Mackinaw City OKs Dean, Tracy Appointments, Denies Williams
By Paul Gingras

The Mackinaw City Village Council appointed Nancy Dean and Florence Tracy to the village planning commission, at the recommendation of the village president, and denied a seat to a third proposed appointee, Father Jim Williams, following heated debate at its Thursday, November 15, meeting.

The planning commission guides developments in the village by applying the local zoning ordinance and ensuring that building standards are upheld.

Village President Ronald Wallin's appointees replace planning commission members Fred Thompson, Jr. and Len Oliver, whose terms expired in September and who will be notified by letter that they will not be asked to continue serving, Mr. Wallin said. Replacements are also needed for commissioners Jerry Prior and Robert Darrow.

Mr. Darrow's resignation was accepted at the start of the meeting. In a letter to the council, he noted that after 20 years of municipal service, he no longer has time to serve on the commission.

Responding to questions by board members, Mr. Wallin explained that Jerry Prior expressed the desire to leave the commission last month, citing difficulties in carrying out his duties.

The two open seats on the ninemember planning commission will be addressed at the next council meeting, said Mr. Wallin, who is responsible for nominating planning commission members. The council can then accept or reject the nominations.

Mr. Wallin nominated Father Williams to serve out the remainder of Mr. Prior's term, which expires next September. Fr. Williams' nomination was protested by Trustee Janelle Bancroft, who said his appointment would cause friction with a village staff member.

Council members questioned whether outgoing commission members had been asked if they would like to continue to be on the commission. Mr. Wallin said he did not ask them to continue serving, adding that he believes in refreshing membership, periodically.

The new nominations were made to offer others the opportunity to take part in village planning, he said.

Mr. Wallin cited the credentials of his nominees. He noted that Nancy Dean is a practicing attorney in the area, that Florence Tracy has years of experience in township government, and that Fr. Williams was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.

Resident Kay Stemkoski pressed the council to explain how appointees gain expertise needed to serve on the planning commission. The average person does not possess expertise in zoning, planning, and other technical matters, she said, which are needed to make informed decisions regarding building projects that impact the aesthetic nature and future of the village.

Mr. Wallin explained that few begin their service on the planning commission with significant technical expertise in these areas. He added that the commission has a budget for sending its members to training sessions, or to bring in experts for training, when necessary.

Trustee Jeff Hingston, who sits on the planning commission, said some new members begin with moderate experience, but that the commission relies on village staff members to guide them through the details of building projects.

"It would be nice if everybody came on board with some kind of background, but that is not always the case," he said.