Finance Committee Considers Fireworks Contract

Meeting Wednesday, June 8, the city’s Finance Committee agreed to a repeat performance this year of last year’s Fourth of July fireworks display, but delayed approval of a new three-year fireworks contract until a liability issue is resolved.

The new contract, with Wolverine Fireworks Display, Inc. of Kawkawlin, is for $15,000 a year, $5,000 of which is contributed by Grand Hotel. But the Committee is concerned that it could be responsible for all $15,000 if the Grand terminates its contribution, and will seek clarification from Wolverine as to whether the contract could be reduced to $10,000, should that happen. The new contract will begin in 2006.

The good news is that the fireworks will cost the city $1,500 less this year, because, according to Kelly Bean, assistant to the mayor, additional insurance the city has been paying is not necessary. Wolverine Fireworks has been providing the liability insurance as part of its fireworks contract with the city.

The committee agreed to purchase city uniforms from National Office Products of Sault Ste. Marie for $825.58, which offered a $200 savings from the last purchase. The company is also waiving a $50 design fee, said Ms. Bean, because they also want all of the city’s business, including office supplies, equipment, and printing.

The committee agreed to add an assistant librarian for $4,968 to the library staff because the money is being donated to the library through the Mackinac Island Community Foundation and will not cost the city any additional money.

Ms. Bean was asked to research the cost of adding one or two more telescopes along the boardwalk in front of the school to provide views of the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac.

At one point in the meeting, City Attorney Tom Evashevski told Alderman Jason St. Onge that Council could not go into a closed meeting to discuss “security” issues, whereupon Mr. St. Onge said he would address the matter “the old fashion way,” by calling council members on the telephone and discussing city business outside of public scrutiny.

The finance committee will meet with Charter Communications on June 16 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

The Street Committee is scheduled to meet Friday, June 10, at 1 p.m. at City Hall.