City Schedules Hearing for June 27 on Proposed 0.7 Mill Increase
By Eric Fish

During a brief City Council meeting Wednesday, June 20, a Truth and Taxation Hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be followed by a special meeting of the City Council at 6 p.m.

The public hearing will discuss a proposed increase of 0.705 mills for operation to be levied for 2007. If adopted, the additional millage will increase operating revenues from ad valorem property taxes 8.23%. If not approved, the city's operating revenue will increase 0.62% over the preceding year.

The options for the hearing were discussed in a Thursday, June 14, meeting of the Finance Committee.

Council also went into a closed session Wednesday night to discuss the legality of Segways on Mackinac Island, in a written opinion by city attorney Tom Evashevski. In a curious promotion several years ago, the Michigan Legislature permitted the use of Segways on municipal sidewalks in Michigan, although Mackinac Island was specifically exempted because of its motorized vehicle ban. But the City has received numerous letters from citizens requesting their use, according to city officials.

The City of Mackinac Island recently lost its assumed right to prevent the use of electric assisted bicycles because of its motor vehicle ban, in a legal battle that ended in the Michigan Supreme Court. It has since been required to accommodate persons with disabilities or medical conditions who could be helped by such bicycles.

It already had allowed the use of three- and four-wheeled electric wheelchairs, like Amigos, and even allows rentals of the machines to people who can't walk long distances.

Segway Personal Transporters were not included in the court rulings.

Council took no action on the issue Wednesday night.

Council also approved the acceptance of a $15,000 donation from Coca-Cola and agreed to accept a $5,000 donation from Grand Hotel for the July 4 fireworks.

In another financial matter, Council approved the purchase and installation of two new windows for the public restrooms and for the transfer of a maximum of $1,000 from the Restroom Capital Projects Account to the General Fund.

Council accepted a painting of Round Island Lighthouse and several photograph albums from James Rotella, the mayor of Eustice, Florida. Although uncertain of how the objects wound up in Florida, Mr. Rotella sent them to Mackinac Island to expand the city's historical collection.

Grand Hotel was permitted to hold two competitive events on the public streets, a July 16 race for the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians convention, for 25 participants, and a July 28 race for 30 people in conjunction with the Michigan Hospital Association convention.

Three two-day trailer permits were given on behalf of Grand Hotel for a June 27 gathering at the Tea Garden. In addition, five three-day permits were given for the family carnival July 2, and one single day permit was given on July 16 for the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians. In addition, two temporary trailer permits were given to Dean R. Gillespie for the transport of stone and debris off the Island starting June 22, and to Girl Scout Troop 147 of Grand Rapids for the transportation and storage of materials while at Scout Service Camp starting July 21.

A temporary motor vehicle permit was given to Edison Sault Electric Plant for testing purposes.

Council agreed to amend the business license for The Christmas Store, and also gave new 2007 business licenses to Street Scenes by Brian McKelvey and Destination Mackinac. Off-Island Business licenses were given to Pluister Entertainment and Cliff's Painting and on-Island licenses were given to Caricatures, Central Savings Bank, and Rose Gazebo.

In addition, the High Wheelers were given permission to park their antique cycles in front of the Stuart House from June 28 to July 1.

County Commissioner Calvin "Bucky" McPhee was introduced by Mayor Margaret Doud, and Tourism Bureau Director Mary McGuire Slevin was also on hand.

Mayor Doud said she received a letter from the International Lilac Society thanking the City for its hospitality during their stay two weeks ago, and also praised Ms. Slevin on a successful Lilac Festival.

Council's next session will be a special meeting regarding the 2007 millage Wednesday, June 27 at 6 p.m. on the second floor of Community Hall.