At left: This new thermometer sign will track the progress of fundraising efforts as donations are added for the preservation work at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace. About $250,000 is needed for exterior restoration at the 171- year-old building. Grants also are being sought and the Downtown Development Authority already has contributed $80,000 for the project. Plans include diverting water away from the foundation, painting the building's exterior, replacing the front walkway, restoring exterior windows, improving restrooms, and adding a room for demonstrations. The museum is on both the State and National Historic Registers and preservation work is being done based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. Standing near the sign Friday, October 17, are Shirley Sorrels (left), museum director, and Deb Evashevski, director of the DDA, which oversees museum operations. Contributions supporting downtown St. Ignace events were approved Friday, October 10, when the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) adopted its 2009 budget. The authority agreed to support the marina with $30,000 in funding spread over the next three years. Also, the authority reviewed its 2008 financial statements during the meeting. The DDA went over its 2008 budget by $4,290. The overage was attributed to the purchase of seven additional pedestrian directional signs. To cover the added expense, funds will be taken from the maintenance account.

The authority reviewed its proposed 2009 budget, which is up $263,440 from the 2008 budget of $237,490. The budget increase will pay for refurbishing parts of the American Legion Park and the boardwalk. Also, the DDA is considering adding new streetlights on State Street. The DDA will shift $30,000 from its cash balance to cover the cost, leaving about $40,000 in the account.

The marina funding approved by the authority is to help pay the marina bond payment, which will be paid off in 2020. The same contribution was made in 2008.

The marina needs the financial support, said Mr. Elmer. He also is making cost cutting measures by turning off some of the bubblers to save on utility costs without creating the potential for ice damage to docks. The bubblers prevent ice damage.

Mr. Elmer said he is concerned about the marina's future as the economy is faltering. Transient business at the marina was down 10% in 2007 and an additional 19% in 2008. Mr. Elmer estimates an additional 20% drop next year.

He also is anticipating a loss of business to the new state marina in Mackinaw City, when it opens next year.

Included in the 2009 budget is a 3% increase in salary for DDA Director Deb Evashevski. She will be paid $32,370 a year, up from $31,420. The increase is equal to what is included in the two-year contract of other city department heads. Mrs. Evashevski has an annual contract with the city to work 30 hours a week.

The Museum of Ojibwa Culture is budgeting $44,625 in expenses for 2009, which is down from its 2008 budget of $46,584. That, in part, is because the DDA has been able to reduce staff and cut utility costs by moving the museum store to the museum building, said director Shirley Sorrels. It was formerly housed in the chamber of commerce building next door.

Museum donations amounted to $8,527 this year, which the DDA solicited in lieu of an admis- sion fee. It had hoped for $12,900 in donations. Next year, the DDA is estimating visitors will donate $9,500.

This was the first year the museum has gone to donations and eliminated the entrance fee charge.

Attendance at the museum was down about 10% this year, Ms. Sorrels said.

A museum preservation fundraising campaign is underway, and a donation thermometer was installed October 16 in front of the museum to track the $250,000 needed for repairs and stabilization of the historic structure. So far, $80,000 has been received from the sale of the home on Glashaw Street, which was owned by the DDA.

The DDA next meets Friday, November 14, at 8 a.m. in council chambers in City Hall.