Escanaba, Michigan Development News
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City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, July 02, 2026
Published: Jul 2, 2026
Eskanaba Council Sets Timeline and Process for City Manager Interviews
The Eskanaba City Council discussed the process for hiring a new city manager. They reviewed applicant resumes and aimed to narrow down the list for interviews. The council proposed interview dates in the week of July 13th, with specific availability on July 13th (morning) and July 15th (afternoon) as a backup. They also discussed interview length, with recommendations for 45 minutes to an hour per candidate. The council agreed to submit their top three candidate recommendations to HR by Friday noon, with a requirement of three council member consensus for a candidate to make the interview list. If ties occurred resulting in more than three candidates, a special meeting would be scheduled to decide further. The current process for narrowing down candidates was established as a consensus-based approach, ensuring all present council members' preferences were considered, and absent members could provide input later. A scoring system was suggested as an alternative to prevent ties. Council member Ba voted in favor of the motion [cite: 1507, 1515].
Water Plant Sample Pump Upgrade Approved for Cost Savings
The Eskanaba City Council approved retaining Master Electric of Escanaba, Michigan, for $5,477 to install 120-volt power for sample pumps at the water plant. This upgrade will allow the water department to purchase more cost-effective pumps. The pumps will be located strategically throughout the plant to draw samples and pump them to the lab. The new pumps are significantly cheaper, costing $380 compared to $5,000 for older models. The pumps are turned on daily for operation during sampling. The council also discussed the potential energy savings, with the electric department's input needed for a precise calculation. Council member Ba voted in favor of the motion [cite: 797].
Wastewater Plant Garage Doors to Receive Antenna Upgrade
The Eskanaba City Council approved retaining Delta Door Company of Gladstone, Michigan, for $1,512.70 to install external antennas for five garage doors at the wastewater plant. This measure aims to resolve persistent problems with the garage door openers and remotes since their installation by increasing the reception range. The council discussed potential adjustments to the remotes themselves, such as a set screw that might adjust gain or frequency, which could improve performance. The project is expected to eliminate issues with remote operation. Council member Moore voted in favor [cite: 842].
Souhill Sanitation to Purchase Lot 8 in Whitetail Industrial Park for $23,000
The Eskanaba City Council approved the sale of Lot 8 in the Whitetail Industrial Park to Souhill Sanitation for $23,000. This 1.58-acre lot has been on the market since approximately 2000. The buyer, Gary Dubour of Souhill Sanitation, noted that only about one acre is usable due to wetlands and property line setbacks. He highlighted documented issues with caustic ash burial on the property. The city's land value study indicated a value of $16,500 per acre for industrial land, and an assessor's opinion placed the value between $28,000 and $30,000. An appraisal came in higher. Dubour requested the sale be approved at the original $23,000 offer, stating it was more than appropriate given the limited usable land. The council also discussed a 18-month construction requirement for the buyer. Council member Ba voted in favor of the $23,000 sale [cite: 907].
Eskanaba Council Chooses In-House Arborist Over Conservation District Agreement
The Eskanaba City Council debated and ultimately voted to deny the interlocal service agreement with the Delta Conservation District for urban forestry program support. Instead, the council favored a proposal for city staff to hire a licensed arborist internally. The city manager presented the alternative of hiring an employee for 40 hours a week, compared to the conservation district's 10 hours a month. This internal hire would fill a vacant senior foreman position, creating budgetary savings by shifting wages. The council supported the in-house approach, believing it would provide better daily oversight of tree issues. The motion to deny the conservation district agreement was made and seconded, and the council proceeded with the plan to develop an internal arborist role. Council member Ba voted against denying the agreement [cite: 513, 605].
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The Escanaba News archive
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City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, March 05, 2026
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