managersnewsletter june 2010

Issue 6
City of Escanaba
Michigan
June 2010
THE COMMUNITY UPDATE
A means to keep the community informed about City’s services, programs, activities and opportunities to
participate.
COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK!
City of Escanaba has a new website design...
• Harbor Advisory Committee 06/01
at 4:30 p.m.
• Downtown Development Authority
06/02 at 7:30 a.m.
• City Council 06/03 at 7:00 p.m.
• Special City Council 06/07 at 8:00
a.m.
• Citizens’ Environmental Advisory
Committee 06/07 at 6:00 p.m.
• Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
06/08 at 6:00 p.m.
• Recreation Advisory Board 06/08
at 6:30 p.m.
• Joint Government 06/09 at 12:00
noon
• Brownfield Redevelopment Authority 06/09 at 2:30 p.m.
• Joint City Council and Electrical
Advisory Committee 06/09 at 6:00
p.m.
• Planning Commission 06/10 at 6:00
p.m.
• Java With Jim 06/16 at 8:30 a.m.
• Manager’s Call 06/17 at 6:00 p.m.
• City Council 06/17 at 7:00 p.m.
• Public Safety Retirement 06/22 at
8:00 a.m.
• Board of Library Trustees 06/28 at
5:00 p.m.
We’re located on the
web!
www.escanaba.org
The City of Escanaba is
now on Facebook.
Check us out!
We’re located on
Charter Television!
Channel 21
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 2
Positive Things for Escanaba
By: Gilbert Cheves, Escanaba Mayor
We have all heard the saying, “When opportunity knocks, you better answer the door.”
In today’s economy and with little support coming from the State, the doorbell may
seem pretty quiet. That’s why this council has been very proactive in supporting economic development in our community. There are not many other options available to turn bad trends
around. Overcoming a declining population, lowered tax base, and global competition for jobs is not
an easy task. However, it has to be done. The process often requires change, a word we don’t like to
hear very often. The ability to change and be proactive in the current economy is a very positive thing
for Escanaba.
Changing the philosophy of the DDA to invest more in the infrastructure and support capital improvements sends the positive message that we are committed to our downtown and willing to make the investments necessary to support retail and professional business development. This has paid off. This
year, we have had eight new businesses move into the downtown. We look forward to seeing the old
Delta Brewery renovated. The Brewery building is a great example of a project that has DDA and City
support. Our investment in infrastructure will come to life in the Stephenson Avenue project. All this
is coming together because we have a plan and are willing to support the change necessary to invest in
our community, and we are willing to make the community more attractive to potential employers that
are looking for a community that has a list of positive attributes that far exceeds the negative ones.
Planning for now and the future is critical. The North Shore Development Plan and DDA Development Plan will become tools that show us what opportunities there are with our existing assets and
how we proceed in implementing positive development. For many years, we have not addressed key
zoning and tax issues in these areas, and left these “brownfield” properties vacant. The development
plans, when incorporated into our Master Plan, will provide the path for a prospective business to easily see the potential in moving to Escanaba and give us the ability to provide a quick answer to our
ability to support them. Too many large development programs have gone to other states because we
weren’t ready for them. All of our information will be posted on the City’s web site, making it easy
for the decision makers to evaluate us.
Our assets for potential development must be defined in a way that attracts business that the region
will support. Accepting change is allowing us to target the emerging biomass and green energy market. The community’s vote in allowing the sale of the fifty-plus-year old power plant not only has the
potential to retain jobs, but can be a center of growth for other bio-industries. This could not happen if
the City retained ownership of the plant. A municipality does not have access to the tax credits and
incentives necessary to develop a bio-mass energy project and have it be cost effective. The City’s
Electric Department can now implement a near-term and long-term plan to stabilize and maintain
competitive electrical rates.
As a community, we have many good things that make us attractive. The changes we are making will
provide a better environment for job growth and also provide the activities and events that young people and prospective employees look for when deciding where to live.
LIBRARY SUMMER HOURS
MONDAY—THURSDAY 10:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M. AND FRIDAY 10:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
PAGE 3
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 4
Citizen and Community Awards
The City of Escanaba is pleased to bestow upon the following individuals and businesses the “Good
Citizenship” Award. These people and businesses truly “made a difference” in our community
through either volunteering service or participation in civic life.
Phyllis LaBranche, owner of the Swedish Pantry,
was awarded a “Good Citizenship Award” in
recognition for her exceptional promotion of
downtown Escanaba as a destination location.
Terry Reynolds, was awarded a “Good Citizenship Award” in recognition for his exception service in installing and maintaining the cross country ski trail system at Ludington Park and the
Westside Cross Country Trail.
