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Marquette County Board Of Commissioners: Regular Meeting

August 5 @ 6:00 pm

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.

Room 231, Henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette, Michigan 49855

  1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN DEROCHA
     PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & ROLL CALL
  2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
  3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
  • Regular Meeting Minutes held on July 15, 2025
  • Special Meeting Minutes held on July 15, 2025
  1. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
  2. PUBLIC COMMENT (5 minutes per person)
  3. REVIEW OF CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS:
  • Total Expenditures paid via check & EFT Transfers for the period July 10, 2025 through July 31, 2025 were $2,261,953.53 (This amount does not include check payable to Alger-Delta Co-Op Electric), and biweekly payroll for the period ending July 19, 2025 was $869,705.26.
  • Check #233272, dated 7/18/2025, for $1,546.49 ~ payable to Alger-Delta Co-Op Electric.
  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  2. PRIVILEGED COMMENT: 

    Marquette County Treasurer’s Quarterly Investment Report
    Jeff Chiodi, MQT Co Conservation District – Current District Operations & Budget
    Mike Anderson, Anderson, Tackman & Co., PLC – Audit Report

  3. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
    Community Wildfire Protection Plan Community Meetings
    Termination of Marquette City Parking Lot Lease Agreement
    Public Notice: Tax Increment Financing Plan Amendment
    *Civil Counsel will speak on the TIF Amendment
  1. ACTION ITEMS:
    NMU Concessions Agreement
    Mobile Passenger Boarding Ramp Recommendation
    Yulista Contracting Services LOI Approval
    21* Quarter Budget Amendments
    Policy Revisions Recommendation
    Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport Board of Advisors Appointment
    Civil Council Contract Amendment Discussion
    Administrator Contract Approval
  2. LATE ADDITIONS:
    a.
  1. PUBLIC COMMENT (3 minutes per person)
  2. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS, STAFF COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  3. CLOSED SESSION
  4. ADJOURNMENT

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Board of Commissioners County of Marquette July 15, 2025

Minutes are Subject to Correction and Approval

REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY JULY 15, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONERS ROOM 231, HENRY A. SKEWIS ANNEX,

MARQUETTE, MI 49855.

  1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRPERSON JOSEPH DEROCHA AT 6:00 P.M.
  • Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call: Present: Comm. Adamini, Comm. LaLonde, Comm. Nordeen, Comm. Alholm and Chairperson Derocha. Absent and Excused: Comm. DePetro

  1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to approve the agenda with the following addition: 11a) Administrator Hire. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted. (5-0)

  1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:

Board action: Comm. LaLonde moved to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on July 1, 2025 as presented. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. PROCLAMATION, PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS:
  2. Eman Family Resolution Recognizing Foster Parent Years of Service

Judge Hill read the following resolution:

WHEREAS, John and Janice Eman obtained their Foster Care Group Home License in December 1974, and since that time have provided foster care for 65 children in their home and adopted one foster child; and

WHEREAS, John and Janice Eman became licensed foster parents while raising their three biological children, all under the age of three, and had previously served their community as licensed day care providers; and

WHEREAS, the Emans have devoted their S0-year marriage to improving the lives of children and families in Marquette County, providing compassionate, long-term care and support through their dedication to foster

WHEREAS, The Emans are widely respected for their outstanding work with adolescent girls and for welcoming numerous troubled youth into their home, including juveniles facing challenges such as substance abuse, behavioral issues, and teen pregnancy; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marquette County Board of Commissioners extends its heartfelt appreciation to John and Janice Eman for their extraordinary commitment and nearly five decades of service to the children and youth of Marquette County. The Board honors their legacy of care, compassion, and community service.

