Water Rates Raised 3.5%
Mackinac Island
By Ryan Schlehuber

Kathy Crawford, a councilwoman for the City of Novi, visited a Mackinac Island council meeting March 26. She was visiting Island resident Karen Schwarck, with whom she is writing a book, "Two Broads Abroad," about making new friends while traveling through England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Starting Tuesday, April 1, Mackinac Island residents and property owners will get a 3.5% increase in their water and sewer rates. The raise is part of a funding plan by the Island's Department of Public Works to help offset costs for a 10-year, $9.8 million upgrade to the city's wastewater treatment plant, which is close to capacity.

Mackinac Island City Council, at its meeting Wednesday, March 26, approved the rate increase along with the DPW's $2.18 million operations budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year that begins April 1.

The budget was first presented to Council by DPW Director Bruce Zimmerman March 12, but a vote was postponed to allow each member to review it. At the March 26 meeting, no discussion was held before or after the vote.

The budget is $611,114 less than the current budget, but the DPW continues to collect a onemill levy that, this year, will raise $187,500.

The DPW should be $180,000 ahead by the end of the next fiscal year, Mr. Zimmerman said.

The commodity rate for water increases from $3.52 per 1,000 gallons to $3.64, and the sewer rate increases from $6.33 to $6.55. Flat rates, monthly charges for readiness to serve, increase from $9.60 to $9.94 for water and $15.75 to $16.30 for sewer.

At the March 26 meeting, Council allowed a sidewalk use permit for the newly restored Mustang Lounge to allow the front door to open onto the sidewalk. The permit stipulates that a five-foot clearance must be maintained from the door to any permanent object on the sidewalk, such as a post, said building inspector Dennis Dombroski.

Council renewed its five-year parks and recreation plan. Recreation Director Leanne Brodeur said there were no major changes to the plan, which outlines future development and goals of the department and allows it to be eligible for state grants.

Council adopted reimbursement rates for employes attending off-Island training, conferences, and meetings. The mileage rate was set at 42¢ per mile. Meal rates are $7 per day for breakfast, $9 per day for lunch, and $18 per day for dinner. The new rates were effective April 1.

A total of $524.70 for mileage and meals for three firefighters attending a training seminar in Indianapolis Sunday, April 7, was approved by Council.

The city's fire department sends firefighters to the annual seminar. Jason St. Onge, Harold Jones, and Craig Bunker will be attending.

Council agreed to pay $4,742.30 for smoke detectors and a sprinkler system for the old medical clinic that is being converted into housing for seasonal police officers. It will be purchased from Protection One.

Council approved eight temporary motor vehicle permits.

Grand Hotel received three permits for use of two aerial lifts and an air compressor for repairs and maintenance.

Clean and Pest Control, a company from Wisconsin, received three permits to use a lawn tractor and two trailers to spray bug-repellent chemicals at Ste. Anne's Catholic Church, Arnold Transit Company's main dock and coal dock, and at the Island House.

Maverick Construction was issued four permits for construction at the Mustang Lounge on Astor Street. Vehicles in use will include an excavator, skidsteerloader, a backhoe, and a dump truck.

Rob Fraser of Maverick Construction, who is adding a storm sewer for the Mustang, suggested to Council that a storm sewer be installed or extended near the back of the Mustang to prevent water build-up during the spring and after heavy rainfall.

Council agreed to look into the idea, although private property owners in the area will have to be notified and agree to the project, said Councilman Michael Hart.

Kathy Crawford, a council member for the City of Novi, publicly greeted Council.

She was visiting her friend, Karen Schwarck, who lives at Trillium Heights and attended the council meeting.