The Hannahville Indian Community was awarded a
”Good Citizenship Award” in recognition for their
generous donation to fund the operation of the public
beach to include lifeguard personnel.
The NewPage Corporation – Escanaba Operations was
awarded a “Good Citizenship Award” for their generous
donation of a speed traffic radar trailer, which made the
community safer by reminding people of the need to observe posted traffic speeds. Aaron Gundrum, NP Safety
and Loss Prevention Manager accepted the award.
THANK YOU FOR SERVING ON A COMMISSION, COMMITTEE OR BOARD
The City of Escanaba recently recognized the following citizens for their service to the community in volunteering for
a local Board or Committee:
Priscilla Green, Board of Library Trustees
Ann Fix, Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee
Brian Moravec, Downtown Development Authority
Roy Hebert, Harbor Advisory Committee
Tom Nault, Loan Administration Board
Greg DeZiel, Local City Officers Comp. Commission
Dennis Renken, Planning Commission
Nicole Dowd, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Wayne Hardwick, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 5
Ludington Park Facilities
Ludington Park
Open 7:30 a.m.—11:00 p.m. daily. Picnicking, children’s playground, informal ball field, open areas for informal games, 4
lighted tennis courts, 6 sand volleyball courts, 1 outdoor basketball court, pavilion and gazebo, band shell with concerts
scheduled throughout the summer, bicycle path and public restrooms. For reservations, contact the Recreation Department
at 786-4141.
Ludington Park Pavilion/Band Shell
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED for family socials, picnics and outings. Located in Ludington Park. $50.00
reservation fee per day/event. For reservations call the Recreation Department at 786-4141.
Ludington Park Gazebo
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED for wedding ceremonies, family/group pictures, etc. Located in Ludington
Park. $30.00 reservation fee per 2-hour block. For reservations, call the Recreation Department at 786-4141.
Harbor Hideout Playground
In Ludington Park, our own 22,500 square foot children’s adventure facility. Suitable for children of all ages. A “must” for
all residents and visitors alike. Playground is barrier-free and nearly all handicapped accessible; slides, transfer points,
swings and playground cover suitable for the mobility impaired.
Tennis Courts
4—Ludington Park
2—Royce Park at South 19th Street/7th Avenue South
1—Rose Park at Stephenson Avenue/Washington Avenue
2—Veteran’s Park at Lake Shore Drive/12th Avenue South
4—Escanaba High School at 5th Avenue South/South 26th Street
Basketball Courts
1—Ludington Park
1—Royce Park at South 19th Street/7th Avenue South
1—Stephenson Park at North 19th Street/15th Avenue North
1—Veteran’s Park at Lake Shore Drive/12th Avenue South
Soccer Field
Located in Ludington Park: ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIRED. Please call the Recreation Department at 7864141.
Volleyball Courts
Located in Ludington Park. Six beach-sand courts.
Dog Owners Please Note:
When walking your pet within any City park/recreation facility, your pet must be under control
and you must be prepared to clean up all droppings, as per city Ordinance.
Doggy bags available at Municipal Dock area, 4th Street near Lake Shore Drive intersection
at the Band Shell and at the Marina.
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 6
Civic Center
Meeting Room Space
The Catherine Bonifas Civic
Center is a 26,000 square foot
facility and our meeting room
facilities can accommodate
small or large groups. The
Civic Center's four meeting
rooms offer a variety of various
furnishings and equipment
which are at the disposal of the
meeting room users. Gymnasium reservations may be made
by contacting Cheryl at the
Recreation Department at (906)
786-4141 between 9:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
.
Trash to Cash CityCity-Wide Garage Sale Event
Residents of the City of Escanaba are invited and encouraged to participate in the Annual City-Wide Trash to Cash Day City-Wide Garage Sale
Event scheduled for: June 11 and 12, 2010.
2010 The purpose of the program is to provide a venue for the recycling of reusable household items
such as furniture, lamps, electronics and other working household
goods, and enable residents to profit from the sale of these items. The
program is designed to increase awareness in recycling by creating an
alternative means of reusing items that could otherwise end up in the
landfill.
Guidelines
Any resident wishing to participate in the program
should call the Escanaba City Hall at 906-7869402 no later than June 1, 2010, at 4:00 p.m.
and provide their address to be included on a
treasure hunt address list. A list of all City-Wide
sale participants shall be posted at grocery
stores, gas stations, etc., so that people can plan
their “treasure” hunt. College students are also
encouraged to participate as they may find items
that will be useful to them in their dormitory or
apartment.
