ESCANABA -Escanaba has set Sept. 4 as a family fun day which will include the fireworks that were rained out at the city's Fourth of July celebration, council decided at its meeting Thursday.
The Make-Up Family Day will take place in Ludington Park and will include food vendors, children's games, musical entertainment, and other activities. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 5.
The event is expected to cost the city about $3,500, which includes expenses for portable restrooms, the return of the fireworks crew, and the grand finale fireworks, said City Manager Jim O'Toole. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) contributed $1,500 of these costs, he added, welcoming donations to help with the remaining $2,000.
Council approved the Family Day in a 4-1 vote with councilman Pete Baker voting against the motion.
In other business, council will begin the hiring process to replace City Assessor Elizabeth Keller who is retiring at the end of September. Keller has been city assessor for 11 years.
Council approved the purchase of two electric transformers from RESCO, Inc., for $13,910. One transformer will be used to replace the unit at the landfill and the other transformer will be put in stock to be available. The purchase is included in the city's 2010-11 budget.
Service agreements were approved with the Bonifas Arts Center for $8,000 and the Delta County Historical Society for $4,000. In return for the funding, the arts center provides exhibits, plays, classes and workshops. The historical society provides tours and activities at the museum and lighthouse. Both items are included in the city's 2010-11 budget.
Council agreed to a resolution of support for the county's attempt to acquire the State of Michigan Office Building at 305 Ludington St. The DDA supported a similar resolution at its meeting Wednesday.