Council to apply for $25,000 America in Bloom grant; attorney says application is not a partner contract

The Escanaba City Council voted Oct. 16 to apply for a $25,000 America in Bloom grant to fund street planters, baskets and related streetscape plantings along Ludington Street.

City staff said the grant would be submitted in the city’s name with assistance from Enhanced Escanaba and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Estimated total project costs are roughly $62,000; staff said the DDA and other partners would be asked to provide additional funds or in-kind support if the grant is awarded.

During the discussion, a resident raised a conflict concern noting Council member Moore’s association with Enhanced Escanaba; councilors and a public speaker argued Enhanced Escanaba provides only voluntary support. City Attorney Laura (last name not stated) told the council that, in her review, a grant application is typically not a binding contract and that naming the city as the applicant would make the city the recipient of any award. She added that if the city intended to pay an outside organization for services in support of the application, a contract would be appropriate, but under the present facts she described the outside help as akin to a donation of services.

Councilors said the DDA committee had been supportive of the concept though the DDA board had not yet taken a final position; staff said the city could decline the grant afterward if partner commitments were unsatisfactory. The council approved submitting the application by roll call.

The DDA and Enhanced Escanaba are identified in the application as partners; if awarded, the city would manage the grant and contractually be responsible for project delivery, staff said. The item passed unanimously on the record.