Another zipping meeting at Escanaba City Hall. Things are getting done, grants are coming together, and new equipment is in the works! You can also get a feel for how towns this size run and function. Whether your a bigger city or a smaller city there will be similarities. Smaller budget and smaller scale but its still the same general process. However, smaller rural high potential towns like this have their own unique challenges as they are somewhat isolated and stand alone. That can be an asset for the right kind of tourism, industry and digital worker. The city is open for investment. Its interesting watching a town in the process of becoming.......
Arts and Culture: Bonifas Art Center does a lot of great things and helps kids and adults. In a small town/city like this its important to provide cultural outlets and exposure so kids can grow in a healthy way. Fun creative activities are going to be more important in develop creative adults that can work in the Digital Economy/Information Age. This is one organization that should continue to be supported as it is enlightens and develops the mind and the positive social networks. Watch out the mayor was the Grinch so make sure you don't litter and do your homework kids (Eat your veggies as well)!
Engineering, City and Infrastructure Services: Some discussion on engineering of water plant. Total amount not to exceed $97K. There may be $3 million grand and loan forgiveness back on the program. Its not a bad idea to break projects up when needed to ensure that each stage and financial outlay is completed in an orderly way where options can be found. There has been a lot of work on the water plant project so far. I would say if it is time sensitive and has been in the works for some time I would rely a little heavier on those who were aware of the project but certainly would want to have a full packet and/or understanding of the project soon after. It takes time to work through complex issues so one just has to make a judgement call based on the information they have at that time. (Tactical and Strategic Management)If there are any problems it isn't going to be resolved in one sitting (not saying there are any problems at all.) $131K approved lead service line (There is a big push nationally to replace lead lines.). There is $50 million loan possibilities so they are seeking loan forgiveness for a SRF loan. Good points on just out there searching for money. Its important to obtain resources for a rural town like this. We are sort of stand alone out there with many of our own services. Thus anytime we can get money that aligns with our needs we should give it consideration. New water utility meters are needed. Purchase of a John Deere for local work.
Roles: Patrick Conner will be on the planning commission. New local police officers. That is great! I support our local police and the good work they do (Covid Masks). Nice to see they are able to recruit in a difficult recruitment environment. There is a national shortage in law enforcement recruitment and retention right now (Its a shame. Its a great profession and is transforming and changing and needs bright young cadets. All professions go through change and this one is as well. The need for public servants rises.). See National Police Recruitment. It would be interesting if they considered engaging in short officer exchanges/swaps with other departments for training and recruitment practices. Sometimes allowing for short term 6-month swaps brings in new knowledge (i.e. new tactics/strategies from other departments), partnerships to help expose officers to different styles and environments, encourages those officers that want to get out of the city to come and stay in a small town for a little while (maybe longer if they like it. It helps those officers when they can work in a less stressed environment. Also consider visa versa young officers that want to try a city for a short time but don't want to move long term.), improves diversity in the area and can open the doors to lots of other things (equipment, training, new people, exposure, non-lethal styles, etc...). It would be interesting to see. If your a department from a bigger city you might want to give them call and see what they say. It might be a win-win solution and benefit (I think it could be worked out if its only for a short term stay for tax and other purposes. An attorney can probably write out a fairly quick mutual agreement to be used with other departments. As soon as we get a new city attorney. Esky City Attorney Job Opening. 🤔).
Ice Skating Rink: Seriously, go down and get your skates and grab some hot Cocoa. Its fun and I remember doing that since I was a little kid. That is one of the beautiful things about this city is that its size allows you to build history of people, families, and institutions into the area. If done well there can also be happy tourist locations with people who can enjoy the flavor of a town embedded on the Great Lakes. There is more of a draw when visitors can easily find the information on local events and there are fun activities going on (When I looked around there was lots of stuff on Facebook but that isn't what visitors are going to find. A list of activities and events that is easy to find might be helpful. Visit Escanaba)
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