The Marquette City Commission on Jan. 12 voted unanimously to ask state legislators to earmark funds for two major pieces of equipment: a 110-foot Pierce aerial ladder platform truck to replace a 1996 ladder truck (estimated cost $2,000,000; estimated lead time four years) and two Peterbilt model "5 48" all-wheel-drive plow truck chassis to replace two obsolete city plow trucks (estimated total $600,000; estimated lead time nine months). Commissioner Gottlieb moved to direct the city manager to submit the legislatively directed spending requests; Commissioner Davis seconded and the motion passed 7-0.

City Manager Kovacs told the commission the ladder truck is a critical piece of equipment for Marquette because of the community's dense downtown, the location of a regional hospital, state facilities and the university. "We are driving a 1996 model ladder truck," Kovacs said, noting that long lead times and limited grant opportunities make legislative assistance important. He said the department will retain one functioning ladder truck while seeking replacement and that the new apparatus would provide higher reach and a platform for improved access downtown.

The commission also approved, 7-0, a three-year access permit requested by the Nk'emena (spelling varies in the record) Trail Network Council to prepare and maintain a non-motorized trail for the ski marathon in January 2026–2028; that group will reimburse the city for any property damage caused by its use. The commission appointed Alex Wilkinson as the Planning Commission representative to the Board of Zoning Appeals (term ending 02/15/27) by unanimous vote.

Why it matters: the ladder truck replacement addresses a documented operational gap for fire responses to taller buildings and critical facilities; the plow investment and the ski-marathon permit affect public safety, winter mobility and local events that bring economic activity to Marquette.

Discussion and public input: during public comment Barb Alzai urged the city to custom-order plows with berm-cutting capability so operators can clear sidewalks and curb ramps on the primary pass, saying current plowing pushes snow into sidewalks and forces pedestrians into the street. City Manager Kovacs acknowledged equipment and staffing limits and said the city will consider snow-removal strategy and plow specifications if funding is available. Margaret Brum raised concerns about storm sheltering and the need for professionalized emergency planning and urged the commission to query the Board of Light and Power (BLP) about its response during recent prolonged outages.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve agenda: passed 7-0.
- Appoint Alex Wilkinson to Board of Zoning Appeals (term ending 02/15/27): passed 7-0. (Mover: Mayor Pro Tem Ottaway; seconder recorded as Commissioner Hamley.)
- Approve consent agenda: passed 7-0 (roll-call recorded).
- Approve Nk'emena Trail Network Council permit for ski marathon (Jan. 2026–2028): passed 7-0. (Mover: Commissioner Larson; seconder recorded.)
- Direct city manager to submit LDSI requests for ladder truck ($2,000,000) and two plow chassis ($600,000): passed 7-0. (Mover: Commissioner Gottlieb; seconder: Commissioner Davis.)

Next steps: City Manager Kovacs will submit the LDSI request package to state legislators and follow up with the Board of Light and Power about outage response; the plow and ladder specifications and orders will be subject to further staff work, budget planning and availability of legislative funding.