City Council Grants Approval for Construction at Ste. Anne's
By Karen Gould

The Court House gables and louvers in the cupola, which are rotting, will be replaced with Mackinac Island City Council approving a bid for approximately $28,000 for the work at its Wednesday, August 16 meeting. The funds come from an old Housing and Urban Development grant the city received to remodel the building. The work will be done by Mike Gamble of M.P. Gamble Construction of Mackinac Island and will include the construction of five oak tables for the court room.

Also, council was advised that work to replace rotting wood on the steeple at Ste. Anne's Catholic Church will begin Monday, September 18.

Mr. Gamble attended the meeting and advised Council that a hydraulic lift to be used in the project will block one of the two lanes on Huron Street. He hopes to have the project completed in a month.

The work requires the use of a 135-foot lift. He plans to put barricades around the lift and move it off the street on weekends.

"I know it will be a little disruptive," he said.

Enough room will be left for emergency vehicles to get by, although Council agreed Mr. Gamble should wear a city pager so he can be notified in case of an emergency and move the equipment, if needed.

Candace Smith was appointed to the Cemetery Board, replacing Ed Chambers who resigned owing to time constraints.

Council also approved a fireworks display by a private party as part of a family event. Council also agreed the information should be posted on the local cable channel and carriage companies need to be notified so they can take precautions for horses. The fireworks will be shot from an Arnold Transit barge in Lake Huron Saturday, September 16.

The Traverse City NBC television station was given permission by Council to feature Mackinac Island on their show in September.

Mission Point received four temporary motor vehicle permits to transport propane tanks from British Landing to Mission Point August 22, September 12, September 26, and October 10.

Grand Hotel also was issued a temporary motor vehicle permit to transport the Cameron photographic exhibit off the Island.

A resubmitted business license for Weber's Floral was approved. The garden shop was added to the application.

An off-Island business license for Bridge Electrical Contracting of Hazel Park also was approved.

Council's next regular meeting is Wednesday, August 30, at 6 p.m. on the second floor of Community Hall on Market Street.