Escanaba City Council Meeting (March 5th, 2026): Escanaba Yacht Club and City Manager Position

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I'm just putting 
here to help visualize. 
You can look on their webpage
for their actual logo and information. 
Consider joining. 
EYC Webpage

A couple of primary ideas came out of the Escanaba City Council meeting. Two of the biggest topics were the hiring of a new city manager and the discussion surrounding the Escanaba Yacht Club (EYC).

City Manager Position

The current city manager, who is leaving, appears to have done a solid job for the city. From my perspective, there are no complaints. He seems to be a capable young professional who did what he needed to do while creating opportunities both for the city and for his own career. It is always encouraging to see talented people come into a community, contribute positively, and continue to grow professionally. While it would be ideal for communities to retain that talent long-term, the transition also creates an opportunity to bring in new skills and perspectives that may support the next phase of the city’s development.

As the city looks for a new manager, the council appears to be focusing on the right priorities. Housing is a major need, particularly downtown housing. In addition, the city needs to continue attracting startups and investment, especially businesses downtown as well as manufacturing and industrial development in the area. At the same time, it should continue building on the growth in tourism that Escanaba has experienced over the past few years. Interesting article on Hiring Executives -SHRM

Escanaba Yacht Club

The second major topic was the Escanaba Yacht Club and the discussion about the value it brings to the community. It was a productive conversation because it gave the yacht club an opportunity to highlight what it currently contributes as well as what it could potentially contribute in the future. Several ideas were discussed that could strengthen its role in the community. The conversation is what is important.

One idea that came to mind while reflecting on the discussion involves partnerships with the nearby Gladstone marina and sailing community. For example, the Escanaba Yacht Club has facilities that could potentially be used as classroom space for sailing or boating education. Courses could combine classroom instruction at the Escanaba Yacht Club with hands-on sailing experiences on larger private boats that volunteer to take people out, while also partnering with Gladstone for practical training using smaller boats from the boat house (Gladstone Sail School). In this way, both communities could benefit by working together and developing a stronger regional sailing and waterfront program (EYC Webpage and GYC Facebook).

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For just a moment
the world stops.

Tourism sells experiences.
Strong communities
create experiences.
Positive affectivity 
and improved spending
can support businesses
on Ludington Street
that can foster 
investment, tourism,
and tax revenue.

Trajectory of American
Yacht Clubs

As a side note, I am considering joining the Escanaba Yacht Club. I'm already a member of the GYC . Membership reciprocity between clubs can be helpful when traveling, since many yacht clubs honor each other’s memberships. I also like hanging out with people. Local memberships are also relatively affordable around 100 ish compared with clubs in other regions, which can cost thousands of dollars to join.

Another idea is to strengthen the tourism and visual identity of the waterfront. Decorative flags or banners with the Escanaba Yacht Club logo could be placed along the east side of Ludington Street to help beautify the area and highlight the connection between downtown and the waterfront. When combined with the marina, beaches, and other downtown improvements, small visual enhancements such as flowers could help strengthen the attractiveness of several blocks of the downtown area.  A certain level of co-branding with the city in Great Lakes tourism and sailing venues (Ideally Escanaba, Gladstone, Delta County and businesses can create cobranding.) One even consider a monthly activity or sailing column in the local newspaper.  That could inturn lead to investment on that side of the city to enhance the investment that is already coming in.

Overall, when considering the value that yacht clubs can bring to a community, it can be helpful to think beyond traditional expectations and explore broader possibilities related to tourism, education, partnerships, investment, socialization and waterfront development.

Bullet Point Summary for March 5th, 2026 City Council Meeting Notes:

• City council uses a consent agenda to approve routine items together unless a council member or citizen asks for a separate discussion.

• The March 5, 2026 meeting agenda included approval of minutes from the February 19 and February 24 meetings, agenda adjustments, conflict of interest declarations, and public comments.

• A public hearing was scheduled to present the final report and close-out of a Community Development Block Grant awarded to LeverEdge Chiropractic PLLC.

• Council considered approving Resolution 26-04 to support a charitable gaming license request from New Life Community Center to allow large fundraising events.

• Council reviewed a request to approve a special event permit for the RRN Block Party on July 24, 2026, including closing the 100 block of South 11th Street and allowing alcohol sales under state and local rules.

• Administration requested approval to hire Pemble Concrete to redo epoxy flooring at the Public Works facility for $7,940.

• Council considered purchasing a playground from GameTime for West Side Park for $15,318.06.

• Council planned the first reading of Ordinance No. 1317 to amend winter parking restrictions, with the second reading and public hearing scheduled for March 19, 2026.

• Council scheduled discussion on next steps in the city manager hiring process after interviews held on February 24, 2026.

• At the February 19 meeting, council approved electrical safety training for water and wastewater staff up to $6,000.

• Council approved the purchase of a wastewater treatment plant mixer for $17,500.

• Council adopted a resolution allowing golf carts on certain city streets with restrictions such as 30 mph speed limits, daylight operation only, and licensed drivers age 16 or older.

• Council approved a $137,814 contract with Roy Ness Contracting for public safety locker room and bathroom upgrades.

• Public comments at the February 19 meeting focused on issues related to the Escanaba Yacht Club.

• A February 24 special meeting was held to interview candidates for the city manager position and discuss topics such as downtown development, housing, utility rates, inflation, and communication with residents.