City of Escanaba Trash to Treasure Day
City of Escanaba residents are invited and encouraged to participate in
the community-wide “Trash to Treasure Day” on Saturday, June 19,
2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The purpose of the program is to
provide a venue for the recycling of reusable household items such as
furniture, lamps, electronics, and other working household items. The
program is designed to increase awareness in recycling by creating an
alternative means of reusing items that would otherwise end up in the
landfill.
Space for Lease at the
Catherine Bonifas Civic
Center
900 square feet, includes heat,
electricity and water. Centrally
located, Shown by appointment
only. Contact Tom Penegor,
Recreation Director at 7864141 M-F 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Guidelines
Any resident wishing to participate in the program is
asked to place reusable/serviceable items in front of
their house on the curb no earlier than 8:00 a.m. on June
19, 2010, so that people are encouraged to take what
they want. Remaining items that have not been taken
(recycled/claimed) must be removed from the curb side
no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 19, 2010.
College students are encouraged to participate in the treasure hunt in
that they may find items which will be useful to them in their dormitory
or apartment. Examples of items that can be recycled include lamps,
tables, chairs, dishes, etc. Please, no rubbish. Rubbish is defined to
mean anything that does not work, is not clean and is
not serviceable.
Rain date of June 26, 2010, has been established.
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 7
Escanaba Municipal Marina 2010 Staff
Pictured from left:: Harbor Master Larry Gravatt; Megan Opsahl-attendant; Jordan
Young- attendant; Charles Oslund-night watchman; Tom Erickson-attendant; Dane
Branson-attendant; Ben Booker-night watchman; and Nick Sundstrom-attendant. Not
Pictured: Elijah Haines-attendant; and Dennis Cole-weed harvester operator.
2010 Marina Service Schedule*
Period
May 10-June 6
June 7-August 8
August 9-September 6
September 7-September 19
September 20-October 8
Weekends of Sept 18/19;
Sept 25/26; & Oct 2/3
Staffing Hours
8:00am-6:00pm Su-Th/Fri-Sat 7:00 pm
7:00am-9:00pm Su-Th/Fri-Sat 10:00 pm
8:00am-8:00pm Su-Th/Fri Sat 9:00 pm
8:00am-5:00pm Su/Th/Fri-Sat 6:00 pm
9:00am-3:00pm M-F
10:00am-2:00pm Sa-Su
*2010 Service Schedule Hours subject to change at the discretion of the Harbor Master.
Dock Boxes
The Escanaba Municipal Marina has boaters dock/storage boxes that may be either rented or purchased from the Harbor Master. The dock boxes are fiberglass with white gel coat cover, of good quality, and are available in various sizes
dependent upon the location of your slip. If you are interested in renting or purchasing a dock box, please contact the
Harbor Master.
The City of Escanaba will be having their 150th Celebration from
July 5, 2013, to July 12, 2013. The Celebration Committee is looking
for volunteers to help plan this great event! If you are interested in helping,
please e-mail Councilmember Pat Baribeau at [email protected].
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 8
CITY SERVICES AND INFORMATION
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Gilbert Cheves
[email protected]
786-9102
Mayor Pro-Tem Leo Evans
[email protected]
233-0179
Councilmember Patricia
Baribeau
[email protected]
786-0532
Councilmember Brady Nelson
[email protected]
786-5271
Councilmember Pete Baker
[email protected]
789-2430
GENERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE STAFF
City Manager Jim O’Toole
[email protected]
City Controller Mike Dewar
[email protected]
786-9402
786-0605
Water/Wastewater Sup. Don French
Public Works Sup./City Eng. Bill Farrell
[email protected]
[email protected]
786-3291
786-1842
Electric Superintendent Mike Furmanski
Public Safety Director Al O’Dell
[email protected]
[email protected]
786-0061
786-5911
Recreation Director Tom Penegor
[email protected]
786-4141
City Clerk Bob Richards
Library Director Carolyn Stacey
[email protected]
[email protected]
786-1194
789-7323
HR Director/City Treasurer Bob Valentine
[email protected]
786-0552
City Assessor Elizabeth Keller
Harbor Master Larry Gravatt
[email protected]
[email protected]
786-9402
786-9614
Code Compliance Inspector Blaine DeGrave
[email protected]
786-9402
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Escanaba Public Safety—Emergency 911
Wastewater Questions/Issues—786-1301
Escanaba Public Safety—General 786-5911
Escanaba Public Library—789-7323
Garbage/Recycling Information—786-1842
Escanaba DDA—789-8696
Snow Plowing/Removal—786-1842
Electrical Questions/Issues—786-0061
Potable Water Questions/Issues—786-3291
Civic Center/Recreation—786-4141
Neighborhood Complaint Hotline—789-7317
Escanaba City
Council
Councilmember Pete
Baker, Mayor Pro-Tem Leo
Evans, Mayor Gilbert
Cheves, Councilmember
Brady Nelson and Councilmember Patricia Baribeau
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 9
LIBERTY ELM
A Liberty Elm Tree was planted in Veteran’s Park in
Escanaba. It was part of the National Arbor Day.
