Lynn Walton of Walton Helicopter has been invited by the St. Ignace City Council to attend a Special Events Committee meeting Monday, June 12, to negotiate an agreement as to where he can operate his helicopter ride business during the Antique Auto Show weekend June 23 to 25.

At its meeting Monday, June 5, Council agreed that Walton Helicopter will no longer be permitted to operate his helicopter ride business at the Chief Dock downtown, directly behind Mackinac Grille Restaurant, owing to several complaints from residents and business owners. Councilman Don Gustafson, who made the motion, said the action taken does not mean the city is turning Walton Helicopter away from business during the event.

City Manager Eric Dodson said Mr. Walton, to his knowledge, never applied or was given a vendor's permit since the city assumed ownership of the dock from Star Line.

"I agree with Council," said show producer Ed Reavie. "I love helicopters, but with the noise and dust that it causes, it upsets people too much."

Mr. Reavie said the helicopter rides worked well operating from Little Bear East Ice Arena and Conference Center during the annual Truck Show, however, Councilman Tom Della-Moretta said there may be a problem with dust being kicked up by the helicopter there. Council did agree that Walton Helicopter, wherever it operates, will need to purchase a vendor's permit and provide necessary insurance documentation.

The Special Events Committee meets at 4 p.m. at City Hall, Monday, June 12.

St. Ignace Water and Sewer Department will apply for a onetime grant through the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that may save the city $4.3 million in the long run with improvements to water and sewer facilities. If the $300,000 grant is awarded (the city should know by October), it would pay about 90 percent of the costs of planning and engineering for several projects totaling $4.7 million, which DEQ has mandated the city to complete in 2008 and 2009.

Force main upgrades on Reagon and LeMotte streets must be completed by 2008. In 2009, the Water and Sewer Department must replace its pond liners, its Heritage lift station, and improve its disinfection and screening systems at its wastewater treatment plant. Although not mandated, the department will also seek to improve some of its sewer collection systems near homes, said Mr. Therrian.

To pay for the construction, the city will obtain a 20-year loan at 1.6 percent interest from the DEQ's revolving fund, which annual payments of roughly $255,000 a year.

Mr. Therrian said this option is better than the department's original plan, which was to seek a 40year loan through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development at four percent interest. Yearly payments for this loan would be approximately $235,000.

"We're going to be paying more each year, but we'll be paying the loan off faster, saving about $4.3 million in interest, overall," Mr. Therrian said.

The city is working with its consulting engineers, Wilcox Professional Services Design/ Build Ventures, in applying for the DEQ grant.

In related action, Ordinance 608, the water and sewer rate ordinance, was adopted by Council, which keeps rates as they are now through January 31, 2007.

The water rate is $4.72 per 1,000 gallons, while the sewer rate is $3.68 per 1,000 gallons.

Council agreed to settle with SEMCO Energy Gas Company and pay back $5,251 in tax revenue. Treasurer Eugene Elmer said it would cost the city more to fight the company at the state tax tribunal level, where the company has already been successful at winning legal debates over other communities and the state.

St. Ignace Township and Garfield Township have already settled and Moran Township's decision still is pending.

"The handwriting is on the wall," said Mr. Elmer.

SEMCO had tax protests pending in approximately 180 communities, and, according to the company, approximately 80 have now been resolved. The city received a settlement offer from SEMCO last fall, concerning its gas distribution property tax protest. The city had 60 days from April 26, 2006, to respond.

A resolution of support of the North Huron Scenic Pathway project was approved by council. The project is a collaborative effort by several municipalities to create a 70-mile bicycle path from St. Ignace to Drummond Island.

Project President Deb Evashevski, also the city's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) director, said each community involved will have a say as to where the path will be, with the understanding that the pathway must connect to its adjoining neighbor. She said she is hoping the pathway will be paved to allow in-line skaters to use it, as well.

Marianne Huskey, coordinator of watercraft races to be held at the American Legion Park July 8 and 9, was allowed by Council to use part of the city's railroad dock for parking. Mrs. Huskey also received permission to use parking space at Star Line and Mackinac Grille Restaurant by the business owners. Council approved the annual Sidewalk Sale Days in St. Ignace July 25 and July 26, sponsored by St. Ignace Business Association and the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce. Council also approved the third annual Ladies of the Lake Kayak Symposium to be held August 17 through August 20. The event is sponsored by Down Wind Sports and will be hosted at the Quality Inn in St. Ignace.

Council renewed its lease with Moran Township for operation of the ski hill at Doc Holle's Silver Mountain. Councilman Gustafson said the only changes to the agreement is that the park has grown in size and it recognizes the new disc golf course that is now at the site. The city operates the ski hill under the jurisdiction of Moran Township, which owns the property.