The Escanaba City Council have authorized Cross General Contracting of Munising to complete the remaining work on the Municipal Dock restroom facility at a cost of $371,555.

ESCANABA — Efforts to complete the Municipal Dock restroom facility will move ahead after the Escanaba City Council approved a construction contract Thursday for the remaining work.

Council members authorized Cross General Contracting of Munising to complete the remaining work on the facility at a cost of $371,555.

According to agenda documents, the project will be funded through a combination of grant and city funds. The city has secured $165,000 through the RAP grant program, while the remaining costs will be covered through budgeted city funds.

The total revised project cost is estimated at $404,500, of which $32,945 has been approved and expended for the initiation of the design-build process.

During council discussion, Council Member Tyler Dubord questioned whether the project should move forward this year, noting that the only event currently scheduled at the Municipal Dock is the annual Labor Day celebration.

“My thought or opinion would be to postpone this project to delay the cost and look at the investment of (Stenberg Brothers Inc.) for events that take place at the Municipal Dock,” Dubord said.

Dubord’s concerns appeared to be eased after officials noted that the project would be funded through a combination of grant dollars and previously budgeted city funds.

Council Member Ronald Beauchamp said plans for replacing the restroom facility were initially discussed alongside upgrades to the dock’s pump station.

“My thought is this was discussed when Mr. Lampi informed us that the pump station needed to be reworked, and at that time, they had plans to demo the bathroom and build a new one,” Beauchamp said. “It’s been in the works for quite a few years.”

The original project estimates previously approved by council included one proposal in the amount of $423,850 and a second proposal in the amount of $350,350. Since this initial design phase, the restroom facility plans have reportedly been revised and enhanced to incorporate more durable, vandal-resistant materials and fixtures.

Completion of the facility is anticipated within the current calendar year.

In other news, the council:

– Approved repairs to dock two (“L” dock) at the Escanaba Marina by Flotation Docking Systems, Inc., from Cedarville in the amount of $18,500. According to a letter from Cody Carmichael of Flotation Docking Systems, the damage likely resulted from lateral forces locking inner and outer spuds followed by a short-term rise in water level. Various plumbing connections also failed, which have since been repaired.

– Approved a special event application from Kim Peterson, the city’s recreation director and harbor master, to hold a Labor Day celebration parade from the Karas Bandshell to the Municipal Dock and a beer tent. This will be the sixth annual event for the Labor Day celebration. According to the event application, the event is scheduled to begin Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.

– Approved a special event application from the Escanaba Elks Lodge 354 to close Ludington Street from 5th Street to 6th Street for their Elks Picnic event on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

– Approved a quote from Walechka, Inc, of Carney in the amount of $15,000 to construct an 8′ by 16′ covered pavilion and two 5′ by 3′ cement pads for the Webster Splash Park. Funding from various sources has been donated for the expenses. Pads will be ADA compliant.

– Approved a settlement agreement with the owners of property located at 208 S 4th St to resolve ordinance violations related to unfilled, below-grade conditions and remaining site debris after a February 2023 fire. The agreement requires the owners to bring the property into compliance within a specified time frame and authorizes the city, upon non-compliance, to enter the property, perform necessary work and recover all costs, including through a lien on the property. The agreement will allow the city to address existing nuisance conditions without filing a lawsuit. Council also approved to hire Klee Logging & Tree Service in the amount of $2,600 to address such ordinance violations at the property.

Additionally, at the council’s special meeting on Monday, the council approved a 4 percent increase for electric rates, a 4.5 percent increase for water rates and a 6 percent increase for wastewater rates. The solid waste, recycling, yard waste and litter rate will increase $0.25 for small customers ($5/month) and $1 for large customers ($20/month). Increases take effect beginning July 1.

—

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