Public Works Senior Foreman, Thomas Boudreau
works with Nick Dufour of Gladstone Troup 411,
Jessie Dementer of Escanaba Venture Crew 401,
Nick Dementer of Escanaba Troop 408, Trevor
Mathieson of Gladstone Pack 471 and Justin Mathieson of Gladstone Pack 471. The group also planted
two red maple trees within the Park.
CITY OF ESCANABA
NEIGHBORHOOD CODE ENFORCEMENT HOTLINE
Do you have rubbish, long grass, dilapidated buildings or non-running vehicles in your neighborhood?
You can call the City of Escanaba’s Neighborhood Code Enforcement Hotline to report your concerns.
ALL: 789-7317or
E-Mail: [email protected]
JAVA WITH JIM
Join City of Escanaba Manager Jim
O’Toole for coffee and conversation
every third Wednesday of the month from
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Stone’s Deli, 1222 Ludington Street
June 16, 2010
***********************************
Schooner Café, 1301 Ludington Street
July 21, 2010
August 18, 2010
September 15, 2010
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 10
PROUDLY MADE IN ESCANABA, MICHIGAN . . . .
A community awareness campaign aimed at identifying and promoting Escanaba produced products or substantially
enhanced products and services.
A Success Story From Escanaba’s Working Waterfront
By: Christina Henderson, Delta County Economic Development Alliance Director
Specializing in New Construction & Marine Repairs since 1979
Escanaba’s working waterfront is both a rich source of history and an active
part of our local economy. Basic Marine, Inc. is one company that embodies Escanaba’s maritime tradition. The tug boats, cranes, barges, and buoys
you see in the harbor of Little Bay de Noc represent hardworking businesspeople who have harnessed the resources of the Great Lakes to bring jobs
and wealth to Delta County.
One of the great privileges of my tenure as EDA director has been the opportunity to go inside the fences at Basic Marine to meet owner Daniel Kobasic and his brother Claude and tour operations with controller Terrie Peters. You should know the incredible story of how Basic Marine grew from
a few guys on shore crafting one small boat, to a major contractor building
and repairing steel vessels for the US government.
Daniel Kobasic grew up in Escanaba with a knack for business and a passion for the open water. Kobasic joined the Merchant Marines as a young
Mate and traveled the world making deliveries during the Vietnam War. He
felt at home behind the wheel of a boat, and today has earned the title of US
Merchant Marine Captain. Upon leaving deep-sea sailing, Daniel managed
Shakey’s Pizza for a number of years; but the sea kept calling to him.
Daniel Kobasic launched Basic Marine, Inc. in 1979 with rented equipment, a couple acres on the waterfront
and an iron will to succeed. Kobasic had always been crafty and learned to form steel and build boats by just
doing it. He and his workers braved the weather off Lake Michigan, constructing barges and small vessels in
the open air until Daniel could afford to build an enclosed shop. When Harnishfiger closed in the early 1980’s,
Basic Marine gained a crew of talented steel workers, including Daniel’s brother, Claude and engineer Gary
Barber. The company continued to grow, bidding on small government steel fabrication projects for various
sectors, including heavy equipment and railroads.
Basic Marine’s specialty is now custom-built steel boats, barges and marine vessels. The company developed
long-term relationships with the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Geographical Survey, and
Departments of Transportation, among others. To date Basic Marine has completed 204 vessels, and has six
more underway. If your travel plans this summer include visiting Drummond Island, MI or Sugar Island near
Sault Ste. Marie, take note – the Drummond Island Ferries III and IV and the Sugar Island Ferry were built by
Basic Marine.
Over time, Kobasic acquired 38 acres of land along the waterfront including a large parcel of brownfield property from the railroad in the 1980’s. In addition to the distinctive red shop Basic Marine added a fabrication
building and a secure, climate-controlled warehouse, with facilities totaling 67,300 square feet. Basic Marine
boasts more than 1,000 feet of dockside space plus a 500 foot pier averaging 15 to 20 feet deep.
