Ken Harrington, chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and Vice Chair Dexter McNamara introduced themselves to the Mackinaw City Village Council, discussed the status of Bell's Fishery, and supported the expansion of a waterfront walkway through tribal property Tuesday, January 7. Mr. Harrington replaced Frank Ettawageshik, while Mr. McNamara replaced Bill Denemy following a tribal election in August. The council also approved two resolutions to accept an alley behind the Mackinaw Clothing store and Mackinaw Crossings and a billboard near the IGA store, recognized Hugh and Marianne Murray for more than a decade of service as Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, reappointed Mary Clark to the planning commission, and set a public hearing date for the village's 2010 budget.

As Mr. Harrington introduced himself to the council and public, he said he is interested in developing a positive working relationship with the village.

Odawa Enterprise Management Manager Chuck Schofield also updated the village on the fishery's status. Mr. Schofield said it was his ambition to increase the fishery's processing capacity, but he was unable to after several years. The fishery is placing less emphasis on processing now and concentrating on a "niche" item, he said, such as smoked products.

An application to designate the fishery as trust land, which would bring it under tribal authority and would no longer be subject to the village's taxes and ordinances, has been in process for several years now, Mr. Harrington said. It is a long process, he added, and the tribe would notify local governments if it was approved. Mr. Lawson told The St. Ignace News that if the fishery receives trust land designation, the village would negotiate services such as fire and police coverage to make up for lost tax revenue. Mr. Lawson was unsure how much the fishery contributes in taxes.

The council approved two resolutions to accept property donations from Richard Weick and the West Side Association. The council received the alley donation offer during its December 3 meeting, learning Mr. Weick sold the Mackinaw Clothing store but discovered the store's alleyway is considered a separate parcel.

A billboard was donated by officers of West Side Association, which disbanded more than a year ago. The association provided recommendations on streetscaping and painted fire hydrants, Mr. Lawson said, and dissolved around the time village streetscaping was completed. Groups such as the Mackinaw Area Historical Society said they are interested in using the billboard, he said. The sign could also be used to advertise special events on the west side of the village. The sign is on the corner of Nicolet Street and Central Avenue.

Mr. and Mrs. Murray were honored for their of service as chamber ambassadors. The Murrays represented the chamber, appeared at ribbon cuttings, helped organize chamber events, and suggested destinations to visitors. The council awarded a community service resolution to them, thanking them for their efforts.

Mary Clark, whose term on the planning commission expired at the beginning of January, was reappointed by the council. She will resume her work at the next planning commission meeting Thursday, July 14.

A public hearing for the 2010 village budget will be held Thursday, February 4. A rough draft of the budget will be available Thursday, January 21. A revised draft will be available Tuesday, February 2.