A request for temporary use of motor vehicles to grade a vacant lot for bicycle rental was approved by Mackinac Island City Council at a brief meeting Wednesday, December 3. Ira Green, owner of Iroquois Bike Rental near Shepler's ferry dock, will grade the waterfront property next door to extend an existing concrete platform for bike rental, He said he hopes to avoid having bicycles prepared and loaded on or near the street, which has caused traffic congestion in that area.

"It's not good business for either the Island nor my business if we have people loading their bikes with a horse breathing down their necks," said Mr. Green.

Council approved his request for use of a backhoe and two dump trucks pending his purchase of the property. The deal was closed Thursday, December 4.

Butler Communications was reimbursed $175 for a motor vehicle permit fee, as the Saginaw-based company did not bury a new wire at the Lake Shore Drive home of Brian Dickey, as planned.

Mackinac Arts Council was approved to use Community Hall to conduct an art workshop from June 15 to June 19. The workshop will focus on painting images of horses and stables around the Island.

Police Chief Jim Marks and his Island police department were recognized by Commanding Officer David Hopper of the Michigan State Police (MSP) St. Ignace post in a letter to Council. Lieutenant Hopper praised Chief Marks for his professionalism and courtesy.

"Chief Marks has welcomed the MSP role in Island law enforcement and he has made our officers feel very much a part of the Island team," wrote Lt. Hopper. "I have worked with many police agencies in my 22 years in law enforcement and I consider Chief Marks right at the top of the administrators that I have known."

The 2009 schedule of regular meetings for Council was approved. All regular meetings are held every other Wednesday, beginning January 14, at 5 p.m. at the second floor of Community Hall on Market Street.

Sitting on the city council are Mayor Margaret Doud and aldermen Frank Bloswick, Michael Hart, Armand "Smi" Horn, Jason St. Onge, Dan Wightman, and Armand Porter.