Cooperation between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City set a positive tone for the Mackinaw City Village Council meeting Thursday, August 21, which was attended by St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin, City Manager Eric Dodson, and Fire Chief John "Bucky" Robinson.

"On August 4, we had fire at Mackinac Sales on West US-2, and on behalf of the city, we'd like to present . . . a resolution recognizing the Mackinaw City Fire Department for coming over and helping us," Mayor Grondin said.

"Every year I sign a mutual-aid agreement, and it is a pleasure, . . . because we have unique relationship, and I believe a good relationship that we want to maintain. We are good for each other. We have to be. We are at both ends of the bridge, so when you come over to help us, we appreciate that," he said.

The resolution, presented to Village President Ron Wallin, referenced the long-standing Krause family business, cited as an important part of the community, and the professionalism of the Mackinaw City Fire Department.

Arnold Line Mackinac Island Ferry will be allowed to park cars on village property near the Embers Restaurant during times when large numbers of tourists will be in the area, notably Labor Day weekend. Arnold dockmaster Mike Frey requested the accommodation owing to resurfacing of the State Dock, which is interfering with parking.

Although resurfacing the dock has been expected for at least two years, no one knew when the current phase would start, explained Village Manager Jeff Lawson.

Cars owned by Arnold Line patrons will be parked adjacent to the company's property behind the restaurant, in addition to space the company has rented elsewhere in the village, Mr. Frey said.

The state has removed the surface of the old dock, left two historical buildings intact, and will dig further down, prior to resurfacing, Mr. Lawson said. A comfort station is to be built on the dock during the winter, he added.

President Wallin noted that he is impressed with the speed at which the state dock project has progressed.

In related business, Cordes Excavating of Hillman will install 400 feet of forced main beneath a portion of the State Dock under an $11,000 contract approved by Council. It is part of a larger, twoyear main replacement program but is required to be done now because the surface of the state dock has been removed and is ready for new pavement. The line runs beneath the west end of the dock and serves hotels.

Council approved a $64,984 contract with H&D to pave gravel areas along Henry Street, near Shirt Tales and Mama Mia's Pizzeria and Restaurant. The company will also pave Wenniway Street and a parking area near Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry Company on North Huron Avenue.

Mackinaw City will be able to employ three full-time paramedics with a millage approved by voters in Emmet County.

Mackinaw City has advanced life support status and has to have three paramedics working with its team of volunteer emergency medical technicians and drivers, Mr. Lawson explained. Until now, the village was only able to employ the third paramedic part time, he added.