City OKs funding for partnership
City OKs funding for partnership
By SCOTT SWANSON, Journal Staff Writer
MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission on Monday approved a contract for services with the Lake Superior Community Partnership.
The contract, approved in a 5-1 vote, outlines economic development and lobbying efforts the partnership will provide for the city in this fiscal year. Commissioner Johnny DePetro voted against the agreement, while Commissioner Joe Lavey was absent.
“From what I heard from the residents and taxpayers of Marquette, a lot of them keep telling me they are not in favor of this,” DePetro said. “At this time, until I can get more trust put into the LSCP, I’ll be voting against it.”
At the commission’s May 30 meeting, DePetro asked to have a first reading item placed on the agenda to discuss the elimination of city funding for the LSCP. DePetro said he had received input from several residents who felt the city shouldn’t be funding the LSCP in times of declining revenues and reduced city services.
The request came just weeks after the commission agreed to set aside $15,000 for the LSCP in its budget for fiscal year 2006-2007.
Mayor Tony Tollefson, Lavey and Commissioner Beth Linna voted against the funding. DePetro and commissioners Dan Dallas, Mike Coyne and Tom Tourville supported the funding.
Instead of eliminating the funding, the commission voted on July 12 to prepare a new contract with the partnership.
“It’s just a start,” Tollefson said. “A lot has to be done on both sides and I hope the Lake Superior Community Partnership can ... refocus and stay within its niche and be effective in what it does.”
In other business, the commission:
≤ Reported that City Manager Judy Akkala received an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 on her annual commission evaluation.
≤ Voted 6-0 to award a contract for $62,064 to Fabco Equipment for a four-wheel drive tractor/loader/backhoe.
≤ Voted 6-0 to award a contract for $555,624 to Visu-Sewer Clean and Seal for sanitary sewer slip lining.
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