications to the city commission and the BLP with the understanding that the remaining members of the BLP board will consider the applications and will have an opportunity to make a formal recommendation to the city commission during the BLP's April 28th regular regular meeting if they so choose. The city commission would then consider the appointment in May. In order to be appointed, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements stipulated by the city charter. Fiscal effect none by this action. Recommendation direct the city clerk to make board market board of light empower application forms available online and in the city clerk's

office and to accept applications from interested parties until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17th, 2026 to then forward all applications to the board of light and power for review and to then proceed with the appointments of a new board member to the board of light and power at the May 11th, 2026 city commission meeting. Thank you, deputy clerk. Um, city manager, do we just basically want to give our blessing to this or do we have to actually make a motion for it? This is You actually need to make a motion for this. Motion, please. Uh, Commissioner Henley,

I move that we direct the city clerk to make the board of blatant power application forms available online and in the clerk's office and to accept applications from interested parties until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17th, 2026 to then forward all applications to the board of light and power for review and then proceed with the appointment of a new board member to the board of light and power at the May 11th, 2026 city commission meeting. Thank you. A second, Commissioner Larson. I'll second it. discussion. Yeah, Commissioner Gip,

I'd like to say I appreciate the time frames involved here. I think they're long enough for people to actually get their uh applications in and have time to review them. It is it is nice to see that there is a good amount of time for the board of light power to look over those applications and actually know the candidates that are applying and what they're doing.

It's a novel idea, isn't it? Um, I would like to thank Rick for his service on the board of Light and Power. I albe it too short. Um, he was there after I was on there a few years back. But, uh, point is is that he's been a a nice asset for the for the board over there and I hope that we get some quality applicants to fill that spot. Uh, with that being said, we'll bring it to a vote. All in favor, please say yes. Opposed? No.

Motion passes. 60. That brings us to our second public comment. Public comment again cannot exceed three minutes per person. Uh if you have not already done so, please come up to the podium and um give us your name and address and feel free. You got three minutes. Hi, my name is Angela Palameaki and I'm a dentist and a business owner and a resident um and a taxpayer here in the city of Marquette and my dental practice is located in the savings bank building directly adjacent to the propo proposed parking structure and hotel project. Um this is a continuation to my earlier comments. Um, again, my practice has served thousands of patients from Marquette in this location for nearly 20 years. And including the previous provider, patients have been coming to my office for 40 years. Um, over the past two years, I have faced pressure to move my practice out of the building, including through lawsuits that have forced us to retain costly legal counsel to successfully defend our rights. Still, we have seen public comment suggesting that we are refusing to leave out of stubbornness. That is not accurate. We have honored our lease and we have simply asked that it be honored in return. There also continues to be public comment that the building is mostly vacant, giving a false uh impression that the former tenants all left voluntarily and there's not demand for commercial office space at this location. As I see it, the building's former tenants have left as a result of the project, not the other way around. We are also concerned about the impacts that the project has had and may continue to have on the condition in and around our building, which directly impact our ability to care for patients. My question that I hope you can all help support is, will this project continue to disrupt my practice and other small businesses in the area? So when this

project is described as a public benefit, I would ask that you consider the full picture. My ask is simple. Please take a closer look at whether the public benefit, specifically public parking, is still justified given the reduced scale and likely private use, and whether it is appropriate to defer future tax revenue for a project where that benefit appears limited, especially where it may displace long-standing health care services and locallyowned small businesses. in this community. Thank you for your time.

Anyone else for public comments? Seeing none, that brings us to comments from the commission. We'll start with Commissioner Handy this morning.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, just to touch on what you said, Dr. Palamaki. I completely understand your frustration with the with the plan. We are not super involved in what the actual plan is as it is a private entity who owns land and what they're doing. They are looking to us for the brownfield funding that they uh change over. Um the one thing I do want to stress is that tax revenue is not coming from city general fund money. That is DDA tax fund. They have the tax capture there and it is them telling us as a commission that they do think that this is an appropriate use of their tax money. So that is where I sit when it comes to a decision on that. when it's not the general fund money and it is a DDA budget um issue. Obviously, I still look at look at it with open eyes, but I see it more from their perspective in that respect. So, I'm sorry for all of the trouble you're going through, but I don't I don't know how to alleviate that for you. Other than that, I don't have much else.

Okay. Thank you.

