ESCANABA – The Escanaba City Council will hold its second public hearing Thursday on the proposed 2026-27 budget and consider various resolutions, including one that would allow golf carts to operate on designated city streets.

The regular meeting will be held at City Hall, 410 Ludington St, Room C101 at 7 p.m.

Escanaba Public Safety Director Darren D. Smith requested council to consider and adopt a resolution authorizing the operation of golf carts on certain public roadways within the city, subject to conditions outlined in the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.657a).

If approved, golf cart use on city streets would follow specific rules, including restrictions on certain roads. According to the council agenda, golf carts would not be permitted on the following streets:

– Ludington Street

– Lincoln Road

– Stephenson Avenue

– Sheridan Avenue

– Washington Avenue

– 10th St and 14th St

– 3rd Ave S, 5th Ave S, and 3rd Ave N

Smith notes that Public Act 491 of 2014 allows local governments with populations of 30,000 or less to adopt resolutions permitting golf carts on streets with speed limits of 30 MPH or less. The act also states the city or village may maintain a recorded list of golf cart operators but may not charge operators to compile the list.

Additionally, Smith wrote, “The local unit of government does not have the ability to modify the requirements or conditions established by the state, with the exception of further prohibiting golf carts on selected streets with a 30 MPH or lower speed limit.”

Michigan Vehicle Code establishes conditions for golf cart operators and golf carts, including an operator must be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license, golf carts cannot be operated on sidewalks, golf carts may travel at a maximum speed of 15 MPH and more.

The council last discussed the topic of golf carts and ebikes at their July 17, 2025, regular meeting.

In other business, the council will:

– Consider hiring and retaining the services of Integrated Safety Solutions of Amherst Junction, Wis., for “Qualified Electrical Work Training” for the Water/Wastewater Departments in the amount not to exceed $6,000.

– Consider approving the purchase of a new mixer from Xylem Water Solutions of Pewaukee, Wis., for the Wastewater Department in the amount not to exceed $17,500.

– Consider approving a $137,814 bid from Roy Ness Contracting of Escanaba for new Escanaba Public Safety locker rooms and upgraded bathrooms. If approved, the project is expected to begin in March, depending on material ordering and delivery.

– Consider approving the purchase of powered ventilation air scrubbers for landfill leachate line from Xylem of Pewaukee, Wis., in the amount not to exceed $40,000. Escanaba Water Superintendent Jeff Lampi noted in the agenda item the Wastewater Department is awaiting details and a proposal from Xylem.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.