[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6250833,"mediaKeyId","3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e","parentId",3198255,"title","Council hears divided public comment and ethics concerns over Ludington Park nature trail proposal","audioSeconds",2195,"startMs",268000,"endMs",2463000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e&start=268&end=2463","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e/thumbnail_268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6250833/Escanaba/Delta-County/Michigan/Council-hears-divided-public-comment-and-ethics-concerns-over-Ludington-Park-nature-trail-proposal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250833-7ce46fc21839d65b524d151edb8418af/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755665&Signature=fan13Urg5yXcvR7c77zKrFE34Ilyr0EEQM~SNRMd03gnWFH1CJOyVMZgupKWMeVpFMcIOAg89zElsm3uNiF~7xae0gRoTLm4PszDu8-mG7b9oB4r3fgRw5H9vcIU6fXH4CCdnDEKT8piygzVtDadTRB8VORKLM6VY1Yrf-MNkQtXts5A77LNfxw61mneHUZIw6lxN2ZaPC6qzLeRLvHEQTSek~mEwXou53Ya~Ug8rpYOpLHH7P2mEzaLj2d7RLStzMHpzK3ht7hHaY~1DeaAXdURIhlPKN3d-sbor1VFaZdZ7fk69dXFTHJtrcrmEaCKGBjH-RhFyFMNTdUcdLZrHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Escanaba","date","2025-05-02T00:00:00Z","article","The Escanaba City Council heard competing public testimony and an ethics complaint on May 1 over a proposed nature trail in Ludington Park, but did not approve the agreement and took no final action.

Supporters, led by representatives of the nonprofit Enhanced Escanaba, described a roughly three‑quarters‑of‑a‑mile crushed‑limestone trail along the waterfront, planting of shrubs and trees, QR‑coded interpretive plaques, two curb cuts for wheelchair access and volunteer maintenance. “This will be a wonderful tourist attraction,” said Gina R. N., a board member of Enhanced Escanaba. She said the group worked with the park superintendent and public works staff on placement and maintenance plans.

Opponents raised cost and upkeep concerns and questioned the nonprofit’s role. “It all started with the master gardeners hanging baskets … and now the nature walk — all costing those taxpayers more money every year,” said Anne Fix, who identified herself as an Escanaba resident and said ongoing watering and pruning costs have risen.

A public commenter, Tyler Anthony, urged the council to reject the agreement and said the situation raised legal and charter concerns, alleging that “a member of the council is negotiating a contract relating to a business entity in which the member has a personal interest.” The complaint cited the state ethics acts of 1968 and 1973 and chapter 14 of the city charter as the legal basis for the objection.

The council heard that the Recreation Advisory Board had considered the project and, because of membership absences and an abstention, recorded a 2–1 result that did not constitute a majority favorable vote. Council members and staff clarified that the rec board vote reflected its quorum and voting rules.

Representatives from conservation and trails groups also spoke. Michael Sigorski, treasurer of the Delta Soil Conservation District, said the district provided an in‑kind map for the project after a prior employee’s commitment and that the district had fulfilled its contribution. Mike Verhamey, vice president of Delta County snowmobile and motorized trails, said crushed limestone has advantages for maintenance and offered volunteer maintenance support from his club if the city moves forward.

Councilors asked for clarifications about accessibility, maintenance responsibilities, and the sources of in‑kind support and questioned whether the group’s offers of maintenance would persist over time. Enhanced Escanaba said it plans volunteer upkeep and cited prior inclusion of a nature trail in the city’s five‑year recreation plan; the group said they have budgeted for two curb cuts required for full ADA access.

No council motion was made to approve the nature trail agreement. The mayor stated, “I’m not hearing a motion to approve the agreement. We have no agreement,” and the meeting moved to other agenda items.

