Site preparation is underway for the new bus station on the corner of US-2 and Church Street in St. Ignace. Here, Maverick Construction begins clearing the site Tuesday, November 18. The $1.3 million depot is being funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation. "It must be Christmas because I didn't think I would ever report this. There is work being done at the bus station site," announced City Manager Eric Dodson at the St. Ignace City Council meeting Monday, November 17.

The bus station is being built on the corner of US-2 and Church Street. The Michigan Department of Transportation has released $1.37 million for the project and crews are preparing the area by cutting trees and digging a trench for electrical lines.

"The whole goal is to get the structure itself in place so the guys can work through the winter on the building," said Mr. Dodson.

Most of the work on the $3.8 million sewer improvement project that was scheduled for this fall is completed. The Heritage lift station is scheduled to be delivered the second week of December.

One of the liners has been replaced at the lagoons, said Department of Public Works Director Les Therrian.

The water fund contains $203,291, said Mr. Dodson, although a $270,000 bond payment is due in January. The sewer fund contains $203,291.

"We've got liabilities we have to take care of," said Mr. Dodson. "Not just payments, but also the reserve fund obligations that we're going to start meeting, but we haven't yet."

No rate hike was included in the 2009 budget work sheet, although a raise in rates is possible within the next two years, Mr. Dodson told The St. Ignace News following the meeting. Any hike, he said, likely would match the consumer price index, which is a reflection of inflation.

The city's All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Ordinance was adopted November 17. The St. Ignace News reported its adoption at the November 3 meeting, but the ordinance was introduced at that meeting to be voted on at Monday's meeting.

Council supported a request from the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce to hold the annual Holiday Open House, Home for the Holidays Parade and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday, December 5, beginning at 6 p.m.

Following Police Chief Tim Matelski's background check on St. Ignace residents Alan Tripp and David Martin, the men were approved for a license to drive taxi.

At council's next meeting, Mayor Paul Dodson said he will be asking Council to vote on 2009 offsite council meetings, including at the library in January, Little Bear East in February, and at LaSalle High School in March.

Mr. Grondin said he has been researching the names of past council members and he will present them at the next council meeting.

The mayor complimented Downtown Development Director Deb Evashevski on the downtown tree lights and suggested additional trees be decorated with them.

Mrs. Evashevski said the DDA budgeted for 18 trees to be replaced at a cost of $3,500 and to add the lights for another $2,500. She noted she has had other requests that the lights be expanded to more trees, and more will be added next year.

Susceptible to the Emerald Ash Bore, there are 40 ash trees remaining in the downtown grates that have to be removed, she added.

2009 Budget

Projected to come in at just under $8.4 million, the 2009 St. Ignace general operating budget accounts for a 3% increase in employee wages, rising energy costs, and falling revenue in the Department of Public Works (DPW). The new budget is slightly more than the $8.3 million 2008 budget.

Before its regular meeting Monday night, Council held its second work session to review the 269- page blueprint for next year's operating funds.

The downward trend in revenue from lower water usage, from $460,000 in 2007 to about $400,000 in 2008, and Mr. Mr. Therrian said the drop probably is owing to residents cutting back on water usage and fewer summer tourists staying at motels.

Council will receive a draft copy of the budget at its next meeting Monday, December 1, and will continue discussing the budget for major streets at that meeting.

During the first budget session November 3, projected expenses were $30,000 more than revenue for major streets. At that time, Council asked Mr. Dodson to contact neighboring communities to see how they are managing as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) cuts funding support.

Mr. Dodson said Monday that he will provide three options to balance the major streets budget at the December 1 meeting.

A public hearing on the 2009 budget probably will be Monday, December 15, followed by its adoption.