Escanaba, Michigan Development News
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City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, July 16, 2026
Published: Jul 16, 2026
City Manager Employment Agreement Under Discussion; Council Debates Probationary Period and Severance
The city council reviewed the proposed employment agreement for Mr. Brian Chapman as City Manager. The agreement was negotiated by a hiring committee and HR, with legal review by Laura. Several edits and comments were incorporated, including a minor change referencing the Emergency Sick Time Act. Mr. Chapman had requested further changes regarding the one-year probationary period. Discussion ensued regarding the necessity of approving the contract immediately versus tabling it for further negotiation or clarification, especially concerning severance pay provisions. The council ultimately debated whether to approve the contract as is, contingent on non-substantive revisions and a successful background check, or to table it. Concerns were raised about the clarity of severance pay for termination within the first year, with the city attorney advising that the drafted agreement provides no severance within that period, which is a policy decision for the council.
Planning Commission Reviews Master Plan and Site Plan for New Bank
The Planning Commission met and discussed the Master Plan, which was a significant agenda item. Additionally, they reviewed a site plan for a new bank to be constructed on Ledington Street, on the corner where a previous bank was recently demolished.
City Council Reviews 2026 Master Plan Focusing on Housing, Economy, and Neighborhoods
The City Council reviewed Resolution 26-10, which seeks to accept and approve the 2026 City of Eskanaba Master Plan, prepared by Beckett and Raider in cooperation with the planning commission. Joey Walker presented the guiding principles of the plan, focusing on housing diversity, neighborhood enhancement, economic development, and strengthening commercial districts. The master plan is intended to guide future development and policy, though it is not legally binding. Key principles discussed include promoting infill development for affordable housing options like duplexes and triplexes, preserving walkable neighborhoods with a grid system, advancing economic development along the Northshore by leveraging existing deep water ports and rail infrastructure for an integrated working waterfront, and revitalizing the downtown commercial district by promoting density and walkability.
Housing Commission Considers Employee Pay Raise and Approves Masonry Inspection for Harbor Tower
The Housing Commission met and discussed a request from employees for a 10% pay increase. While the request was discussed, the final decision was not made before the reporting member had to leave. The member reminded the board of their fiscal responsibility. The commission also approved $43,000 for a masonry inspection of the exterior of the Harbor Tower building, an inspection that has not been conducted for a significant period.
Recreation Board Discusses Survey, Pickleball Demand, and Splash Pad Issues
The Recreation Board met and discussed the recreation questionnaire, which received 500 responses so far, aiming for more participants by extending the deadline to the end of August. The board is loosely developing a plan, with a public hearing planned for the fall to gather suggestions. A significant discussion focused on the demand for pickleball courts, with 12 individuals expressing strong interest. Currently, city courts are double-marked for both tennis and pickleball. The pickleball community desires dedicated courts, and Rice Park is identified as a potential location for this, though no concrete plans exist yet. The splash pad is open for a 'soft opening,' with children enjoying it, but issues like bikes damaging sprinkler heads and incomplete pavilion construction are being addressed. The board also noted that all city courts were double-marked for tennis and pickleball to ensure fairness.
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