Members of the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Club and several residents urged the commission to approve a bridge-adoption and memorial effort honoring Tawana (Marie) Floyd.

Eddie Marshall introduced the Rotary’s proposal and described plans to clean and maintain the bridge and to add interpretive signage explaining the person being honored. He asked the clerk to distribute copies of the proposal and sought the commission’s approval for the item that was noted on the meeting agenda.

Michael Mason, president of the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Club, said the club’s strategic goals include community involvement and that the Rotary passed a board resolution to adopt the bridge and perform routine cleanup. "So we're here tonight hoping that the commission will approve our proposal and let us to formally adopt the bridge," Mason said.

Resident and Brownfield Authority board member Mary Alice Adams also spoke in favor of keeping the bridge clean to honor Floyd, described prior fundraising interest, and said she looks forward to continued park cleanup and neighborhood visibility from the bridge.

Commissioners in remarks afterward praised the Rotary’s initiative and thanked residents for engagement. The bridge-adoption item was on the meeting agenda for approval; the transcript records the presentation and public support but does not show a separate recorded final vote or amendment specifically for the bridge at this meeting.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the consent/agenda calendar (motion by Commissioner Warren, supported by Commissioner Henderson) by roll call; a Mayor Pro Tem seating motion was also recorded as carried; the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn (moved by Commissioner Singleton and supported by Commissioner Warren).

Next steps: the Rotary and residents expect the commission to place the adoption item on appropriate agenda follow-up if formal approval is required; staff were asked to accept materials and distribute copies for review.