Escanaba council approves multiple public-space and infrastructure contracts; schedules street-improvement hearing

The Escanaba City Council on Oct. 16 approved a series of routine public-space and infrastructure items, including a downtown trunk-or-treat street closure, a small-systems SCADA and Wi‑Fi upgrade for the water plant, a substation trenching contract and a purchase agreement for a private development site. The council also scheduled a follow-up public hearing on a proposed double chip-seal street improvement for Nov. 6.

The Downtown Development Authority received council approval to close portions of Ludington Street and Eleventh Street for the Spooktacular trunk-or-treat event on Oct. 19, subject to insurance naming the city as additionally insured and that event sponsors provide cleanup labor and materials. The motion passed by voice vote.

The council authorized hiring FDS Engineering and Electrical Services of Iron Mountain for SCADA-network and Wi‑Fi upgrades at the Water Department for an amount not to exceed $16,000. Staff framed the work as security-focused upgrades to chronic Wi‑Fi failures at the water plant and a response to deficiencies noted at the wastewater plant. The contract passed on roll call.

For the Electric Department, the council awarded a contract to Alexco Incorporated for concrete trenching at the Westside Substation for $117,625, a budgeted item for fiscal 2025–26. Staff said the work prepares foundations and trenches for new circuit breakers, a control house and conductor interconnections.

The council approved a purchase agreement with Old State Development LLC for a pool-shop development. Staff said the city drafted the agreement and that infrastructure costs (for example, upsizing water mains) would be paid by the developer. Staff also noted the city is exempt from transfer tax, keeping closing costs minimal.

Separately, the council passed Resolution 25-21 to authorize execution of paperwork for a Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces grant and related state contract. Staff said the resolution was needed to finalize a previously negotiated state contract and to name the city signatory.

On street improvements, the city received a petition from property owners requesting construction of a 24-foot double chip-seal overlay on South Eighteenth Street between Twentieth Avenue South and Twenty-Second Avenue South. Public Works described double chip-seal as a lower-cost, shorter-term surface (estimated 5–7 years) compared with full asphalt and curb-and-gutter installation; staff cited a county-provided cost estimate and said full curb-and-gutter tie-ins would be roughly $160,000 just to tie corners into an existing storm system. The council set a public hearing for Nov. 6 to receive comments and objections to special-assessment proposals.

Each item carried by roll call or unanimous voice vote as noted on the record.