(Continued on Page 11)
PAGE 11
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
(Continued from Page 10)
There are no other shipbuilders of Basic Marine’s size and capabilities in the state of Michigan, and the company holds
its own in a competitive U.S. market. In addition to new construction, Basic Marine specializes in marine repairs. One
memorable job involved overhauling a boat built by drug traffickers in the Gulf and confiscated by the US Government.
The US Geological Survey was interested in the unique shape of the hull, so Basic Marine gutted everything else and
transformed the boat into the research vessel, Sturgeon.
A 160 foot drydock was added in 1993, allowing Basic Marine to fix bigger boats. A drydock is a narrow basin that can
be flooded to allow a vessel to be floated in, and then pumped out to allow that vessel to come to rest on a dry platform.
Because of the drydock, Basic Marine wins contracts to inspect and repair Coast Guard vessels, typically bringing 15-20
Coast Guard personnel into town to patronize local motels, shops and restaurants.
Basic Marine maintains a permanent staff of 20 – 25 workers and employs up to 50 people while working on larger contracts. The shipbuilder also subcontracts with several trades people for carpentry, piping, electrical work, crane and engine servicing, hydraulics, fire systems, naval architects and surveyors.
Between big jobs Basic Marine sometimes builds barges on speculation. One such barge attracted the attention of a
wealthy developer who owns half of South Fox Island, approximately 30 miles west of Charlevoix on Lake Michigan.
The developer was impressed by the scope of Basic Marine’s work, and hired them to haul massive loads of heavy
equipment and supplies to South Fox Island using the barge, cranes, tugs, fuel trucks, and hay. The developer built an
airport with a mile-long runway for his private jet, cabins, a mess hall, a horse ranch, and trophy hunting grounds.
Basic Towing, the marine transportation branch of the company, was added in 1986. The four tugboats currently in operation - Nickelena, Erika Kobasic, Krystal, and Escort –haul loads all across the Great Lakes. They travel to the East
Coast via the St. Lawrence Seaway System or the Erie Canal; to the West Coast via the Panama Canal, and anywhere in
between. Basic Towing’s tugs assist with launches of boats like the Staten Island Ferry and the USCGC Mackinaw. The
Erika Kobasic is also an ice-breaking vessel that keeps shipping lanes open in the winter.
Basic Marine, Inc. pumps millions of dollars into our local economy, and also contributes to the economic growth of our
entire region. When Cliffs Natural Resources needed a dock to transfer mining kiln equipment to their Ishpeming mine
in the summer of 2009, the docks in Marquette were not able to accommodate the weight and size of the shipment. Basic
Marine stepped up to haul the enormous pieces from Milwaukee to their dock in Escanaba where they could be loaded
onto trucks. This type of large-scale hauling could be used for other applications, such as wind turbine blades.
Never satisfied with the status quo, Daniel Kobasic and his team have plans to tackle even bigger boats. Their
$40,000,000 expansion plan, if fully funded, would create 60-100 new jobs and allow Basic Marine to compete with the
very few existing large drydock facilities located in the Great Lakes for ocean-going vessels in the 1,000 foot range.
Equal parts savvy businessman and salty sailor, Daniel Kobasic is a man whose life and livelihood are inextricably intertwined with the Escanaba Waterfront. With the help of a talented workforce, Kobasic built Basic Marine into a successful venture that brings wealth to Escanaba and carries the name of our fair city to
the oceans and back.
Next time you stand on the Municipal Dock and watch the tugboats come and go,
remember the story of Basic Marine’s humble beginnings. If we hope to see expanded economic development along our North Shore, we would do well to remember that vast wealth and resources aren’t as important as good business sense,
boldness to act, and an iron will to succeed.
Christina Quick Henderson is Director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance, a public/private partnership dedicated to business retention, expansion, and attraction in Delta County.
PAGE 12
THE COMMUNITY UPDATE
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS ACTIONS
BRIEF SUMMARY—May 2010
May 6, 2010, City Council Meeting
Set May 20, 2010, as the final public hearing and
approval of the 2010-11 City Budget.
Approved to close Ludington Street and use the
Municipal Dock and public streets for the 4th Annual
Salvation Army Home Run 10k and 5k Run/Walk on
May 29, 2010.
Approved a Demolition Consent Agreement/Demolition Bid for 201 North 19th Street.
Set May 20, 2010, for second reading, public hearing and adoption of Ordinance No. 1102.
Approved the use of Ludington Park for the
B.A.S.S. Northern Federation Championship Bass
Fishing Tournament from August 8-14, 2010.
Approved to retain C2AE Engineering Services of
Escanaba, in an amount not to exceed $512,000.
