Traverse City commissioners will consider approving the installation of a canopy marquee over the entrance to the City Opera House at their 7pm meeting tonight (Monday) at the Governmental Center.

Commissioners approved the concept of a marquee last July, with final approval contigent on the design and sign-off by the Historic Districts Commission. The latter body approved approved drawings for the project in May. Because the City Opera House is owned by the city, the nonprofit's management group must seek city approval before proceeding with any changes to the building. Should commissioners approve the installation of the canopy - which will extend out over the sidewalk above the main entrance and make the venue "much more visible" to the public, according to City Manager Marty Colburn - the City Opera House Heritage Association will pay for the project, which is expected to cost just over $56,000. The canopy will become the property of the city once it's installed.

Commissioners tonight will also consider going into closed session to discuss authorizing a collective bargaining agreement for the police captains unit, and will also consider accepting a $79,200 grant from the United States Department of Interior to assist with the proper dispensation of Native American artifacts in the city's Con Foster collection.