Contractor approved for Depot expansion project
A new addition to the Marquette Depot Museum and Information Center, located on Edgar Street, will be built on the end of the existing structure, where there’s now a graveled area. The expansion project will nearly double the present space and also facilitate some much-needed building improvements. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
At its Aug. 14 meeting, the Marquette Council awarded the contract for the phase III expansion of the Marquette Depot Museum and Information Center to Matt Construction, of Sumner, for $234,900.
The addition will be built on the end of the existing structure, where there’s now a graveled area, and nearly double the present space.
The project will allow for the display of many more items related to railroad and Marquette history. It will also facilitate some much-needed building improvements.
Councilwoman Cindy Halvorson said that will include a new roof for the whole building, two new bathrooms—one for men and another for women—and updated furnace and air conditioning.
“It’s not just an addition, but projects that need to be done,” added mayor Steve Weipert.
Both the city and Marquette Action Club are providing financial support for the project, which is slated to begin soon.
Evacuation route fines established
Operating an all terrain vehicle on the new bench evacuation route, or simply blocking the entrance to the route, could now hit violators in the wallet. At the meeting, the council approved two ordinance amendments, one that prohibits the operation of all terrain vehicles on the route as well as adjacent land, and another that establishes a “no parking” area in front of the route’s entrance on Walnut Street.
Violators of either ordinance will be subject to a $250 fine.
“You have to make it high enough so they won’t go there again,” stated councilwoman Eleanor Soulli.
Park shelter kitchen can be rented out again
The kitchen at the city park shelter in downtown Marquette will again be available for public rentals. The council decided to limit use of the kitchen last summer, citing damage to and theft of items and equipment, most of which was purchased by the Marquette Legion or Action Club.
To assure damage and theft doesn’t occur this time around, councilwoman Pam Brodie-Fitzgerald said the city’s parks committee has proposed a $250 rental deposit for use of the space. Entry to cupboards and other areas will also be barred or locked to the public. After each rental, city clerk Bonnie Basemann will check the space to see that nothing has been damaged or taken, and that it’s been properly cleaned.
New Christmas wreaths purchased
The council approved the purchase of 24 new Christmas wreaths, at a cost of $7,296. The Marquette Action Club is willing to pay for half that amount, a gesture the council appreciated. The wreaths will all have multi-colored lights.
