MARQUETTE — Board members from the Marquette Housing Commission held a special meeting Friday in an effort to speed up repair efforts and get Pine Ridge Apartments residents back into their homes following a July 30 fire on the roof of the nine-story structure.

The only agenda item during the short meeting was to waive competitive bidding for repair items like the roof and fire alarm system.

MHC Executive Director Sharon Maki said it is the goal of the board and housing commission staff to get residents back to their homes.

“Competitive bidding usually takes 6-8 weeks,” Maki said. “This will allow us to immediately get a contractor signed, this is with the goal of getting tenants back in as soon as possible.”

In the month since the fire, both elevators have been fixed, Maki said, and fire investigators have been on the roof and cleared MHC to begin the needed repairs.

Maki said all residents are currently in temporary housing; some were placed by the MHC while others found shelter with family and friends.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.