The Mackinac Island City Council postponed adoption of a Historic District ordinance at its meeting Wednesday, October 7, but will continue discussion of it during a special council meeting Wednesday, October 14, at 5 p.m., Mayor Margaret Doud announced. Adoption of the ordinance will permit the Hubbard's Annex committee to move forward with its plans to establish a historic district and the city to explore the creation of other historic districts in the city.

Postponing the adoption of the Historic District ordinance raised objections from Planning Commissioner Jim Pettit. He reminded Council that Ira Green's request to demolish McNally Cottage and replace it with a three-story hotel would be considered by the Planning Commission Tuesday, October 13. Had the ordinance been adopted Wednesday, the city could have placed a moratorium on demolition for up to a year. Mr. Pettit said he is against tearing the building down, but if the city has no safeguards against it, he will have to vote in favor of the demolition Tuesday.

"I'm against it," he said. "I don't want to see that old building torn down."

Mayor Doud said the hotel plans still have to be reviewed by the city architect before a building permit is issued.

Mr. Green, who also attended the meeting, said he is abiding by the city's ordinances with his planned project. McNally Cottage is on Main Street and in the commercial district and only hotel and retail buildings are allowed to be built there, he said.

"This is your zoning ordinance," Mr. Green told council.

The planning commission meeting in question has since been rescheduled to Tuesday, October 20, owing to the death of zoning administrator Dennis Dombroski’s father.

City Turns Attention to Wind Turbines After They Are Banned

on Park Land

In light of the recent resolution banning wind turbines in the Mackinac Island State Park by the Mackinac State Historic Park Commission, Mayor Doud also asked city attorney Tom Evashevski to talk with Park Director Phil Porter and assemble information on the wind generating devices for the Ordinance Committee. No date was set for the committee meeting.

"Considering our mutual mission to preserve Mackinac Island's historic ambiance and natural environment, I thought you might find this of interest," wrote Mr. Porter in a letter to the mayor and city council. A copy of the park commission's resolution was given to council members.

Alderman Armand "Smi" Horn said he thinks the city should adopt an ordinance prohibiting wind turbines.

On a related subject, summer resident Susan Lenfestey asked Council to consider a noise ordinance.

"There are eye sores and ear sores and I just think the whole picture should be looked at," she said.

Gleaner Life Insurance of Adrian has donated $7,396 to the community, giving $4,000 to the fire department for ice rescue equipment, $2,000 to the school for the media fund, and $1,396 to the medical center for emergency room equipment. The company held a convention on the Island in September and typically holds a silent auction and donate the money to the local community where the convention is held, said Kelly Bean, assistant to the mayor.

"It's very rare someone walks into your office and says, 'We would like to give you some money.' and they did," she told council.

In other business, Council approved the transfer of six bicycle licenses and several permits for construction andmaintenance work on the Island, as well as business licenses for two off-Island tree care services.

Council approved spending $850 for computer upgrades at the police department. Northern Networking of Escanaba will perform the work. The expense was not budgeted, said Police Chief Jim Marks. The computers need more memory.

"We've been putting Band-Aids on the system for two years trying to save money," he said. "It has to be taken care of at this point."

Mayor Doud announced that former city attorney, Ned Fenlon of Long Beach, California, turned 106 years old Wednesday and had called to send his regards.

Robin Dorman, executive director of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, said grant applications were being accepted until 4 p.m. Sunday, November 1, and a free grant writing workshop at the foundation office on Hoban Street Wednesday, October 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

City auditor Michael Konicki will present the city's audit at the council's next regular meeting Wednesday, October 21, which begins at 5 p.m. The Finance Committee will review the document at a meeting that day at 4 p.m.