  1. Donald Overmyer & Jana Ahola Resolution Recognizing Foster Parent Years of Service Judge Hill read the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Donald and Jana first obtained their Group Home Foster Care License in 1982; and

WHEREAS, Donald, Jana, and the late Violet Overmyer have provided a safe and nurturing home for 199 foster children over the past four decades; and

WHEREAS, Donald Overmyer & J a n a Ahola began their journey in foster care while raising their own children, who at the time ranged in age between 8 and 16 years old; and

WHEREAS, The Overmyer Family has been widely recognized for their compassionate and impactful work with adolescent boys, many of whom faced significant challenges, including substance abuse and behavioral issues; and

WHEREAS, Donald & Jana have not only offered care during difficult times but have also maintained long-term relationships with many of the youths they fostered, continuing to support them into adulthood; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marquette County Board of Commissioners hereby expresses its sincere gratitude to Donald Overmyer and Jana Ahola for their remarkable 42 years of service and unwavering commitment to the youth of Marquette County.

* Judge Hill stressed the difference a foster care family can make to children; both families’ service and commitment to the children of Marquette County has truly made a difference!

  1. PUBLIC COMMENT: There being no public comment to come before the board this portion of the meeting closed.
  2. REVIEW OF CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS:
    Board action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve total expenditures paid via check and EFT for the period June 27, 2025 through July 9, 2025 was $475,273.45; and Biweekly Payroll for the period ending July 5, 2025 was $883,514.24. Second by Comm. Adamini. Motion adopted (5-0)
  1. PUBLIC HEARING:
    Michigan CDBG Funding for Marquette County Housing Emergency Rehabilitation Program Chairperson Derocha opened the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m. and introduced Amy Stephens, Planner to come and speak at the podium to answer any questions the public may have:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 

FOR MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 

FUNDING FOR MARQUETTE COUNTY HOUSING

EMERGENCY REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Marquette County will conduct a public hearing on July 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Room 231 of the Courthouse Annex, 234 W. Baraga Ave, for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to examine and submit comments on the

proposed application for a CDBG grant.

The County of Marquette proposes to use $98,075 CDBG funds to assist residents whose income is under 80% of the area median income for emergency housing repairs. No persons will be displaced as a result of the proposed activities.

Further information is available for review. Please contact Amy Stephens, Planner, (906-225-8193) or view program information at housing.mqtco.org. Comments may be submitted in writing through July 15, 2025 at 5pm or made in person at the public hearing. Prior County of Marquette CDBG program year funding is as follows:

FY23 $83,043

FY22 $55,780

FY21 $50,372

FY20 $142,180

FY19 $113,794

Citizen views and comments on the proposed application are welcome to the below address.

Board action: Comm. Nordeen moved to close the public hearing at 6:15 p.m. with no public comment coming before the board. Second by Comm. Alholm. A roll call vote was taken: Ayes: Comm. Nordeen, Comm. Alholm, Comm. Adamini, Comm. LaLonde and Chairperson Derocha. Nays: None. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. PRIVILEGED COMMENT
  2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
  3. ACTION ITEMS:
    Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Appointment
    BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
    The Marquette County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was created on August 3, 2010 under the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act, PA 381 of 1996, as amended. The Authority consists of 8 members representing the following categories: Marquette County Economic Development Corporation; Marquette County Planning Commission; Economic/Property Developer; Local Government Representative; Real Estate; Engineering/Construction; County Treasurer; County Commissioner, serving staggered 3-year terms. Per the Authority’s bylaws, the intent of the authority is to facilitate the implementation of Brownfield plans relative to the designation and treatment of qualified Brownfield Redevelopment projects, educate the public and promote the benefits of the Brownfield Program throughout Marquette County to encourage revitalization of environmentally distressed areas, determine the captured taxable value of each parcel of eligible property, and pursue avenues to sustain, supplement, or enhance the program either through grants or other means. *1 Vacancy Expiring 7/31/2028 ~ * One Applicant! *Lance Lindberg

    Board action: Comm. Nordeen moved to appoint Lance Lindberg to the Marquette County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for a term, ending 7/31/2028. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)

Courthouse Circulating Pump Replacement Recommendation

Don Bianci, Facilities Manager, requested the board to pass the following: The pumps that circulate water for the Courthouse heating system are very old and inefficient. Replacement parts are difficult to come by and very expensive. With this in mind, the pumps are overdue for replacement and an upgrade.

An RFP to replace the pumps was placed on the Marquette County website and the Builders Exchange website. Three qualified bids were received as shown below.

