Village Officers Mark Final Meeting at Mackinaw City
Marina Survey, Chamber Election on Agenda
By Paul Gingras

It was an emotional meeting for the Mackinaw City Village Council Thursday, September 20, when outgoing council members made their final deliberations. Three new council members and a new village clerk will take their seats Thursday, October 4.

Council members and the public offered praise for outgoing clerk Sandy Krueger, outgoing president Robert Heilman, and outgoing trustees Sandra Planisek and Dave Edwards.

After 10 years as Village President, Mr. Heilman said he "is leaving with no regrets," adding that he is proud of the community's accomplishments during his service. Incoming president Ronald Wallin said positive effects of Mr. Heilman's service can be seen throughout Mackinaw City.

The board adopted a resolution acknowledging Sandra Krueger's more than 20 years of service as village clerk, which Mr. Heilman described as a tenure of dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism. He added that Mrs. Krueger efficiently incorporated ever-increasing, state-driven responsibilities directed to municipal clerks into her schedule, while adapting to changing technologies used in government.

"You brought this office up to the 21st century," he said.

The board voted to pay for two years of health insurance premiums

for Ms. Krueger after she leaves village employment. The expenditures amount to $13,100 a year.

When the council discussed the prospect Thursday, September 6, Village Manager Jeff Lawson said it would be the first time in recent history, and possibly the first time in the history of the municipality, this would be done for an elected official.

The board also adopted a resolution recognizing local Postmaster Dennis Godzik for 26 years of service in Mackinaw City, to which he responded with jovial thanks.

In response to a complaint by Kay Stemkoski, the board agreed to have Mackinaw City Police Chief Patrick Wyman investigate why policemen patrolling on bicycles have not been wearing reflective vests. Ms. Stemkoski said she has nearly run into black-clothed officers twice this summer, at night, because she could not see them. Mr. Lawson noted that police bicycles are equipped with lights.

Having come directly from a meeting of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, Park Commissioner Jim Williams informed the board that 25 benches have been purchased and will be placed along a walkway stretching between Alexander Henry Park and Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.

He reported that attendance was up 4% this season at Colonial Michilimackinac and Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, adding that attendance was lower than expected at Historic Mill Creek. The facility will receive improvements that are expected to boost patronage, he said.

Donna Beach, R.J. Fisher, Dean Scheerens, and Susan Brown ran for three open seats on the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Directors' terms are for three years. The election was decided by the chamber's 215 members. They were counted Tuesday, September 25, but results were not available at press time.

The village council can cast one vote in Chamber of Commerce elections, and, at the meeting, the council cast its ballot for Donna Beach, R.J. Fisher, and Dean Scheerens.

Council voted to institute customer comment cards at the Mackinaw City Municipal Marina, with the goal of keeping council members updated on consumer satisfaction with the facility.

The last time a survey was done regarding visitors' feelings about the marina was in 2003, Mr. Lawson said. He added that the village has received both complaints and praise for the facility this year.

To complete paving a portion of Pond Street, council voted to approve a $123,149 bid by H&D Inc. Mr. Lawson reminded the council that the majority of the project is funded with village landsale proceeds and a state block grant. About $23,000 of tax revenue will be used for the project.

In related news, council voted to approve a $7,625 bid by C2AE of Gaylord for engineering services on the Pond Street project.

The tree board approves of landscaping improvements at Mackinaw City Family Apartments. The council acted on the board's recommendation to remove dying trees at 306 North Huron Avenue and 309 East Jamet Street.

The ordinance committee reported that it recommends more aggressive monitoring of vendors taking part in the Mackinaw City Arts and Crafts Show. To avoid competition with local merchants, vendors are required to sell items they made themselves.

The show draws about 80 vendors, trustee Jeff Hingston said. The Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau makes approximately $9,000 from the event, which it uses to promote area events, he said.