The Marquette City Commission voted 6-0 on Nov. 24 to direct city staff to pursue a contract that would allow Room at the Inn to use the Presque Isle Pavilion as a temporary overflow shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Commissioner Hamley moved to direct staff to proceed with the contract; Commissioner Gottlieb seconded. Commissioners specified several contract conditions they want written into the agreement, including a solid start and end date with no automatic extensions, a limit of 10 people on site at any time, no loitering after curfew, nightly police walk-throughs and indemnification language to reduce city liability. Commissioner Larson said she prefers a one-time, short-term arrangement (suggesting a four-week period) so the pavilion is not used year after year as an overnight facility.

City staff and commissioners also discussed operational requirements: at least one staff person awake on site at all times (commissioners said two would be preferable), coordination with Room at the Inn during drafting, and the possibility of scheduling a special meeting to approve the final contract once details are complete. A city official noted that any special meeting would follow open-meetings requirements.

Room at the Inn representatives who spoke during public comment welcomed the decision and pledged cooperation. Chelsea Wilkinson of Room at the Inn said the organization would take commissioners’ feedback seriously and work to address concerns while serving clients. Will Sullivan, chair of the Room at the Inn board, told the commission the action "is probably going to save lives."

Commissioners stressed the city’s dual priorities of protecting vulnerable people and limiting risk to city facilities and taxpayers. The motion passed unanimously; staff will draft contract language and coordinate with Room at the Inn before returning to the commission for final approval.