The record at the meeting shows both explicit support from multiple local organizations and explicit objections about maintenance cost and a potential conflict of interest involving a council member. The council did not adopt or reject the proposed agreement on May 1 and did not schedule additional action on the item during that meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Meeting Thursday May 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Escanaba City Council heard competing public testimony and an ethics complaint on May 1 over a proposed nature trail in Ludington Park, but did not approve the agreement and took no final action.","taxTitle","Escanaba, Delta County, Michigan","taxId",54434,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250818,"Council approves Log Jam festival and Mugshots anniversary street closures",315,2467000,2782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e&start=2467&end=2782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e/thumbnail_2467000.jpg","/articles/6250818/Escanaba/Delta-County/Michigan/Council-approves-Log-Jam-festival-and-Mugshots-anniversary-street-closures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250818-4a59d1f3f3f32ae60850ceddb8167e1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755665&Signature=FB~aKZPEh8gNfIQ3HxUR3Bw31EpixA3K4MQPLT41SdbpWVi434GDXZi7w1mdrqSSKqFgNiSfrCNz0bTLQhHTlaCSm-KPHz953TeqELpyCVGPXwqVNq677oIll0tHxXaSi51U5YpddGG3EXSt-vvLRIrcvHz6g7yreCdjXYYQz0ixAaWm0HNuZGAx1WRwC6Vz-NegMQSKFv30MihA2sGKycC5dDIgd7zbZcR9P89ENTjhV6DAjUvLzIs9i8pijwQBkPtQWkmNi0tRvOfTV9GZCDmQ6~ttTN8oBNQD4iQ8Q-rub5QQx6HxbRR-yVUK7vV9Qv3rdC~InH~Bx9kDdFc~lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escanaba City Council approved two special‑event street closure requests on May 1, allowing the Downtown Development Authority and private sponsors to stage summer events on Ludington Street and portions of Ninth through Fourteenth streets.

The Downtown Development Authority requested closure of Ludington Street from Tenth to Fourteenth streets (with alleys) for the Log Jam Music Festival on June 28, 2025, with a possible extension to Ninth Street if necessary. The DDA’s Greg Warpool described a multi‑stage music lineup, a timber/“lumberjack” demonstration to highlight local timber heritage and competitions for community participation, vendor zones for the Boniface Arts Center and a full‑day programming plan from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The DDA said sponsors will provide labor, materials and cleanup and that proper insurance naming the city as additional insured is required.

The council approved the Log Jam Music Festival closure by motion; council members voiced approval and the mayor called the vote with an “Aye.”

Separately, Mugshots at 823 First Avenue North requested a partial closure of North Ninth Street to host its 10‑year anniversary event on June 7, 2025. Administration recommended approval contingent on proper insurance naming the city and that event sponsors provide labor and cleanup. Council approved the Mugshots closure by motion and recorded unanimous assent.

Both approvals include the standard conditions listed by administration: proof of insurance naming the city as additionally insured and assurance that event sponsors provide required labor, materials and cleanup at the conclusion of events.

DDA and event organizers said they will coordinate logistics, porta‑john placement, vendor recruitment and cleanup plans leading up to each event.","The Escanaba City Council approved street‑closure permits for the Log Jam Music Festival on June 28 and for Mugshots’ 10‑year anniversary event in June. The DDA presented event plans, vendor and stage arrangements, and required insurance and cleanup contingencies; council approved both applications.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250823,"Council approves two social‑district applications; DDA to facilitate training and signage",260,2780000,3040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e&start=2780&end=3040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e/thumbnail_2780000.jpg","/articles/6250823/Escanaba/Delta-County/Michigan/Council-approves-two-socialdistrict-applications-DDA-to-facilitate-training-and-signage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250823-5d3dd37a80ee4c2852cf90c82cd0ac0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755665&Signature=M2IVUWAf-cbZ1dyZDH2-Snd1qJQ9ydCsuax6T8zPiu-L~1eWskPqlnRzMvEACu5AFx7pJvTt6r6mO7Q55M4bxB6LQ4rR8WltPWS9mEb2zoe0HXJqFPVZAgQfTL5r5bWgZSejkTS2qKt9I3fNSk12NW3IY~R9J39SoqWLmLbQ9z~8XbB3wGwO6h-AhOI2pIwPOLBteiXv-wkKlS4i9yA2lbB9jIbKIDZRxNMD47ybJJdc4L1xv9UGeVPQWQWGI4g2onMlhaBb5Es2EzcnGO6l3GD84-3gO1Y9XcuiWBknIC9ArjTpIoVWfDmuaxBZ6VOOPtbwMRnbkEDGOJ1eW1xIgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escanaba City Council approved two social‑district permit applications on May 1, granting local authorization that starts the state review and training steps required before businesses can participate.

Administration asked the council to approve resolution 25‑04 for Mugshots and resolution 25‑05 for Kathmandu; council approved both resolutions by roll call. Staff explained that, after council approval, the city completes the local governmental unit approval form and the materials are submitted to the state of Michigan for final permitting. Once the state approves, applicants meet with DDA staff for training and sign an annual agreement with the city.

