Off-Season Construction Projects Are Main Focus of Council

The deteriorated sidewalk in front of the Chippewa Hotel is being replaced. The hotel's storage area and sprinkler room under the sidewalk are exposed as the crew from Vic Daily Carpentry of Carp Lake work to complete the project. From left, Dale Hendershot of Carp Lake, Jim Cowell of Mackinac Island, and Todd Kelly of St. Ignace tear out a remaining old sidewalk section in November in preparation for the new walking surface.

Renovation and construction work continues on the Island with council approving 18 temporary motor vehicle permits and three temporary trailer permits during its Monday, November 20 meeting.

Richard Coates received approval to extend his temporary motor vehicle permit for his tractor to continue work on his Green Shed Lane property. Council approved the extension through April 15, 2007, pending fees being paid and paperwork completed. Originally, he was granted a 30-day permit beginning October 5, for the tractor to be used for sewer, electrical, and tree work on his land. Mr. Coates is converting a storage shed to employee housing.

Alderman Armin Porter abstained from voting on three temporary motor vehicle permits involving property owned by his father-in-law including the Chippewa Hotel and the Lilac Tree Hotel, both on Main Street. Council approved the requests made by Island resident Todd Jaruzel on behalf of the Chippewa Hotel. A temporary

motor vehicle permit was issued to move a sky lift being used at the Chippewa Hotel to the Lilac Tree Hotel to lift supplies onto the structure's roof. Two additional permits were issued to Mr. Jaruzel for the Chippewa Hotel for two cement trucks to pour a sidewalk, which had deteriorated in front of the building.

Mr. Jaruzel also requested a temporary trailer permit to move a lift from behind St. Cloud's Place to behind the Lilac Tree Hotel for roof repair.

Three temporary motor vehicle permits were issued to Belonga Plumbing and Heating of St. Ignace for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours to clean the corral areas.

Six temporary motor vehicle permits were issued for work on the Mapleview renovation project. Formerly employee housing, the Main Street building is being converted into apartments. The requests were made by Sean O'Boyle of O'Boyle Construction of Marquette and Belonga Plumbing and Heating. Mr. O'Boyle had requested the permits be issued for 180 days. Council restricted the time period to 165 days, with the permits expiring April 15, 2007.

Council also approved Mr. O'Boyle's request for four temporary motor vehicle permits for work on a renovation project at the Butterfly House on McGulpin Street behind Ste. Anne's Catholic Church.

Two temporary trailer permits were approved for Cliff's Painting of Hillman to remove painting supplies and scaffolding from the West Bluff cottage owned by Robert Hamady. The equipment was scheduled to be removed from the Island.

A temporary motor vehicle permit was issued to Prestige Construction Group of Traverse City to finish work on the retaining walls at Tom and Sally McGovern's home at Forest Ridge. Approval for the request was granted pending the receipt of payment for permit fees.

In another matter, council requested Mayor Margaret Doud's assistant Kelly Bean draft a letter of apology to Island resident Larry Parel regarding flags not being flown at halfstaff on Veterans' Day. A letter received by council from Mr. Parel also was placed on file.