The Marquette City Commission will meet virtually at 6 p.m. tonight to appoint a new city commissioner. (Photo courtesy of Metro Creative)

MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission will meet tonight at 6 p.m. to appoint a new city commissioner. However, instead of hunkering down in their chairs for a few hours in Marquette City Hall, commissioners and staff will meet virtually.

This will mark the second virtual meeting via Zoom. Mayor Jenna Smith said that the March 30 virtual meeting kicked the agenda off in the right direction.

There are important topics on the plate tonight and Smith anticipates that this meeting will last longer than normal, as one of the agenda items is appointing a new city commissioner and this task is not only vital, but it’s a challenge.

“At this point, the commission has received all 12 applications and we have spent time reviewing those documents over the past few days,” Smith said. “At our meeting on Monday night, each candidate will have an opportunity to speak for three minutes. After that, the city clerk will conduct a blind voting process where we will hopefully select a new commissioner.

“Our virtual meeting has made the blind voting process slightly more difficult, instead of using small sheets of ballot paper we will be emailing the city clerk with our votes. The voting process could take one round or several rounds, it all depends. We have an excellent group of candidates to choose from, it will be a difficult decision.”

Other business items on the agenda regard the Lakeshore Boulevard Relocation Phase 1 and Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Emergency Paid Leave.

The commission has previously approved the plan to relocate Lakeshore Boulevard between Pine and Hawley streets around 300 feet inland and raise it 4 to 5 feet, Smith said, adding that the commission will “consider awarding a contract for the construction necessary to move the road.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Emergency Paid Leave item, if approved by the commission, would limit the use of the Family Medical Leave Act for child care purposes.

“Emergency responders could still use FMLA if they become ill or their family member becomes ill. If any of our emergency responders have difficulty finding childcare options during this challenging time, the city of Marquette is committed to assist in finding alternative childcare options,” she said.

With Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent executive orders, FMLA restrictions have changed to allow employees to use FMLA to care for their children due to closures of schools and childcare facilities, Smith said.

Though virtual meetings are now how necessary city business is conducted, Smith said she misses the personal interactions and hopes to re-enter the chambers in Marquette City Hall eventually.

“I think it’s a bit easier to get a sense of the commissioners’ thoughts in person, she said, adding, “While the virtual meeting is a helpful tool during this unusual time, I am looking forward to getting back to regular in-person meetings when it makes sense to do so.”