A biker pulling a child in a carriage navigates the bike path near Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park in a past summer. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Monday night’s Marquette City Commission meeting was brought to order by Lauren, a 5-year-old city resident with aspirations to one day be a mayor.

After being introduced, the “mini mayor” led the commissioners in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Sally Davis presented her with a certificate and a city pin to show off to her classmates at day care. Lauren performed her duties well and was momentarily hesitant to surrender the gavel.

Marquette will receive a one-time appropriation of up to $200,000 from the Michigan Department of Transportation designated for quick-build projects that make communities more walkable.

These funds will be used to improve city bike lanes and paths. Some of this work has already been done.

If the city receives the full grant, Marquette will use $65,000 from already approved funds and $25,000 from the general fund to complete the shared streets and spaces program.

Commissioner Jenna Smith congratulated city staff for finding a grant that doesn’t require matching funds.

The commission voted 6-0 to move forward with the bike path work, which is in accordance with the city’s master plan.

Commissioners approved a resolution to place unpaid stormwater, water and wastewater utilities on the next city tax roll for collection, and authorize the city clerk to sign the resolutions.

Approximately 30 accounts were listed as delinquent. The accounts in question total $2,394.67, plus accruing interest and penalties for delinquent stormwater fees, and $6,102.55 plus accruing interest and penalty for delinquent water/sewer accounts.

The largest delinquent account listed was $932.14.

City code states that unpaid charges for water and wastewater services shall constitute a lien against a property.

If not paid within three months after it is due, the official in charge of collection will, prior to April 1 and Oct. 1, certify to the city assessor the facts of the delinquency and the city assessor will enter the delinquent charges on the next general city tax roll as a charge against the premises in arrears and the lien shall be enforced.

Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542 Her email address is vfee@miningjournal.net.