MARQUETTE — During Monday’s Marquette City Commission meeting, city commissioners passed two resolutions relating to the Seven Grandfathers sculpture in Lower Harbor and the creation of a multi-use pathway along Wilson Street. They also responded to public comment on their recent vote of support for two Michigan House bills relating to natural gas.

City Clerk Kyle Whitney explained that the approval of phase two of the Seven Grandfathers sculpture by artist Jason Quigno at the base of Baraga Avenue would “consist of the fabrication and installation of a second sculpture called Ishkode, an Anishinaabemowin word translated as fire. Ishkode will depict three flames representing the three fires confederacy and will be installed at the center of the seven grandfathers teaching monument, completing the monument at the foot of baraga avenue and the walking pier.”

Whitney went on to clarify that the cost of commissioning and building the sculpture sits at $72,000, but that that cost would be fully funded “through the Forecast Public Art Foundation Midwest Memory Grant awarded to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The KBIC has subcontracted with the city of Marquette for completion of the monument.”

Commissioner Michael Larson motioned to approve, and Commissioner Sally Davis seconded the motion. It passed unanimously 6-0, with one abstaining vote.

“I’m glad to see that (the new sculpture) is completely funded through the Forecast Public Art Foundation Midwest Memory Grant,” said Larson. “It’s going to be a great addition to the city.”

The commission then moved on to the topic of the city’s grant application for fund-matching towards a multi-use pathway proposed along Wilson Street. Earlier in the meeting, several citizens had made public comments in regards to the path.

“I would like to say that the safety issue is the primary issue that is of concern here,” said Dick Constance, president of Brookstone Condominium, during public comment. “The Wilson Street corridor is really … a bypass.”

“Many of the people in the community are senior citizens,” Constance added.

Currently, Wilson Street is without a sidewalk.

City Clerk Whitney described the purpose of the vote, stating that “A plan to construct a non-motorized pathway along Wilson Street has been included in the city’s community master plan and strategic plan. A similar plan for a pathway and sidewalk was also included in the original Harlow Farms development and indicated as being constructed by the city at a future date.

“In order to fund this project, city staff has met with the Michigan Department of Transportation and is in the process of applying for a grant that would fund up to 80% of construction costs. As part of the application, resolution of support (from the city commission) is required … It is expected that $117,200 of city funding will be needed at the time of construction.”

Commissioner Jessica Hanley motioned to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Commissioner Cary Gottleib. It was passed unanimously 7-0.

“I have seen residents from this community come before us many many times looking for this exact thing, always ensuring it’s at the front of our mind even when it can’t be at the front of our budget,” said Hanley. “I love that city staff have worked to find a city grant that we could possibly get to make this happen, and I hope that we receive it.”

During public comment, a resident of Marquette responded to the Commission’s Jan. 26 unanimous vote to support Michigan House Bills 4007 and 4283, which relate to “expanding (the) definition of clean energy” and “authorizing use of (RICE generators) to meet renewable and clean energy standards,” according to the Michigan Legislature website.

“While we all should be upset about the exorbitant price tag of those RICE natural gas generators that have a lifespan of multiple decades, we should be more concerned with the intergenerational injustices of locking our city of Marquette into a climate doom loop that forecloses the future of everyone who isn’t financially benefiting from methane boosterism,” said Dr. Ryan Stock, assistant professor of environmental studies and sustainability at NMU.

“There is absolutely nothing clean about natural gas, and … there is absolutely nothing sustainable about those RICE units … I kindly request that you consider doing the right thing and take back that resolution.”

Several members of the commission responded.

“Most residents’ utility bills will double without the RICE units, and we are pretty confident that several major employers in the area will leave, some of which pay some of the best paying jobs in the area,” said Commissioner Cody Mayer. “We just had a pretty massive power outage problem a few weeks ago. I don’t know where we’re supposed to come up with the energy to replace those RICE units for the city right now.”

“I voted yes to supporting the resolution and the house bills because the economic impact would be devastating to Marquette and the U.P. if they didn’t pass,” said Gottlieb. “However, I want to make it clear that I do believe we need to move forward now, and quickly, on a climate action plan with the clear goal of achieving zero carbon emission, for the future of the U.P., for our children and for the world’s sake; be it wind, solar or nuclear. It is in our community master plan that we do so and I agree with you that we shouldn’t just make those words on paper, but make it reality. Nonetheless, I do not regret my vote.”

A full recording of the meeting can be found on the city of Marquette’s YouTube page.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.