Council and DDA representatives described required elements of the program: participating establishments must display a brochure explaining the social district, post signs at exits indicating entry to the social district, and use an approved Social District cup bearing the social‑district logo and the business’s logo. Annual training is required for establishments and their employees; staff said an initial training session would be scheduled in May or June.

Greg Warpool, representing the Downtown Development Authority, described the DDA’s facilitator role and said DDAs around the state commonly operate social districts. Staff added that the DDA will coordinate signage and printing; council noted there will be multiple 12x18 signs marking the boundaries of the district.

Councilors asked whether approvals could be consolidated; staff advised the council can approve individual applications. The council approved the Mugshots resolution and the Kathmandu resolution by recorded roll calls during the meeting.

City staff and the DDA will follow state steps — local approval, state review, applicant training and a signed annual agreement — before any licensed drinks may be carried in the social district.","The Escanaba City Council approved social‑district permit resolutions for Mugshots and Kathmandu on May 1. Council and staff outlined the state approval and local training process, DDA oversight and signage, and annual training and agreement steps before businesses may operate in the social district.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6250828,"Council removes Planning Commission member after public hearing on absences",515,647000,1162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e&start=647&end=1162","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3198255-bbeef10ce298101132badc94d11a6a0e/thumbnail_647000.jpg","/articles/6250828/Escanaba/Delta-County/Michigan/Council-removes-Planning-Commission-member-after-public-hearing-on-absences","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6250828-895ab9479b1c9a2667abae65a6b182fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770755665&Signature=Ne08RF~t1xOylKs0GJfNIQDLh9sq7SFY14z~fnNMo96bzWf7FPnrA6QGkMMhhW3rEIqLFvYShlEX7unecqVfMO81XHPtAvoVn3VQTvIFvVHh6Rh4pSg6zX65D60HeytdnUT-6lRzDvvTQ58yFbQIh1G07dtFqJPuu5sFhZSv3Ow2~RTQUYlH0hiZo973S2E4sk5liCT4blttcO2wgk9gokOXFgzqxge8yI88S7mWKV4zLgwYSgrkwG0r3AlctWQMVQZs7OCRv9DQt223sq~y9ATFTcv0Npatj9Q9~5nmKD67rFvd9iIRVxEJygL5aGV7NmWsxLI2-FCh7jfgARUMBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escanaba City Council voted on May 1 to remove Planning Commission member Patrick Connor after a public hearing on charges of nonfeasance for missed meetings.

Administration told the council that Connor missed seven meetings in 2024 and four meetings in 2025 and that staff had attempted to contact him by mail, phone and email without response. City Manager Laura (last name not stated) told the council that written notice of the hearing had been provided and that Connor did not request a continuance, send a representative or respond in writing.

At the public hearing, an attendee questioned whether the council had followed the planning commission ordinance of 2024 and Robert’s Rules of Order, asserting that written charges and an opportunity to prepare a defense are required. “I think the council is missing a step here because I don't see any written charges,” the commenter said, and argued that due process required informing the commissioner of the charges and allowing him to defend himself.

City officials responded that a letter notifying Connor of the hearing had been sent, that the notice was published in the newspaper 15 days before the meeting, and that staff had tried multiple forms of contact. The planning commission liaison confirmed the commission had suffered attendance issues and that one member had resigned.

Councilor DeMay called the roll on the removal motion. Recorded votes in the transcript include Councilor DuBour: yes; Councilor Bauschau: yes; Councilor Moore: yes; Mary Hammel: yes. The motion to remove Patrick Connor carried and the council invited Connor to reapply for future vacancies if his situation changes.

Officials characterized the removal as administrative: “This removal is not meant as a punishment … It is to allow the planning commission to fill with members who can function,” the mayor said. The council and staff emphasized their stated intent to preserve commission functionality and to fill vacancies to avoid cancelled meetings and to maintain quorum.

The council’s action removes Connor from the Planning Commission effective immediately; council members stated the removal was based on missed meetings and lack of response to notice.","After a public hearing and testimony about notice and due process, Escanaba City Council voted to remove Planning Commission member Patrick Connor for nonfeasance related to missed meetings. Council members said prior written notice was sent and the member did not respond.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears divided public comment and ethics concerns over Ludington Park nature trail proposal

Council approves Log Jam festival and Mugshots anniversary street closures

Council approves two social‑district applications; DDA to facilitate training and signage

Council removes Planning Commission member after public hearing on absences