Prime Specialty Contracting LLC $65,360

Dresseler Mechanical Inc. $80,537

United Contractors Inc. $67,900

If approved, the funding source breakdown for this project is as follows:

Grant – Semco Incentive $22,400

Grant – Community Energy $20,127

Facilities Project Budget Line Item $10,000

Building Repairs Mechanical Line Item $12,833

Total $65,360

Board action: Comm. Alholm moved to replace the pumps and award the contract to Prime Specialty Contracting, LLC in the amount not to exceed $65,360. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. NMU Concessions Agreement-Airport Snack Bar

Duane DuRay, Director of Sawyer Operations, was present to discuss the following: Northern Michigan University (NMU) has served as the concessionaire at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport since November 2013, stepping in after a nearly three-year period during which the airport was without concession services. NMU has approached this role not only as a service provider but also as a strategic opportunity to promote

the University and support the operations of Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport.

The current Concession Agreement expired on April 30, 2025. Under the terms of the existing agreement, the County receives no direct revenue from the concessionaire beyond reimbursement for utility usage. This structure was established based on the historical difficulty in securing a reliable vendor and the priority of ensuring that this essential service is available to airport users.

In the spirit of continued collaboration, NMU has requested ongoing financial support to sustain concession operations. Following discussions with NMU representatives, staff is recommending that the County contribute $10,000 annually for the next two years, from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2027, to support the continued provision of these services.

NMU has maintained a professional concession operation that offers healthy food options, snacks, and a selection of university-branded apparel and gifts. Staff has been consistently pleased with the quality and reliability of the service provided.

Board action: Comm. Nordeen moved to renew the Concession Agreement with Northern Michigan University Dining and Conference Services for continued operation of the airport terminal snack bar, and authorize an annual contribution of $10,000 toward operating expenses for the period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. Concept Budget Report (Air Carrier Terminal) Contract Amendment

Duane DuRay, Director of Sawyer Operations, was present to discuss the following: In 2020, Marquette County entered into a contract with Mead & Hunt to complete a Concept Budget Report (CBR) for the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport’s commercial airline terminal. This document was a required step by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to identify current deficiencies and future needs related to terminal infrastructure, operations, and capacity. The CBR was comprehensive in nature and took over a year to develop. It addressed key priorities, including:

  1. Terminal Functionality and Passenger Support: Code and life safety compliance; Gate and departure area improvements; Secure concessions or vending areas; TSA passenger screening; Baggage handling and claim facilities; Restroom upgrades and amenity enhancements; Tenant and operational space
  2. Terminal Modernization Objectives: Passenger flow improvements; Enhanced energy efficiency and insulation; Increased daylighting and views; Updated building systems: Architectural identity reflecting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
  3. Future Flexibility: A scalable, adaptable plan responsive to future aviation and passenger demand – The initial CBR was submitted to the FAA on September 20, 2021. After an extended review period, the FAA recently responded with several requests for revisions and additions, requiring a formal contract amendment.

FAA-Requested Amendments:

The FAA has directed that the following updates be incorporated into the CBR: Update the base year for enplanement forecasting to 2023; Include 10-year and 15-year aviation activity demand forecasts, in addition to existing 5- and 20-year projections; Provide documentation of multiple terminal improvement concepts considered; Include two-phased construction scenarios, with corresponding cost estimates and eligibility analyses; Develop a funding plan for both single-phase and two-phase construction alternatives These revisions are essential to advancing the project toward future FAA grant support for terminal expansion.

Contract Amendment Details: Original CBR Contract Amount: $164,933; Proposed Amendment Cost:

$59,215; Consultant: Mead & Hunt

FAA AIP Grant Eligible: Yes, contingent on final FAA approval and implementation of the terminal project While the amendment is eligible for future reimbursement through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), reimbursement is contingent upon both FAA approval of the final report and execution of the terminal expansion project.

