A Board of Light and Power vacancy was created, effective November 12, following the resignation of then-member Paul Schloegel. The term for the now-vacant seat on the BLP extends until November 2024.

Under the provisions of the Marquette City Charter (Sec. 6-5), the City Commission has 60 days in which to fill this vacancy via appointment. The Commission voted unanimously on November 13 to accept applications from all interested parties and to consider the applications and appoint a new BLP member at tonight's meeting.

The application was made available on the City website and was also available for pickup at the City Clerk's Office and at the Marquette Police Department. Applications were accepted from November 14 until 4 p.m. on November 27. In that time, the City Clerk received one application for the position, from Gerald Irby.

The attached application has been reviewed and staff has verified that Mr. Irby meets all eligibility requirements stipulated by the City Charter.

Separately, the remaining members of the Board of Light and Power discussed this topic at that board's November 28 meeting and recommended that the City Commission appoint Gerald Irby to the vacant seat.