Approved to proceed with additional forest harvesting on City property.
Adopted a Resolution of Support MSHDA 2010
Rental Rehabilitation Program, “The Lofts on Ludington”.
Adopted a Resolution of Support Walleye Restoration and Fish Plants.
May 11, 2010, Special City Council Meeting
Authorized Weston Solutions of Hougton, MI, to
expand its scope of work on the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment at the Escanaba Power Plant.
May 12, 2010, Special City Council Meeting
Authorized City Administration enter into a Fixed
for Float Wholesale Purchase Power Pricing contract
for June 2010, at prices not to exceed: ON PEAK—
$65.00, OFF PEAK—$35.00
May 20, 2010, City Council Meeting
Established the City millage rate at 17.00 mills for
2010-11 Budget Year and to adopt the 2010-11 City
Budget.
Adopted Ordinance No. 1102, an Ordinance To
Allow The Sale Of Alcohol Beverages For Special
Events In Public Places.
Set the date of May 27, 2010, for second reading,
public hearing and adoption of Ordinance No. 1103
including the millage rate of 17 mills and Ordinance
No. 1104.
Set the date of June 7, 2010, for the second reading,
public hearing and adoption of Ordinance No. 1105,
1106, 1107 and 1108.
Approved a request from MDOT for their preferred
alternative design for a bicycle pathway on the East
Side of M-35.
Approved a request from The Bay Area Arts Association to utilize the Karas Memorial Bandshell for a
community concert series from July 19, 2010, to August 16, 2010.
May 27, 2010, Special City Council Meeting
Adopted Ordinance No. 1103, the Appropriations Ordinance.
Adopted Ordinance No. 1104, the Tax Levy Ordinance.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS—
BIDDERS—STUMP GRINDING BID FOR 2010
Sealed bids will be received by the City of Escanaba at
the office of the City Clerk, on or before 2:00 p.m. e.s.t.
on Tuesday, June 8, 2010. The bids will be publicly
opened and read in Room C101 in the City Hall located
at 410 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829. Bidder’s proposals and/or specifications may be obtained
from the office of the City Clerk, located at 410 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829. Please contact the
City Clerk’s Office for more information at (906) 7861194.
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 13
EXISTING VACANCIES- CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Zoning Appeals
MEETING DATE 2nd Tuesday of month, 6:00 p.m., City Hall, Room C101
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
MEETING DATE 2nd Wednesday of month, 2:30 p.m., City Hall, Room C101
Loan Administration Board
MEETING DATE Every Jan/Apr/July/Oct, 3rd Thursday, 9:00 a.m., Room C102
Local City Officers Compensation Commission
MEETING DATE Every Odd-Numbered Year - Nov., City Hall, Room C102
Planning Commission
MEETING DATE 2nd Thursday of month, 6:00 p.m., City Hall Room C101
If you are interested in serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, please contact the Escanaba City Clerk at 786-1194 or
stop into City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 410 Ludington Street, Escanaba, MI 49829.
Board Reappointments—
Reappointments—On May 21, 2010, the City Council approved the following reappointments:
Nancy Pearson to the Library Board of Trustees
James Hellerman to the Board of Zoning Appeals
Janice Hallett to the Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee
Peter Strom to the Downtown Development Authority
Glendon Brown to the Electrical Advisory Committee
Mark Ammel to the Harbor Advisory Committee
Betty Breclaw to the Historic District Commission
Suzell Eisenberger to the Historic District Commission
ESCANABA FAST FACTS
Hope Hansen to the Housing Commission
James Hellerman to the Liquor License Review Board
Lil Zorza to the Liquor License Review Board
Stephen Buckbee to the Planning Commission
Ron Powers to the Board of Appeals
Pat Boes to the Recreation Advisory Board
Todd Maki to the Recreation Advisory Board
Charles Vader to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
Tree City, USA
NEWS from The National Arbor Day Foundation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Escanaba Public Safety Department is the
home to Delta County’s 911 Dispatch Center.
Escanaba is the host to the Upper Peninsula
Regional Response Team Network (UP RRTN).
The City of Escanaba is one of fifteen teams in
Michigan.
2,000,000 gallons a day of raw sewage flows
by gravity to lift stations throughout the City
and is then pumped to the Wastewater Plant
for treatment.
The library provides public computers with
high speed Internet access and an unlimited
wireless network.
100 miles of overhead power lines. 10 miles
of underground power lines and 7,000 electric
meters in the City of Escanaba.
Escanaba’s Police & Fire Departments were
combined in 1975 to create Escanaba’s Public Safety Department where officers are cross
-trained to perform both police and fire functions.
