Marinette council elects Dorothy Kowalski president, confirms appointments and financial resolutions

Marinette Mayor Steve Genisot called the City of Marinette Common Council’s annual reorganization meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. on April 21, 2026, at Marinette City Hall.

The council elected At-Large Alderperson Dorothy Kowalski as Common Council president for a one-year term expiring the third Tuesday in April 2027. Alderperson Jeffrey Skorik nominated Kowalski and Alderperson Debbie Klegin seconded the nomination; Alderperson Liz Mikutowski nominated Alderperson Tom Karban. Council members cast silent ballots and a majority elected Kowalski.

The council also chose its representative to the Plan Commission. Alderperson Dorothy Kowalski nominated Jeffrey Skorik, seconded by Ken Keller; Tom Karban nominated Liz Mikutowski, seconded by Mike Wolfe. A silent ballot resulted in a majority electing 2nd Ward Alderperson Jeffrey Skorik as the Common Council representative on the Plan Commission for a one-year term.

Municipal Court Judge John LaCourt administered the oath of office to newly elected alderpersons Dylan Demmith (3rd Ward), Chris Lesperance (7th Ward) and Tom Karban (8th Ward). City Clerk Lana R. Bero administered the oath of office to Municipal Court Judge John LaCourt.

Mayor Genisot presented his slate of one-year standing committee appointments and one-year liaison board representatives. Standing assignments included the Board of Public Works (members named by the mayor), Civic Affairs/Cemetery/Traffic & Lights (Mike Wolfe, chair), Finance and Insurance (Dorothy Kowalski, chair), Personnel and License (Jeff Skorik, chair), Public Safety and Code Enforcement (Jeff Skorik, chair) and Parks and Recreation (Dorothy Kowalski, chair). Mayor Genisot also presented Common Council liaisons to boards and commissions, naming Alderpersons to the Equal Opportunities Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Harbor Commission, Marinette Senior Association, Transportation Coordination Committee, Water & Waste Water Utilities and the Room Tax Commission.

Alderperson Dorothy Kowalski moved and Alderperson Jeffrey Skorik seconded a package motion to approve a slate of citizen board and committee appointments and reappointments; the council agreed by unanimous voice vote. Appointees included Tom Crowley to the Board of Review, James Martell and Mike Minzlaff to Historic Preservation (reappointments), and multiple appointments and reappointments across the Marinette Housing Authority, Plan Commission, Stephenson Library Trust Board, Transportation Coordination Committee, Water and Wastewater Utilities Board and the Zoning Ordinance Board of Appeals.

On formal business, the council approved Resolution No. 03-2026, renewing annual surety bonds for the City Treasurer, Municipal Court Judge, Municipal Court Clerk, Assistant Municipal Court Clerk, City Clerk and Police Chief. The motion passed on a roll call vote of 9 ayes and 0 nays. The council also approved Resolution No. 04-2026 by a 9-0 vote, designating eleven financial institutions as the city's official public depository locations, naming Mayor Steve Genisot and City Clerk Lana R. Bero as mandated signatories for city checks, and designating the City Treasurer as the official authorized to deposit, transfer, withdraw or invest city funds.

Mayor Genisot offered closing remarks, congratulating newly elected and returning members and urging councilors to channel questions and concerns to his office ahead of committee and council meetings. The reorganization meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 03-2026 (renew surety bonds) — 9 ayes, 0 nays (approved). Resolution No. 04-2026 (designate depositories and signatories) — 9 ayes, 0 nays (approved). Council leadership: Dorothy Kowalski elected Council president; Jeffrey Skorik elected Council representative to the Plan Commission.