ESCANABA — The city of Escanaba may be one step closer to identifying a mysterious and foul odor that has plagued parts of the city.

During Thursday’s city council meeting, the council approved hiring Trimedia Environmental & Engineering Services of Marquette to investigate the source of the odors on 19th Avenue North at a cost not to exceed $12,350. The investigation was included in the 2019-20 fiscal year budget.

“Hopefully this engineering firm would solve the problem on who done it, where it’s coming from, and how to mitigate the problem,” said Water and Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Lampi.

Trimedia will conduct an initial survey of the situation followed by a second and possibly a third survey to identify the cause of the odor, which disappears and reappears with changing temperatures. Any and all investigation will be wrapped up by June 30.

“I feel strongly that we are hiring them to prove or disprove our liability, so that they are representing us to solve the problem and see if it’s coming from the sewer or if it’s coming from the landfill. Once we know where the problem is, then we’ll start pointing fingers and finding solutions,” said Lampi.

Also during the meeting, the council:

– Held a public hearing on a proposed application for a Community Development Block Grant Infrastructure and Resiliency Grant. If received, the grant will be used to fund improvements to the aging water, sewer, and storm sewer lines under Ludington Street from the lift station near 1st Street to 5th Street, as well as street repaving. Council approved submitting the application.

– Approved seeking the city’s recertification as a Redevelopment Ready Community.

– Adjusted the seasonal and transient slip fees at the marina to reflect new recommendations from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Slips will now cost $52 per foot of boat length, which Harbormaster Larry Gravatt said will result in an increase in slip fees for smaller vessels and a decrease for larger vessels that use more electricity.

– Approved the Color Youth Faith 5K Run/Walk event set for May 16.

– Approved adding solar panels, inverters, racking and related equipment to the city’s solar project at a cost not to exceed $580,000.

– Modified an electricity capacity contract with NextEra Energy. The new contract will allow the city to ensure capacity is neither under or over bought while also potentially saving the city money.

– Approved a contract with Bugle Contracting of Cornell for tree trimming in the city at a cost not to exceed $25,000.