In 1936, Escanaba harvested and processed
100,000 square feet of Birdseye Maple to be
used in the English Luxury Liner, The Queen
Mary.
Escanaba has been named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day
Foundation (NADF). This is the seventh year Escanaba has received
this national recognition.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day
Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
To become a Tree City USA, a community must
meet four standards: a tree board or department,
a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
“Trees and their many benefits to our community have never been more important. Proper
tree planting and care today will help ensure
cleaner, healthier, more tree-filled cities and
towns tomorrow”, said John Rosenow, President
of the NADF.
“Tree City USA is a recognized standard of an effective community
forestry program and the basis of such a program is a commitment to
ongoing improvement and renewal”, Rosenow continued. Congratulations to the City of Escanaba!
PAGE 14
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
Photographs Wanted!
Do you enjoy taking pictures and sharing
them with your friends and neighbors? If so,
the City of Escanaba is looking for current
photographs of people, places and events
taking place in the City of Escanaba. If you
are interested in contributing a photograph
for possible publishing in our Community
Update, please forward the picture to Mrs.
Kim Peterson at [email protected].
July 16 & 17 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday
The 4th annual Big Ole's/Pioneer Days returns this year on a
new date - in the heart of tourist season! The festival will be held
at the Gas & Steam Village at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. This
family friendly event is developing a large following - and with
good weather, we anticipate our biggest crowds ever!
• Village: cook shack, general store, barber shop, museum, radio shack and all novelty shops will be opened and staffed!
• The scent of fresh milled lumber will be in the air with the sawmill in full operation!
• Local songwriter and performer "Lumberjack" Bill Jamerson
will be presenting songs and stories about the early logging
days.
• Frank Russell, award-winning artisan, from Wellsboro PA, will
be chainsaw carving.
• The Great Lakes Timber Show will present two shows Friday
and four shows on Saturday. The show will feature chainsaw
carving, axe throwing, crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing
and logrolling.
• John Prokos will be setting up the Enduro obstacle course that
gives patrons a chance to showcase skills and strength.
• Food and beverages will be on hand and we are attempting to
bring the power parachutes back again to round out a great
weekend of family fun!
Big Ole's Pioneer Days not only attracts people from outside the
area, but also provides a healthy, fun filled, learning experience
for the people of Delta County. We appreciate your support and
hope that you will join us again this year! For information about
the festival: Please contact Bruce Belanger at 906-789-4333 or
Skip DuFour at 906-786-5120.
Escanaba City Band
The Escanaba City Band will start their
summer concerts on June 16th at 7:30
p.m. at the Ludington Park Band Shell.
On June 23rd, the Escanaba City Band
will be performing for the Ice Cream Social at the Escanaba Public Library from
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Escanaba
City Band will continue with their summer schedule at the Ludington Park Band
Shell on June 30th and will continue to
play every Wednesday until August 18th.
Community Concert Series
The Community Concert Series will be
held on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m. with Tuesday as a rain date.
July 12th—Darrell Syria & Dave Ziegner
(rearranged cover tunes & reggae music)
July 19th—Jam Band
(old rock and roll)
July 26th—Generations Band
(easy listening, country and classic rock)
August 2nd—Haight Ashbury
(electric)
August 9th—Grassfire
(bluegrass)
August 16th—Flat Broke Blues
(the blues)
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 15
2010 SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Summer Band Concerts
Escanaba’s City Band will perform each Wednesday evening throughout the summer at the Karas Memorial Band
Shell in Ludington Park at 7:30 p.m. beginning June 16th thru August 18th.
The Air National Guard Army Band of 35 personnel will give a free concert together with Escanaba’s City Band on
Wednesday, July 28th at 7:30 p.m. at Karas Band Shell.
AYA (Angler Young Angler) Children’s Fishing Tournament
Sponsored by the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Fishing Club, Delta Chamber, and the Delta Tourism Bureau, this event
will be held on June 12th at the North Shore Boat Launch. Fore more information, contact Lynn Hanisko, AYA Director, at [email protected].
Tennis Lessons
Open to children in 5th thru 8th grades. Session I: June 15th thru July 8th (4 weeks) Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3:00
p.m. (16 hours total instruction). Session II: July 13th thru August 5th (4 weeks) Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3:00
p.m. (16 hours total instruction). Class sizes limited to the first 20 students. Registration fee: $25.00. $10.00 for
each additional participant per family. Instruction held at Veteran’s Park Tennis Courts at Lake Shore Drive/12th
Avenue South.
