St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin (left) presents city attorney Prentiss Brown Jr. with a plaque that will hang in the council chambers at city hall. The plaque lists those who have served as city attorney since 1883. Mr. Brown marks his 52nd anniversary with the city Wednesday, April 22. A plaque recognizing 25 attorneys who have served the City of St. Ignace since 1883 was hung at city hall during the city council meeting Monday, April 20. It will join plaques listing the city's mayors, city managers, and clerks on the walls of the council chambers on the second floor.

Mayor Paul Grondin presented the plaque to city attorney Prentiss M. Brown, Jr. just two days shy of his 52nd anniversary in the position. Three of Mr. Brown's relatives also have served as city attorney, including his grandfather, James J. Brown, his father, Prentiss M. Brown, and a brother James J. Brown.

Judge Ned Fenlon, the only other living city attorney, held the position from 1940 to 1943. Now 105 years old, he is living with his son, Mike, in California.

Representatives from the state's Energy Office will visit the city, said City Manager Eric Dodson, to tour city facilities and discuss energy efficiencies that can be accommodated. The visit has yet to be scheduled. Councilman Don Gustafson suggested the city investigate stimulus funding to improve energy usage at city hall.

He also suggested the city consider reinstating an exchange program with other communities, which has been helpful for sharing information in the past. Mayor Grondin said he had contacted Ludington, although that city had not yet responded. At Council's suggestion, he also will contact Manistique.

Work continues at the bus station and an engineering delay relating to the heavy timber that will be showcased in the waiting area has been resolved, said Mr. Dodson. Drywall is being hung and construction of the building is estimated to be finished by June 26.

Council took no action on a suggestion by the city manager to have an open house and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility.

Councilman Willie LaLonde asked that the city continue to look for local contractors to supply service, rather than go out of the area. Mr. Dodson said that is the intention, although there are times when it is not possible.

The summer Farmers Market and Community Garage Sale were approved by Council.

The Farmer's Market will be held at the marina parking lot each Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, from May 16 to October 10, except during the car show June 27.

The St. Ignace Community Garage Sale, sponsored by the St. Ignace Business Association and Chamber of Commerce, will be Saturday, June 13. Proceeds from table rentals are used for advertising and future downtown events.

The Library Board, said Mr. Dodson, has eliminated one position, the two remaining staff, librarian and assistant librarian, will have their hours cut, and the library now will have reduced hours. Penal fines, which account for most of its revenue, have been reduced by more than 30%, he noted.

Mayor Grondin said library board member Jean Nitz will be moving to Indiana to live near family and the city will recognize her service at its next meeting. Her replacement also is expected to be named during the meeting.

Mr. Dodson told the city council that previous Home Show organizer, Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Mackinac County, helped make this year's St. Ignace Home Show and Spring Expo a success by turning over their records and providing information about organizing the event. The Home Show was held over the weekend and raised about $2,300 for the St. Ignace Recreation Department.

Auditors will be completing their work Tuesday, April 21, and Council can expect to receive the audit report in May, said City Clerk Reneé Vonderwerth.

St. Ignace will host a meeting of Upper Peninsula city managers May 14 at Little Bear East, Mr. Dodson announced.

Council was to continue its charter review from February, but postponed discussion until Councilman Paul Fullerton, who was absent Monday, could attend.

The city council next meets Monday, May 4, at 8 p.m. at the city hall.