 

Board action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve the contract amendment with Mead & Hunt in the amount of $59,215; and Authorize Chairperson Joseph Derocha to sign the agreement, contingent upon final contract review and approval of this amendment will position the County to proceed efficiently with FAA-supported planning and ensure eligibility for future funding toward a much-needed terminal expansion. Second by

Comm. Adamini. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. Jet Bridge Project FAA Grants

Duane DuRay, Director of Sawyer Operations, was present to discuss the following: The Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MSRA) is requesting the Board of Commissioners’ consideration and preapproval of two upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP):

  • Grant 3-26-0153-060-2025 & Grant 3-26-0153-061-2025

Additionally, staff is seeking preapproval for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Aeronautics sponsor contracts that will follow the FAA grant awards. These grants and contracts will fund two critical components:

  1. Engineering, design, bidding, and construction of two passenger boarding bridges (PBBs)
  2. Reimbursement for apron rehabilitation work completed in 2023

Due to the scale of the project and funding limitations, the FAA directed that the work be split across two separate grants.

Project Scope: The scope of work supported by these grants includes:

  • Full engineering and design services; Construction of two PBBs at MSRA; Project completion anticipated during construction season 2026; Reimbursement for previously completed apron improvements. Final applications for both grants have been submitted to the FAA, and award announcements are expected shortly. To avoid unnecessary delays and maintain the project timeline, staff is requesting preapproval of the grant awards and associated state contracts.

 

Grant Budget Summary: Grant 3-26-0153-060-2025

  • Federal Share: $2,845,126
  • State of Michigan Share: $127,962
  • Local Share: $21,783
  • Total: $2,994,871

 

Grant 3-26-0153-061-2025

  • Federal Share (95%): $2,299,068
  • State of Michigan Share (2.5%): $60,501
  • Local Share (2.5%): $60,504
  • Total: $2,420,073

Combined Project Total: $5,414,944 & Local Share (approx. 1.5%): $82,287

Note: The local share is eligible for future reimbursement through a pending Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) application.

Board action: Comm. Alholm moved to reapprove the acceptance of FAA Grants 3-26-0153-060-2025 and 3-26-0153-061-2025; and authorize Chairperson Joseph Derocha and Civil Counsel to sign the FAA grant agreements and MDOT Aeronautics sponsor contracts upon receipt; and adopt the required resolutions in support of both agreements, as required by the FAA and MDOT. Second by Comm. LaLonde.

*These actions will ensure timely execution and funding of the passenger boarding bridge project and facilitate reimbursement for completed infrastructure improvements.

Board action: A roll call vote was taken for the following Resolutions: Resolution FAA – 6025; Resolution FAA – 6125; Resolution MDOT 2025 – XXXX and Resolution MDOT 2025 – XXXX. Ayes: Comm. Alholm, Comm. Nordeen, Comm. Adamini, Comm. LaLonde and Chairperson Derocha. Nays: None ~ Absent: Comm. DePetro. Motion adopted (5-0)

 

  1. Air Traffic Control Tower Construction Administration Agreement

Duane DuRay, Director of Sawyer Operations, was present to discuss the following: Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MSRA) staff respectfully requests approval of a Construction Administration (CA) services agreement between Marquette County and Mead & Hunt for the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Improvement Project.

This project includes critical infrastructure upgrades to:

The HVAC system; Air traffic control radios; The High-Rise Escape System (HRES); These improvements are essential to the continued safe and reliable operation of the control tower. The CA services provided by Mead & Hunt are an integral part of project execution, ensuring quality, compliance, and schedule adherence. The project is anticipated to be fully funded through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant, which is expected to be awarded in October 2025.

Cost and Value Assessment: Total Project Cost: $1,500,000; Construction Administration Cost (Mead & Hunt): $170,720; To verify the reasonableness of the proposal, an Independent Fee Estimate (IFE) was conducted by an unaffiliated consultant. The IFE determined a fair market value range of $322,087 to $393,661, placing Mead & Hunt’s proposal well below market expectations, confirming both value and cost-effectiveness.

Project Funding: This phase of the project is 100% federally funded through the anticipated FAA grant. Additional future funding applications are planned to address the following remaining tower improvements: Window replacement; Roof replacement; Generator replacement; Elevator refurbishment; Additional casework in the tower cab

Board action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve the Construction Administration Agreement with Mead & Hunt in the amount not to exceed $1 70,720; and authorize Chairperson Joseph Derocha to sign the agreement, contingent upon the receipt of the FAA grant award; and Approval of this agreement will position the County to move forward efficiently once grant funds are awarded and ensure timely delivery of this critical infrastructure improvement project. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. LATE ADDITIONS:
  2. Administrator Hire

Commissioners agreed all candidates were qualified and this has been a difficult decision to make.

