City Council Lowers 2005 Millage Rate by .26 Mills
By Karen Gould

The City of Mackinac Island will hold a second Truth in Taxation hearing Wednesday, June 29, after discovering the millage figures used at a hearing June 22 were incorrect. City Council members swiftly and unanimously approved a reduction in the 2005 millage rate Wednesday night, following the earlier hearing, but based the reduction on the 2003 millage rate, said assessor Joe Stakoe.

Mr. Stakoe was not at the meeting, but caught the mistake the next morning. He had submitted documents to Council explaining the city’s options, and used a 2004 millage rate of 8.0. Council, however, used the 2003 millage rate of 8.21.

The new hearing will be next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

In other business, Council approved an extension on the Island’s cable television franchise with Charter Communications until a new agreement can be drafted (see separate story on Page 1) , renewed a State Park lease for Great Turtle Park, and renewed the trash pickup contract.

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation will look into funding for a special bicycle for disabled resident Olivia Chamber, based on Council’s agreement that such a vehicle will be permitted on city streets. The unit includes an electric cycle attached to a modified wheelchair, allowing a disabled passenger to ride in the chair and be propelled by the bicycle rider in the back. Because the cycle is not operated by the disabled person, City Attorney Tom Evashevski will research it to see how it fits into the city’s guidelines.

“I’m quite confident, one way or another, it can be accommodated,” Mr. Evashevski said.

The Community Foundation is assisting a state agency in acquiring the unit, which costs $10,000.

Mayor Margaret Doud said she will appoint a special committee to look into offering free entertainment to help enhance tourism on the Island. The committee, as proposed by Alderman Jason St. Onge, would work on ideas, such as an outdoor concert series, look at funding options, and investigate a joint program with Mackinac State Historic Parks.

“I think we’re lagging in this department,” Mr. St. Onge said. “If the city’s going to stand behind our commitment to expand tourism on the Island, then I think this is a good way to start.”

Mary Slevin, director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, said her board, Mackinac Arts Council, and the Community Foundation have also been discussing summer concerts.

Council approved a resolution proposed by Mr. St. Onge asking the state to continue its $1.5 million appropriation for Mackinac State Historic Parks in its 2006 fiscal year budget. He noted the cuts “would have a profoundly detrimental impact on the local economies.”

The resolution will be sent to legislators and the governor.

The dray service agreement between the city and the Mackinac Island Service Company was approved at the same rate as last year. The $16,900 agreement runs from May 1 to November 1 and includes garbage pickup for city offices, public restrooms, and trash containers on city streets that are emptied several times a day.

Council asked Mr. Evashevski to draw up an affidavit that would release the city’s claim to the reverter rights to property east of the fence line between the school and the Corrigan property. The city would retain the right to repurchase land for other matters in the future.

Council approved a 20 year lease renewal with Mackinac State Historic Parks for Great Turtle Park. The city will pay $1 a year.

Council approved on-Island business licenses for Hartman Condos, Scoops, and the Island Shop a new business license for Spa at The Lilac Tree. An off-Island license for Murray Realty was tabled until an address for the business can be confirmed. While newspaper ads place the business on the Island, paperwork filed listed an address of Port Huron.

Council set a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing for August 3 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss a zoning variance for Richard Coates to convert a storage building into a commercial rental and apartment. The building is now in a hotel-boarding house zone.

Next City Council meeting is Wednesday, July 6 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.