MARQUETTE — The Marquette Township Board will consider adopting a resolution related to its 2020 master plan during a meeting at 6:30 tonight.

The Marquette Township Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 24 to allow for final public comment on a proposed draft of the master plan.

Following the hearing, the planning commission unanimously approved the document, which lays out in detail population and development trends, social and economic characteristics, community services, existing land use, and goals and objectives for future land use in the township.

The planning commission held public workshops in 2018 to encourage residents and business owners to discuss existing issues or opportunities facing the township as part of the master plan development process.

Some public concerns, according to the plan, included the consideration of housing needs in relation to changing local demographics, pursue a safety fence to enclose Lions Field Kiddee Park area, pursue frontage roads on the U.S. 41 highway corridor and encourage stormwater management best practices.

The board will also consider whether to open Lions Field for team sports through September.

According to Township Manager Randy Girard, public access to township offices, parks, facilities and properties have remained restricted in compliance with executive orders issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The township reopened park green spaces and equipment to public use effective June 15, according to Girard’s July 1 manager’s report. Pavilions and restrooms remain closed with a temporary portable toilet provided at the Kiddee Park.

Township board meetings will continue to be conducted electronically, Girard said.

The public can access tonight’s meeting on the web by visiting www.us02web.zoom.us/j/86480875823 or by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID 864 808 758 23# when prompted.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.