ESCANABA — The Escanaba City Council will vote whether to expand water and sewer services farther into Wells Township; take actions that could bring about the creation of a historic district; and hear a number of requests from residents, nonprofits, and city departments during its meeting Thursday.

PUBLIC HEARING

The first item of business for the council is to hold a public hearing on a proposed cul-de-sac on the south end of South 20th Street, which would be 64-feet in diameter.

The hearing follows a petition from property owners in the area, however, the city’s charter requires a public hearing because the project would be funded through as special assessment. A second public hearing will likely be set for Aug. 1.

NONPROFIT SUPPORT

The council will vote on the approval of two service agreements — one with the Delta County Historical Society and one with the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center.

For the historical society, the council will vote on an agreement that would provide the society with $2,000 for the fiscal year in exchange for the society continuing its work through the museum and lighthouse. Money is already earmarked for this agreement in the city budget.

For the Bonifas, the council will vote to provide the arts center with $5,000 for the fiscal year in exchange for the Bonifas providing a minimum of six on-stage or radio plays annually — performed by Players de Noc or other professional groups — six to eight art exhibits, and a minimum of 40 classes in the creative and visual arts. This agreement is also included in the city’s budget.

WELLS WATER

AND SEWER

The council will review and possibly adopt an agreement that would allow the city to expand its water and sewer availability in Wells Township. The impetus for the agreement was the development of the new McCoy Construction & Forestry location being constructed on Highway 2, north of the city limits.

Like all areas of the township that receive city sewer and water, township landowners will be required to pay one-and-a-half times the rate Escanaba residents pay for sewer and water.

HISTORIC DISTRICT

The council will be asked to approve a resolution to seek members for a study committee for the proposed Ogden Triangle historic district. The proposed district — which has been controversial at past meetings — will not be created by the resolution, but the study committee would further research whether the district would be feasible or a benefit to the community.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT

The water, wastewater and public works departments all have requests from the city council. Specifically the departments are asking for:

— The retention of C2AE, of Escanaba, for engineering services to ensure compliance for the city’s water plant in an amount not to exceed $32,000. The money is budgeted and available for the work.

— The extension of C2AE’s allowance for financial obligations to complete activities related to a Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant. An additional $119,149.20 is being requested, not to exceed $271,609.20. The funds will be reimbursable through the grant, which is for $595,233.

— The purchase of a 2025 Ford F750 from Gorno Ford of Woodhave, Mich. for the water department. The cost of the vehicle — including signage, toolboxes, two-way radios, and delivery — would not exceed $122,000, due to price breaks from the MIDeal program. Money is available and budgeted for the purchase.

— The hire of Payne and Dolan for an amount not to exceed $26,600 to pave North 16th Street from 10th Avenue North to 11th Avenue North.

— The hire of Payne and Dolan to pave the alley between 4th and 5th Street South, between Ludington and 1st Avenue South for an amount not to exceed $9,520.