ESCANABA - Summer is in full swing in Escanaba, where a lot more events are being planned and were approved by city council during its regular meeting Thursday.
Eight upcoming community events approved by council Thursday include fundraisers, an arts festival, and a bicycle show, all in Ludington Park.
A spokesperson for the Bay de Noc Gobblers informed council on the organization's "Recreating in the Great Outdoors" to be held in the marina area. Ken Buchholtz said the event is for individuals with disabilities to experience outdoor activities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do.
The event takes place on Aug. 25. Activities planned include fishing, sailing, pontoon boat rides, miniature golf and hand cycling, said Buchholtz. Target shooting will also be available at the Great Lakes Sports Club in Danforth, he added.
A three-day camp-out begins on Aronson Island this evening as the Delta County Amateur Radio Society holds its second annual emergency preparedness gathering. Camping units will be set up on the northeast end of the island through Sunday afternoon.
The annual Don McInnis Memorial Walk has reserved the park pavilion for its fundraiser to benefit brain tumor research on July 12.
Three events are planned at Ludington Park on Saturday, Aug, 4.
The William Bonifas Arts Center is reserving the band shell area for its annual arts festival. Also planned is the 2nd annual Marina Fest at the city's marina, where there will be live music, games, food vendors and more. Pedals by the Bay, a local bicycle group, will host a vintage bicycle show across from Harbor Hideout on Aug. 4.
Paul Mitchell The School will be sponsoring a run/walk fundraiser in the park on Aug. 18 to support youth.
On Sept. 22, the Cedar Hill Medical 5K Run fundraiser will take place at the park on Sept. 22.
Council approved the above events contingent upon proper insurance being provided and cleanup.
To find out about other events taking place in Escanaba, visit the city's website at www.escanaba.org.
In other business, council agreed to chip seal a portion of South 21st Street between 10th Avenue South to 12th Avenue South at a cost to the property owners.
Council amended the city's ordinance to regulate licensing of peddlers and solicitors to allow ice cream trucks to operate between the hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The original version allowed ice cream trucks to operate until 9 p.m.
Council also approved adjustments in the 2011-12 budget to balance city accounts as required by the state. City Controller Mike Dewar said the majority of a decrease in the city's deficit this year was due to individual departments eliminating costs where possible.
Council passed a resolution allowing all full-time city employees to participate in the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) Health Care Savings Plan when implemented. The resolution now includes Escanaba Public Safety employees the option to join.
City Manager Jim O'Toole updated council on the sale of the city's power plant to Escanaba Green Energy. Both parties met Tuesday and are working on finalizing an agreement by June 30 with the closing to take place after that, he said.