A trustee vacancy left by Jeff Hingston's election as village president was quickly filled with Paul Michalak during the Thursday, October 1, Mackinaw City Village Council meeting. The council also appointed a president pro tempore, turned down a resident's right-ofway abandonment request, and examined the results of a village audit during the packed meeting.

Mr. Michalak was nominated by Mr. Hingston to fill the remainder of his trustee position. Mr. Hingston had two years left in his term before he was elected village president September 15. Mr. Michalak will temporarily join the finance, marina and recreation, ordinance, and safety sub-committees in Mr. Hingston's stead. Actual appointments to the subcommittees will be determined at the next council meeting on Thursday, October 15.

Mr. Hingston nominated Janelle Bancroft to serve as president pro tempore and this was quickly accepted by the council. As president pro tempore, Mrs. Bancroft will preside over council meetings in Mr. Hingston's absence.

Albert Smith's request that the village to abandon 4,021 square feet to 9,085 square feet of rightof way of Straits Avenue and DuJauncy Street was denied following council discussion. The council revisited the issue after it was reviewed by the village planning commission Thursday, September 24, and the commission recommended denial.

The request was made to benefit Mr. Albert's mother, who has difficulty balancing and must climb stairs to reach her bedroom and bathroom in her home. The property, if abandoned by the city, would be used to build a single level home to better accommodate her.

The village has granted two right-of-way abandonments in the past, the council noted. Thirty-five feet were abandoned on the north and south side of Straits Avenue in 1988, although the reason is now unknown, according to council. Another portion was abandoned around 1997 and 1998 at the intersection of DuJuancy and Straits Avenue to obtain an easement used to square off the intersection.

In spite of these past actions, the village should not regularly engage in abandonments, Mr. Hingston said. Mr. Hingston added he understands Mr. Smith's mother is old, but this should not be a consideration in the decision. Trustee James Alford agreed, saying emotions should not be a deciding factor.

Mrs. Bancroft asked if the Smiths had considered remodeling the existing home, instead. Mr. Smith replied that remodeling the 100-year-old structure would be cost prohibitive.

Planning Commission Chair Rob Most asked the council to read to the public the commission's recommendation to deny the request. The written request explained the village may be unable to adequately provide for the expansion of utilities in that area if the right-of-way is abandoned. Mr. Smith could use a different lot in the village if he needs to build a house, it added.

"The council charges us to look beyond today and tomorrow," Mr. Most said. Abandoning the rightof way would mean the property would be abandoned for future use that could benefit village residents.

A report of the village's audit for the 2008-2009 financial year was largely positive, with the village's total assets exceeding its liabilities by $15.2 million. Assets are not solely money, and include capital such as buildings. Net assets also increased by approximately $500,000. The report was made by Annette Eustice of the Rehmann accounting and business consulting firm.