Round #1

Clerk Talsma asked each Commissioner for their candidate choice:

Adamini – Hautamaki

LaLonde – Larson

Alholm – Larson

Nordeen – DuRay

Derocha – DuRay

Round #2

Clerk Talsma asked each Commissioner for their candidate:

Adamini = DuRay

LaLonde = Larson

Nordeen = Larson

Alholm = DuRay

Derocha = DuRay

 

Duane DuRay was the choice for County Administrator following Round #2 Voting.

*Duane DuRay approached the podium and accepted the position.

*Chairperson Derocha thanked Michael Larson for his interest in the position of County Administrator.

  1. PUBLIC COMMENT: With no public comment coming before the board; this portion of the meeting was closed.
  2. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS, STAFF COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • Comm. LaLonde stated that there were great candidates and it was a very tough decision.
  • Comm. Alholm thanked both candidates for attending tonight’s meeting and it was a tough decision.
  • Clerk Talsma reminded the public about the upcoming August 5, 2025 Special Election.
  • Chairperson Derocha thanked Judge Hill for being in attendance this evening and reading resolutions for the Foster Care Families. Also a thanks to Ava for requesting time to ask a question to the candidates “What would be a piece of advice to a college age person on how to get involved with local government?”
  1. CLOSED SESSION
  2. ADJOURMENT. There being no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m.

 

Linda K. Talsma

Marquette County Clerk

 

Joseph Derocha, Chairperson

Marquette County Board of Commissioners

 

________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 15, 2025 – 1:30 P.M.

ROOM 41, HENRY A. SKEWIS ANNEX,

MARQUETTE, MI 49855.

  1. CALL TO ORDER – SALUTE T O THE FLAG – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

– Call to Order by Chairperson Joe Derocha at 1:30 p.m. – Room 41- Marquette. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call.

Present: Comm. Adamini, Comm. LaLonde, Comm. Nordeen and Comm. Alholm and Chairperson Derocha. – Absent & Excused: Comm. DePetro

  1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Board Action: Comm. LaLonde moved to approve the agenda as presented. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
  2. PROCLAMATION, PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
  3. PUBLIC COMMENT: With no public comment to come before the board this portion of the meeting is closed.
  4. REVIEW OF CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS

7 PUBLIC HEARING

  1. PRIVILEGED COMMENT
  2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
  3. ACTION ITEMS
  4. Administrator Candidate Interviews as follows:
  • 1:30 ~ Duane Dukay
  • 2:30 ~ Jared Hautamaki
  • 3:30 ~ Michael Larson

Chairperson Derocha stated questions were vetted by Civil Council & Executive Assistant, Brett Hubbard-Stade that will be asked to each candidate this afternoon.

Vice-Chair Nordeen requested the ability to ask an additional two questions to each candidate, the board agreed.

 

Chairperson Derocha asked fifteen questions to each candidate allowing an hour for each candidate to answer.

Vice-Chair Nordeen asked the candidates two additional questions regarding benefits and wages.

Each candidate expressed why they were interested in the position of County Administrator; explaining what each could bring to the position if it was given to them.

All candidates were thanked for taking the time and showing interest in serving as the Marquette County Administrator.

Board action Comm. Nordeen moved to move 10) Potential Administrator Review/Hire to the Regular Meeting to be held this evening at 6:00 p.m. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)

  1. LATE ADDITIONS
  2. PUBLIC COMMENT: With no public comment to come before the board this portion of the meeting is closed.
  3. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS, STAFF COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • Comm. LaLonde stated great candidates and thanked them for showing interest in the position.
  • Comm. Nordeen stated very good candidates and looks forward to getting an Administrator in place.
  • Chairperson Derocha thanked all the candidates for coming today.
  1. CLOSED SESSION
  2. ADJOURMENT: There being no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was adjourned at

approximately 4:16 p.m.

 

Linda K. Talsma

Marquette County Clerk

 

Joseph Derocha, Chairperson

Marquette County Board of Commissioners

 

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