The City of Marquette is seeking proposals from qualified firms to design and oversee the construction of a new bandshell, generously funded by the Hirvonen Foundation. The Peg Hirvonen Bandshell, named in honor of Peg Hirvonen's passion for music and philanthropy, is set to replace the decommissioned Presque Isle Bandshell, originally constructed in the late 1930s.
This project aims to preserve the historical significance of the bandshell while introducing an updated amphitheater for enhanced form and function. The selected firm will collaborate closely with City Staff, boards, committees, and community stakeholders to create a design that aligns with the unique needs of users, visitors, and the Marquette community. Interested firms are invited to submit their proposals by 11:00 a.m. EST February 15, 2024. Detailed information on the Request for Proposals (RFP) can be found on the City of Marquette's Bids & Proposals page https://www.marquettemi.gov/departments/financial-services/bids-proposals-quotes/.

For inquiries and more information, please contact City Community Services Department Director, Jon Swenson at jswenson@marquettemi.gov or (906) 225-8593

The following traffic control changes have been made to the intersection of West College Avenue and Presque Isle Avenue intersection:

1. The West College Avenue intersection is a two (2) way stop for eastbound and westbound traffic.
   • Stop signs have been placed at the intersection of College and Presque Isle Avenue for eastbound and westbound traffic.
   • The traffic signal lights have been reset to flash “red” for eastbound and westbound traffic on College Avenue.
2. The traffic signal lights have been reset to flash “yellow” for northbound and southbound traffic on Presque Isle Avenue.

This traffic control change will continue until a reevaluation date is established upon receiving updated development plans for the area.

The January 23, 2024, Police and Fire Pension Board meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum. The meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in the Admin Conference Room at 8:30 a.m. within City Hall, 300 West Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

The City of Marquette provides under City Code, Chapter 2 Administration, Division 3 Finance, Public Relations; Section 2-522 Policies and Procedures a mechanism for community stakeholders to submit for waiver of City fees and/or in-kind services provided by the City and/or cash payments.   Requests for Promotional Funds may include grant funding, fee relief, provision of in-kind City services, cash or a combination of any or all of these items.

Applications for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, must be received or postmarked by March 31, 2024.  Any applications received or postmarked after this date will NOT be eligible for consideration.  It is important to note all applications may not be funded.  Funding will depend upon City priorities and available dollars.  Applications and information are available on the City website at www.marquettemi.gov or at the Community Services, Parks & Recreation office located in Lakeview Arena at 401 E. Fair Avenue, Marquette.  For any questions, please contact Community Service-Parks and Recreation Division at (906) 228-0460.

The City of Marquette Office of Arts & Culture invites the community to participate in upcoming planning events for Art Week 2024. These sessions provide opportunities to find inspiration, build partnerships, and develop Art Week project proposals before the March 1st deadline. Funding of up to $500 is available for Art Week projects, and project partners are encouraged to take advantage of the planning opportunities, regardless of funding needs. Find full project proposal guidelines: https://www.mqtcompass.com/opportunities/2022-city-of-marquette-art-week-requests-for-project-proposals/

BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS
Join two open sessions at the City Arts & Culture Center (217 N Front St. Lower Level) on Wednesday, January 31st, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to drop in and collectively explore ideas for Art Week 2024.

OFFICE HOURS
Every Thursday in February (1, 8, 15, 22, & 29), visit the City Arts and Culture Center between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for one-on-one project development assistance. The project proposal packet serves as a grant application, providing a professional development opportunity for local creatives. 

City of Marquette Art Week will be held June 24 to June 29. This annual week-long celebration invites local artists, organizations, and businesses to collaborate on diverse arts and cultural events. This year’s Art Week is centered on the theme Grow. Art Week 2024 is supported by a grant from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council. Art Week projects encompass performances, installations, displays, workshops, demonstrations, and more. Explore past events for inspiration: https://www.mqtcompass.com/artweek/

For more event details, contact the City of Marquette Office of Arts and Culture at 906-225-0472 or arts-culture@marquettemi.gov. Media inquiries may be directed to apruiett@marquettemi.gov 

The Marquette Public Art Commission will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, February 7 at 6:30pm to discuss the City’s Cultural Trail project. This meeting will held in the Marquette Arts & Culture Center located in the lower level of Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette.
Public Participation

There will be two options for public participation in this meeting: in-person or written. There will be two public comment periods for the meeting, one near the beginning of the agenda and one at the end. Comments are limited to three minutes and speakers must give their name and address before speaking. Written comments will be presented to the board during the meeting and can be submitted by emailing tmorin@marquettemi.gov

Lakeshore Boulevard will be closed to through traffic for storm drain maintenance work between Pine Street and Fair Street on Wednesday, January 17. This project will begin at 7 a.m. and is expected to be completed by the end of the day. A detour will be provided.

Due to inclement weather and potential hazards posed to the public, Presque Isle Park and Shiras Park will close Friday, January 12 at 5:00 p.m.  This closure includes vehicular and foot traffic and will remain in effect through the morning of Sunday, January 14.

Lakeshore Boulevard, between Fair Avenue and Pine Street will be closed due to inclement weather beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024. A detour will be provided. The road will reopen when weather permits.