MARQUETTE, Mich.—The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees addressed a land encumbrance issue at a special meeting today.

            Board members voted 6-0 with one abstention to terminate encumbrances for “right of first refusal” and  maintenance and landscaping responsibilities that were part of a 1979 land purchase from NMU by Marquette General Health System for property along Kaye Avenue where the Nelberg building and parking lot are currently located. The action was necessary because of the Duke LifePoint acquisition of MGHS, which is now under review for approval by the Michigan attorney general.

            However, the board did retain the negative easement encumbrance that allows the university to control the right of way of Kaye Avenue, which serves as an entryway to NMU’s University Center and West Hall parking lot.

            Board member Steve Adamini abstained from voting due to conflict of interest as a member of his law firm represents DukeLife Point. Trustee Steve Gulis was unable to attend the meeting.