“Learn to Swim” at the Municipal Beach
The Recreation Department offers children 6 years of age and older an opportunity to attend quality swim lessons at
an affordable cost. Register at the Civic Center through Wednesday, June 30th. Lessons begin July 7th and will be
held each Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 11:00—11:50 a.m. through August 6th. To improve instruction quality,
small class sizes are maintained to provide greater student-teacher contact. Seven class levels are taught, instructors
are WSI certified. Course fee: $25.00. $10.00 fee for each additional participant per family.
Young Beginners Swim Lessons
Open to children 3-6 years of age. Course will provide young children with a proper and healthy attitude toward water and water safety. Instructions held at the Webster Park Wading Pool. Register at the Civic Center through
Wednesday, June 30th. Lessons begin July 6th and run for 5 weeks through August 5th. Course fee: $25.00. $10.00
for each additional participant per family.
Adult Recreation Programs
Slowpitch Softball—Delta County Travel League. For men 18 years of age and older. Contact person: Joe at 4204920.
Men’s 30 and Over Baseball—Contact person: Randy Kleiman 786-1136.
Women’s Slowpitch League—For women 18 years of age and older. Play at Gladstone and Rapid River. Contact
person: Vicki Caron at 420-4582.
Tai Chi Health Exercise—Held in Ludington Park. Graceful. Relaxing. Fun. Contact person: Cathi Knauf at 2801083.
Men’s Recreational Basketball—Open to all men on a drop-in basis. Fee is $5.00 per day or $30.00 per year. In the
gym: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6:00—7:30 a.m. and Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
Municipal Beach
The Escanaba Municipal Beach will open in early June and will close in mid-August. Located on Aronson Island in
Ludington Park. Beach supervised from 12:00 noon—7:00 p.m., seven days a week by Red Cross Certified Lifeguards. Beach Director—786-8709.
Webster Wading Pool
Opens in early June and closes in mid-August. Located in the 1300 block of North 19th Street. Open 12:00 noon—
7:00 p.m., Monday—Friday. Closed weekends. Open to children 3—10 years of age only. Supervised during hours
listed. Restroom facilities on site. Pool Attendant 280-2216.
THE COMM UNI TY UPD ATE
PAGE 16
ENERGY REDUCTION ACTION PLAN FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
The City of Escanaba Electric Department is encouraging all customers to follow three steps to reduce electricity consumption. The
following is an example of energy savings an average home in Escanaba’s service area could save by implementing a 1-2-3 action
plan. Actual savings will depend on the actions or measures implemented and a customer's actual consumption.
1. No Cost
Energy Item Action
Lighting
Turn off three 75-watt lights that operate 2 hours per night.
2nd RefrigeraUnplug and recycle your second refrigerator
tor
Dishwasher Open the door and use outside air to dry your dishes
Refrigerator Give the unit breathing room and clean the coils.
Clothes
Do only full loads when using the washer and dryer. Reduce loads to 10 from 15
Washer
loads monthly.
Set the equipment to energy savings mode that powers down when not in use or
Computers
turn equipment off when not in use.
Savings
2% of monthly energy
usage
9% of monthly energy
usage
1% of monthly energy
usage
1.7% of energy usage
.25% of monthly energy usage
1% of monthly energy
usage
2. Low Cost
Energy Item Action
Savings
Replace four 100 watt incandescent lamps with four 27 watt Compact Fluores- 6% of monthly energy
cent Lamps
usage
3% of monthly energy
Thermostat
Install an ENERGY STAR®-labeled programmable thermostat.
usage
Replace your halogen or incandescent torchiere with an ENERGY STAR®
2% of monthly energy
Torchiere
torchiere.
usage
7% of monthly energy
Dimmers
Use dimmers, timers, and motion sensors on incandescent lights
usage
Water Heater Wrap your older model water heater with a water heater blanket
.87 therms
Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. Drips cost energy and water loss up
Faucets
.83 therms
to 212 gallons a month.
Lighting
Window
Shades
Install window shades and coverings to cover windows and prevent air from
coming into room.
5% of monthly energy
usage
3. Investment
Energy Item
Action
Savings
Replace your 10 year old or older refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR®labeled energy-efficient refrigerator
Central Air Con- Replace your 10 year old or older air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR®ditioner
labeled energy-efficient air conditioner
Replace your 10 year old or older clothes washer with an ENERGY STAR®Clothes Washer
labeled energy-efficient clothes washer
8% of monthly energy usage
5% of monthly energy usage
5% of monthly energy usage
Hot Water Heater Replace water heater if ten years old or older
2.6 therms
Windows
34kWh in cooling
season
Refrigerator
Change out old windows with new high performance ones.