Reviewing the 2009 budget will begin one month earlier than in previous years to meet St. Ignace City Charter requirements. During its review of the document this summer, Council discovered the city, for many years, has been violating charter requirements that call for the October review.

Council will receive the 2009 budget by its Monday, October 6, meeting. Council is expected to set up a work schedule on the document by its October 20 session.

Previously, review of the upcoming year's estimated revenues and expenditures had taken place in November. Some items, said City Manager Eric Dodson, likely will remain unchanged this year from initial submissions, like the budget for the St. Ignace Public Library, while other financial line items will not even be ready until mid October, like the roadwork contract with Michigan Department of Transportation for the trunkline.

The budget must be adopted by December 31.

Council has begun its annual city manager performance evaluation process. Each council member is required to complete the report and submit it to Mayor Paul Grondin on or before Monday, September 15. Mayor Grondin will compile the information, prepare a report, and distribute copies at the October 6 meeting.

"As always," said Mr. Dodson, "this can be a positive process to help me do my job, but I don't believe concerns about anything that is going on should wait until September of every year. I welcome any one of you to kick the door shut and tell me how you feel."

The city is seeking bids to install a sewer line along Murray Street from LeMotte. The project, said Department of Public Works Director Les Therrian, is not expected to cost more than $20,000.

More than two private sewer systems have failed on the street, he said.

City ordinance requires residents within 200 feet to hook up to the city service within one year. Council discussed offering residents the option to pay for the connection over five years, but no action was taken on the idea.

Council amended its debit card policy for city employees to prohibit use of the cards for online purchases. The cards already are restricted from personal use and cash advances.

The change in policy was needed, said Mr. Dodson, to eliminate the possibility of security risks.

Council approved a resolution in support for regional collaboration of maritime communities for grant funding. The resolution supports participation in the Governor's Centers for Regional Excellence Program. Others in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Maritime Experience Initiative include the St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority and Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, the DeTour Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society, and the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau.

Council voted to support the efforts of a local group trying to establish a higher education program in St. Ignace, called the Great Waters Center for Lifelong Learning. The group gave a presentation to council. Its plans were reported in The St. Ignace News August 21.

During public comment, resident Mary Nichols asked if council members would be paid for a special meeting held Wednesday, August 27, since it was a city error that required the meeting. The city had failed to meet state requirements to adopt a five-year deficit elimination plan, even though Council had been reminded in writing of the requirement by its auditors

in May. The oversight temporarily cost the city $3.8 million in loans to upgrade its wastewater system.

Mayor Grondin said Council is in its right to be paid for attendance at special meetings and it is up to individual council members if they wish to decline payment. Council members are paid $70 for regular meetings and $60 for committee meetings and for gatherings attended while representing the city. The mayor receives $80 per council meeting and $70 when representing the city at other events. The St. Ignace News reports the payments monthly.

Council next meets Monday, September 15, at 8 p.m. at city hall.