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By DREYMA BERONJA
Journal Staff Writer
NEGAUNEE -- In efforts to fill the vacant Negaunee City Council seat left by former Councilor Dana LaLonde, four residents have submitted applications to potentially fill the seat.
At Thursday's regular city council meeting, councilors will go over applications submitted by Negaunee residents to determine who will fill the vacant seat.
Traci Dietz, a paralegal, said she is interested in the position to be more involved in the community and "help make a difference in (the) city."
According to Dietz's application, she has served on the Negaunee Planning Commission.
Nonprofit director and small business owner Jon Becker said he is passionate about community service and has a track record that "demonstrates (his) commitment to bettering the region (they) live in."
According to his application, Becker has years of volunteer service, held an interim seat on the city council and over a decade of experience on the Negaunee Planning Commission.
"I understand the mission of the City Council to provide oversight of city services that improve quality of life and foster a sense of community. As the principal coordinator for the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic, I work closely with municipalities, law enforcement and regulatory agencies to ensure the success of one of the largest annual events in the county which brings in millions of dollars in economic impact," Becker said in his cover letter. "My leadership of the fundraising for the Marquette Regional History Center is another prime example of how I have been successful in effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. I have a keen understanding of financial resources, responsibilities, objective and the know-how to balance program needs with budget concerns. I've been responsible for all manner of financial oversight including developing and managing budgets, annual audits, multi-million dollar federal loans, award compliance for grants and foundations."
Dean Maki, who is retired, is interested in the position because he would like to get involved with the operation of city government.
Maki has held various leadership positions with the VFW.
Diana Menhennick also submitted an application. Menhennick is a tax assistant who said she wants to be appointed to the city council to serve her community.
She has 30 years of public sector experience, having served on the council before from 2009 to 2015 and Negaunee Public Library board from 1994-1999.
According to her application, she has knowledge of government working budgets and public policy, with a PhD in public policy and administration.
The Negaunee City Council will review the applications on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Negaunee Senior Center.
The applications can be found online at cityofnegaunee.com/city-council/agenda/regular-meeting-13.
Other agenda items for Thursday's meeting include the Vista roof repair bids.
In June, the Michigan House of Representatives passed its 2023-24 budget, which included $3 million from the state's general fund to help the city restore the building.
Additionally, through the State Land Bank Authority, the city of Negaunee was awarded a $435,424 competitive grant to put a roof on the theater's auditorium.
The roof fell in on Aug. 26, 2020 after a build-up of rainwater caused by a faulty drain.
The Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council, a local nonprofit that owned the theater, signed the building over to the city in October.
Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 548. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.