Marquette commission discontinues talks to use Presque Isle Pavilion for overflow shelter; alternatives sought

The Marquette City Commission on Dec. 8 voted unanimously to discontinue working toward a contract to use the Presque Isle Pavilion for overnight overflow shelter, directing staff to pursue alternative, non-city facilities while the city considers its role in longer-term homelessness planning.

City manager Kyle summarized the background, saying city staff reviewed operational needs and identified the Presque Isle Pavilion as an early option but later concluded it was not a feasible solution for the current need, a finding that Room at the Inn also accepted. Kyle said staff and the nonprofit ‘‘mutually agreed that the Presque Isle Pavilion was no longer a feasible option for the current need.’’

Chelsea Wilkinson, executive director of Room at the Inn, told the commission that short-term sheltering successes do not mean the underlying crisis is solved. ‘‘Just because Room at the Inn was able to be quick on our feet and figure it out doesn't mean that this problem is gonna go away anytime soon,’’ she said, urging continued community planning and readiness for mass displacement events.

Commissioners who spoke emphasized continuing the search for permanent and coordinated solutions. Commissioner Davis noted that homelessness ‘‘is a countywide problem’’ and urged development of a crisis plan; Commissioner Gottlieb said, ‘‘We might not be able to solve homelessness, but we certainly can't ignore it.’’ Mayor Pro Tem Ottaway suggested exploring a ballot initiative to fund services or countywide solutions.

The motion to discontinue contracting talks with Room at the Inn as a city-run use of the Presque Isle Pavilion was made by Commissioner Hanley and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb; the commission voted 6 to 0 in favor. The commission directed the city manager to discontinue work toward a city contract for the Pavilion and to pursue alternatives as determined by the commission.

Next steps reported in the meeting included continuing to identify and support alternative temporary shelter solutions that do not involve city facilities and ongoing coordination with Room at the Inn and other community partners. The commission meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m.