Jean Nitz (second left) received a proclamation from St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin (left) designating Monday, May 4, 2009, Jean Nitz Day. The presentation was made during the city council meeting Monday evening. Mrs. Nitz was valuable in planning and fundraising for the city's library and she served on the library board for 13 years. Also pictured are library board members Hart Plumstead, Margaret Peacock, and Renee Vonderwerth and City Manager Eric Dodson. The St. Ignace City Council is not likely to amend the St. Ignace City Charter, but it doesn't know what to do about a provision to publish the city audit in a local newspaper, a requirement that it fears could cost too much money. So the city will ask its auditors how much of the 100-page document the city would have to publish and still meet the provisions of the charter.

During the city council's meeting Monday evening, May 4, city attorney Prentiss Brown Jr. said he believed the city would be in compliance with the charter by publishing the audit report but not the supporting documents, so long as it states that all documents are available for review at the city hall.

City Manager Eric Dodson said it would cost about $150 to publish a condensed version of the audit in The St. Ignace News.

In past discussions, concern was expressed that by publishing only the audit highlights, citizens might think the city is trying to hide something, but Councilman Don Gustafson said he does not think the city council could decide what sections of the audit would be published.

"I respectfully disagree with anyone who believes that there is a mark here that says we can pick and choose what parts of an audit are pertinent and what parts are impertinent," he said. "Now do I think that entire document needs to be printed in the paper? Absolutely not. I think people can get access to it, but I also believe that we are sworn to uphold the charter, which says that we will do such a thing."

The city last revised the charter in 1970.

Mayor Paul Grondin agreed that it is council's responsibility to uphold the charter, although he said he does not believe an amendment, which would require a referendum, is necessary.

"I totally agree with your overall premise," he said to Mr. Gustafson, "that at all cost, the charter must be fulfilled and it must be followed."

Councilman Merv Wyse said he had been an auditor and believes that publishing the supporting documents would be repetitious.

"We're going to get an audit report in a few weeks," he said. "Let's take a look at it."

Two other compliance issues resolved were publication of the management letter for the audit and the timing of the board of review.

Council agreed compliance of the management letter, which is written by city manager Eric Dodson and included with the audit report, would be published with the audit.

The charter requires the board of review to meet on the fourth Monday in March. At the request of the Mackinac County Equalization Department, the city's review board had been meeting on the third Monday. This year, the city met on the fourth Monday and experienced no problems, said Eugene Elmer, the city assessor, so it will continue to do so in the future.

Jean Nitz Honored

Jean Nitz, who served on the St. Ignace Public Library board for 13 years and played a vital role in planning and fundraising for the construction of the new library in 2005, was honored by the city with a proclamation designating May 4, 2009, Jean Nitz Day. Mrs. Nitz announced last month she would be moving to Bloomington, Indiana, to be closer to her daughter, Laurie Eynon.

"I've just really enjoyed my time here in St. Ignace," Mrs. Nitz said.

Council approved the mayor's appointment of Martha Sjogren to serve the remainder of Mrs. Nitz's term on the library board, which expires in November 2011.

With a bid of $5.50 each, Joe Durm of St. Ignace purchased two cabins on the new bus station property on the corner of US-2 and Church Street. His was the only bid the city received. Mr. Durm said he would remove the cabins by May 31. The cabins were once motel rooms.

Council gave special event status to the Yooper Motorcycle Show scheduled for Sunday, May 24, in the parking lot at the St. Ignace Municipal Marina. This is the second year for the free event, which is open to the public. The Visitors Bureau is organizing the show, which will be produced by Ray's Motorcycle Show World of Watertown, Wisconsin. Disabled American Veterans Straits Chapter 93 is also assisting.

As marina director, Mr. Elmer said budget reductions in his department would require the Visitors Bureau to organize the parking lot and keep cars out of the event area.

Council next meets Monday, May 18, at 8 p.m. at City Hall.