ESCANABA — An Escanaba City Council member was appointed as a voting member of the city’s planning commission Thursday, the result of ongoing absenteeism and multiple meeting being canceled due to lack of quorum.

“I really don’t have any insight. I rarely ever get an explanation of why,” said Escanaba Planning and Zoning Administrator Tyler Anthony, who noted that other than one member with health concerns, there was no definitive reason for the absenteeism.

Changes made to the city’s planning commission ordinance allow for Council Member Ron Beauchamp to serve as a voting member of the commission. Prior to Thursday’s meeting, Beauchamp served as on the commission in a non-voting capacity as the council’s liaison.

Beauchamp was not present Thursday, but City Manager Jim McNeil noted that Beauchamp had expressed concerns about members of the public feeling his ability to vote was giving the council too much control over planning commission activities. McNeil said if it became an issue with the public, Beauchamp had expressed he would resign or that he should be removed from the board.

Because Beauchamp is continuing to serve as the liaison for the board as an ex officio member, his term with the planning commission will end when his term on the council ends. If he is reelected, the council may opt to extend his service on the commission.

The city is also seeking additional members for the planning commission. Interested individuals should contact the city and fill out an application.

In other business the council:

— Held a public hearing and adopted an ordinance repealing a special planned zoning district that encompassed an area on the south side of the city, adjacent to Lincoln Road. The special planned E-2 commercial zoning district was put in place to allow development in the area that never materialized. The change approved Thursday rezones the land into multiple types, including zoning suitable for single-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, and local businesses.

— Approved the closure of South 11th Street from Ludington Street to the alley for the Escanaba Christmas Tree Lighting, scheduled for Nov. 26 at 6 p.m.

— Approved the closure of Ludington Street for the annual Christmas Parade set for Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

— Approved retaining the services of WSP to complete the application process and a cost benefit analysis for a grant from FEMA for storm sewer upgrades. If approved, the grant would provide the city with as much as $3 million for the upgrades.

— Approved hiring the Michigan Public Power Association to prepare and file a Renewable Energy Plan for a cost not to exceed. $5,000. The plan must be filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission by Feb. 28, 2025.