Over the last nine years, St. Ignace has experienced a loss in revenue of about $72,800, receiving 58.8% less money to pay for plowing and sweeping the city's main thoroughfare, the I-75 business loop. The funding comes from Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Funds have fallen from $124,000 in 2000 to $51,176 for 2009, said City Manager Eric Dodson. Funding for 2009, he said, accounts for a 9% drop, or $8,195 less than 2008.

During the Monday, November 3, city council meeting, city leaders weighed safety issues and discussed how the city could be able to maintain the roadway at the same level as past years without cutting further into city funds. The city's major streets budget has a projected $20,000 negative balance for 2008.

Roadways considered in the major streets budget include South State, Truckey, Portage, Chambers, Marley, and Ferry Lane.

During a budget work session that preceded the city council meeting, Mr. Dodson said 2009 expenses for major streets are anticipated to be $30,000 over revenue. The city will not replace one position at the Department of Public Works (DPW), formerly held by Scott Marshall, who has been hired as the city's recreation director.

Funds to plow the sidewalk in front of downtown businesses were cut by MDOT in 2000, said Mr. Dodson, and since then the city has taken up the expense. Council discussed requiring businesses to keep sidewalks clear, although it hesitated to put an additional financial burden on them.

Councilman Don Gustafson suggested the city contact other nearby communities, including Sault Ste. Marie, to see how they are managing with the loss of funds from MDOT.

The city's $3.8 million sewer project is ahead of schedule, Mr. Dodson said in his report to Council. Work on the Cheeseman Road force main is completed and work has begun on sludge removal at the lagoons near the airport.

DPW Director Les Therrian said the weather has cooperated and contractors made more progress than they expected. The project will be completed in 2009.

In a related matter, the city still is waiting for a part to complete repairs to the Reagon Street lift station that failed in October. The insurance company, Mr. Therrian said, has agreed to pay for the parts.

Council readopted its All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Ordinance, which has been in place since January 6, 2006.

The city allows ATVs to be driven on the former Wisconsin Central Railroad right-ofway between South State Street and the city limits. The machines are allowed to travel on the shoulders of the city streets or, if no shoulder is available, on the edge of the street to access the railroad grade.

The ATVs can operate no faster than 20 miles per hour and from April 15 to November 30, from dawn to dusk.

American Transmission Company (ATC) of Waukesha, Wisconsin, met with Second Street property owners. Trees still will be removed that conflict with the power line, said Mr. Dodson, and the company has agreed to provide owners with information on their property rights along with easement agreements that are in place. Council asked City Attorney Prentiss Brown Jr. to monitor the process.

Council approved the following election board members for the Tuesday, November 4, general election: Democrats Laurie Steiner, Judy Massey, Susan Shuler, and Kathryn Heady; Republicans Jean Sterk, William Paul, Bonnie Flinn, Darlene Belleville, Loretta Strich, and Barbara Schroeder. Ms. Steiner will chair the board.

The city council will meet Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. for a budget work session. The regular council meeting will begin at 8 p.m. at city hall.