No comment tonight. Yeah, you know, just two things. Um, you know, I I do really appreciate you coming and speaking tonight. Um, you're kind of one of the voices I was waiting and hoping we'd hear from at some point uh throughout this process. And, you know, I we've heard, you know, second or third hand here about some of the other business owners in the area and how they feel about the project. Uh if you know any of these folks, by all means, please tell them to come, you know, voice their opinion to us one way or the other uh before we formally vote on anything. Um the the only other thing I wanted to mention is uh you know, I don't think I've really explained on the Cinder Pond Marina uh my vote. Um, and I I think Commissioner Hanley shared a similar sentiment to what I'm thinking, but you know, and Commissioner Davis even brought something up as well, but we've had a lot of big and more expensive projects in this community, new playgrounds. Um, you know, we've got the band shell, we've got the we have an arts and culture committee that's two years past master plan because they're don't want to spend $75,000 out of the general fund. And yet we're going to loan over $3 million for something that is for a very very small group of people. And I don't I don't want this to sound like some, you know, socialist political statement when I make this next part of my comment, but in particular for some of the more wealthy individuals in our community. Um, and I'm sorry if you own a sailboat, you're probably not uh hurting as bad as people that are struggling to afford to live in this community. Um, so for a very very small number of people that I'm sure would love that to be fixed as soon as possible, uh, looking at what we've continuously been doing over the last

several years and I I just could not uh, justify that in my head right now. But thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Larson or excuse me, Commissioner Davis.

Dr. Palamei, I am also like like Commissioner Mayor very pleased that you came here tonight to express some of your thoughts. When we first approved that Brownfield plan, we had a lot of community comments and um could hear from the community and I hope that we do again when this comes before the public uh before the commission. Um so, thank you for your your your feedback for that and and I feel for some of the things that you're going through. Commissioner Gotautle. Uh, no comment.

Okay. Uh, I've got a couple things as usual. Um, I had a lot of people reaching out to me uh after the storm cleanup and I know that we thanked our public works and everybody that was involved from BLP and our first responders and everything else, but um the the overwhelming response was that uh they were so appreciative of everything that happened after that that snow event that we had, snow apocalypse. Um, so I just wanted to bring it up again just because there's been that much of an outpouring of of appreciation. Uh, I will say that the end of the month here, well, we were supposed to have a little bit of an extension for our dog park users at the tourist park. I would imagine that the city manager might touch on that, but uh um I will say that there's still a lot of snow out there and unfortunately there's a lot of damage uh to the trees over this past season. So, I know that we'll have to make some adjustments um to that space as far as its use and and make sure that we have enough time for staff to get things taken care of, but I would uh uh just like to thank the uh city staff that got that place opened up after that snow event. I mean, we're last time we were here a little over a week ago, you couldn't see out those two windows right there because they were drifted over. So, and that's, you know, 8 ft high. So, um, not only, yes, we've lost some some snow, thankfully for to some warm weather, but it really just takes a really well-maintained staff to be able to open up everything from snowblowing a dock to opening up a dog park or making sure that our streets are passable in that short period of time. And after the uh the interview with Fox News weather, I thought two days later as I'm driving on dry pavement um that this is why we're up because we're we're resilient and we got uh we got the the the power to get it done. So, uh pretty awesome. So, I just want to say thank you again

to city staff in that respect and um and for being a person that is a dog park user that it was really great to be able to get out there as quickly as we were. uh and despite the like giant snow drifts and uh down trees. So, thank you again uh city manager.

Sure. Um as you mentioned there uh the dog park um tourist park as the winter dog park uh is set to um remain through the month um through the end of o of of April. Correct. And um there was some discussion and some I would say some commitment to keeping that open through halfway through um May um extending that a little bit um since we had a delayed open, but unfortunately the weather um that we experienced this past winter um has created a significant damage. It's going to take us a little bit longer to clean up. So, uh, there will probably be, um, a closing of the dog park, um, as regularly scheduled at the end of April, but we will be posting that, um, on our social media page, um, sharing that with a lot of the user groups, um, users, the dogs, um, send a a paw mail or an email or something. Um, and then be having that in the PSA. So, keep an eye out for that. But I am giving everyone a heads up. Get your dog park fixings in April. Um but also speaking of um something that is extended um and not ending early is the winter parking ban. Um the winter parking ban has been extended through April 15th. Um so this is um not necessarily because we are anticipating significant snow. Um it is so that our crews can continue clearing out some of those snow banks that are still troubled areas um and are cleaning out some of these areas that have some drainage issues. So, gives us a little bit of extra time in case they do get sidetracked this week with maybe some of the the the snow, but um it gives us until um April 15th. So, um please just give us give us a hand and help us out. It is not about issuing parking tickets. Uh it is not about um being uh difficult. It is just just give us some extra time and our crew some extra time to get to those places. Thank you.

Thank you. And with that, we are adjourned at 7:24. Thanks.