Holding their first work session to examine the city charter Monday June 2, St. Ignace city council members say they don't want to spend the money to amend the 38- year old document, especially because the city already is in debt. Council members also said if an issue is addressed in the charter that is not being followed, then they either can change operations to comply to the charter or they will propose changing the charter to meet procedures.

Conflicts between the charter and city operations are what prompted a review of the 42-page document in January. Budget reviews and meeting locations were two problems encountered.

The fundamental municipal law that guides city operations has some outdated sections, although Council agrees some areas may already be superseded by state laws.

Any changes to the charter require a public hearing, followed by a public referendum.

From January through March, council members and city staff have submitted conflicts they have identified with the charter. The comments have been compiled by City Manager Eric Dodson and were used as a starting point at Monday night's meeting.

Of the charter, council member Tom Della-Moretta said, "I don't want to amend this because I think the process of amending is extraordinarily expensive."

Mayor Paul Grondin agreed.

"I question whether or not it's prudent to go into the full process," he said. "That's why I didn't want to appoint a committee. That's why the seven of us are going to look at these. That's why the seven of us are going to make that decision."

Mr. Dodson did not estimate the cost to amend the city charter, but offered that it would be affected by the number of amendments placed on the ballot, printing costs, and legal fees.

Council agreed the city should not hold a special election, rather proposed changes could be considered during a scheduled election, including this November or next year.

City Attorney Prentiss M. Brown, Jr. advised Council the process to change the charter could take up to a year, as it did with the committee that worked on the charter in the late 1960s.

"If we got to 38-years," said council member Don Gustafson, "that group probably did a pretty good job in trying to foresee the future and the needs of the city, as well as one could foresee them in 1970."

During the hour meeting, council members did note several inaccuracies, including election dates. The charter calls for city elections to coincide with the state's fall primary and general elections, however, city elections are held on odd numbered years and there is no state election next year.

The remedy offered council member Paul Fullerton would be to change city elections, which also would help reduce costs, although it would affect terms of council members.

Another conflict is the appointment of the board of election inspectors, which is required by the charter to be a function of the city council but is done by the city clerk.

Mr. Dodson said he would do some research to find out the responsibility of a health officer, which the charter lists as an administrative officer. The city has not filled the position for years.

Mr. Brown said he will look into the charter provisions for the library board, which is also governed by the state.

Council will continue its charter review Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m.