Replacing the yellowed and damaged globes on Mackinac Island street lamps would enhance city streets, city officials believe, and at its meeting Wednesday, January 13, the city council asked its finance committee to review the cost for such a project and make a recommendation.

The city has 100 ornamental glass globes on its street lights.

An option to be explored is to borrow the money to replace the globes from the city's capital improvement fund with a plan to pay it back in the next fiscal year, which begins April 1. The fund contains about $490,000.

In December, the city purchased 12 globes for $134.18 each and six were used to replace globes that had been damaged in a recent storm.

The new globes were installed on the south side of Main Street from the Arnold Dock west, past the public library. To complete replacing all of the globes on Main Street, the city would need an additional 36 globes for about $5,800, although that would not include replacement of globes on Cadotte Avenue, Market Street, and in the Mission area.

The Finance Committee will also look into replacing six spare lampposts. The city has no replacement poles to use if any are damaged, and has budgeted no funds this year for such a purchase.

Too many last-minute requests for banners, flags, and inflatable advertising displays during summer yacht races prompted the Mackinac Island City Council to set an application deadline. A letter drafted by City Clerk Karen Lennard, expected to be approved at the council's next meeting, will be sent to the Chicago and Bayview yacht clubs announcing a two-week deadline prior to the start of their annual races.

Last summer, applications were submitted as late as two days before the racers were to arrive on the Island.

The city is cautious about such displays because they scare horses.

The city will send a letter to the Save Our Island group inviting members to address city leaders about their concerns over the pending demolition of McNally Cottage and the group's request to put in place a moratorium against such action.

The city has received correspondence from the group's attorney, Eric Starck of Rhoades McKee of Grand Rapids, although no one from the organization has addressed the city in person.

Council will waive the Community Hall rental fee for a fundraiser for Ste. Anne's Church. The church is trying to raise money for the refurbishing of some of its stained glass windows. The fundraiser, a spaghetti dinner, is set for Wednesday, January 20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Council approved sending four firemen to training in Indiana at a total cost of $2,440 plus expenses for mileage, hotel rooms, and meals. The city had budgeted for the training that will take place from April 19 through April 24.

The city council next meets Wednesday, January 27, at 5 p.m. on the second floor of Community Hall.