The Munising City Commission held its last meeting of 2024 on Dec. 16, tackling an agenda that highlighted infrastructure projects, housing developments and other community initiatives.

Scott Nowak of Coleman Engineering updated the commission on various city projects. Tourist Park’s bathroom refurbishment is set to start in January, weather permitting. Meanwhile, the Washington Street reconstruction — encompassing road, water and sewer upgrades — has been deferred to 2026 due to funding delays. The $2 million grant for the project is pending USDA approval.

Completed projects include water tank painting and the installation of three new potable water reservoirs. In addition, the city’s non-motorized asset management plan continues to advance, focusing on bike paths and sidewalks.

Efforts to secure funding for lead water service replacements face setbacks, with previous state grant applications denied. Officials plan to enhance future applications to increase funding opportunities.

Commissioner Rod DesJardins briefed the commission on the Munising Marketplace project.

The initiative has evolved over the years and now includes plans for 32 workforce housing units, a fresh food cooperative and a daycare facility. Developers anticipate clarity on funding gaps after the state’s lame-duck legislative session and are slated to present updates in January.

Kathy Reynolds of the Downtown Development Authority praised the success of the recent Rekindle the Spirit event despite adverse weather. She also outlined the county’s 2025 health care needs assessment, a triennial review of local health care requirements.

Zach Eckert, vice president of the Munising Bay Trail Network, presented plans for a new trail along First Street to improve hillside access. The commission requested additional details, including noise mitigation, safety protocols and drainage solutions, before considering the proposal in January.

The commission also discussed a request for police wage adjustments. The commission discussed a request to realign wages for incoming MCOLES-certified officers.

Legal constraints tied to collective bargaining agreements led to tabling the matter until broader contract negotiations in 2025, allowing labor attorney Laura Riley time to evaluate the feasibility of the request.

Given the New Year’s holiday, the commission canceled its Jan. 1 meeting, noting flexibility for a special meeting if urgent matters arose.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Jan. 20.