Island Council Learns About Movie Filming, OK's Motor Vehicle Permits
By Karen Gould

During the brief meeting Wednesday, August 29, the Mackinac Island City Council learned that Bronson Pinchot will star in a movie to be shot on the Island in mid-September, recognized former Island police lieutenant Pete Komblevitz and outgoing Police Chief Bill Lenaghan, and approved three temporary motor vehicle permits.

Rich Brauer of Productions, Inc. informed Council of plans to shoot a movie, "Mr. Art Critic," beginning Wednesday, September 19. Filming will be in the downtown area and will star comic actor Bronson Pinchot, best known for his role as Balki Bartokomous on the long-running ABC sitcom "Perfect Strangers."

Mr. Brauer also asked if a truck could be brought to the Island and kept hidden in bushes near the dock by Mission Point Resort. The vehicle would provide storage for needed filming equipment, he said, and would make production much easier for the film crew.

Mayor Margaret Doud advised him to submit an application for a temporary motor vehi- cle permit, and Council questioned if the vehicle was needed.

The resolutions to Messrs. Komblevitz and Lenaghan recognized their service to the community. Lt. Kombletitz's contract was terminated in August and Chief Lenaghan will leave the Island this month to become public safety director at Leoni. The city will give Chief Lenaghan a desk clock at a later time. Neither officer attended the meeting.

Mayor Doud also read a letter from retired Chicago police detective John Nielson commending policeman Adam Laninga.

"During the course of my visit at your station, Officer Laninga responded to my inquiries in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner," Mr. Nelson wrote. "Officer Laninga further allowed this writer to ramble on with war stories and reminiscences showing interest and compassion. His attitude toward the public is indicative of a concerned and helpful individual."

American Red Cross area representative Biz Bauer wrote in a letter that the August 15 blood drive at Community Hall, coordinated by Kathy Andress, brought in 52 donors and collected 48 units of blood.

A letter from Bradley Chambers of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours reiterated the company's handicap taxi service and was placed on file without comment from Council. The letter was in response to a letter the city received last month from resident Lois Wellington, who asked that the city take responsibility for improving handicapped services, including taxi service, for residents and visitors.

Carriages equipped for wheelchairs are available by reservation at least 24 hours in advance, Mr. Chambers wrote, and can be provided on shorter notice when the carriages are available.

Alderman Mike Hart asked City Clerk Karen Lennard to send a letter to Grand Hotel on behalf of the city to express appreciation for finding a way to keep a travel home off the Island during a live CBS Morning Show broadcast from the hotel's porch Thursday, August 23. Council had granted a motor vehicle permit for the Winnebago to be staged at Grand Hotel, but CBS, not wanting to mar the Island's image, arranged with Shepler's Ferry to keep the vehicle on its freight boat, offshore, where it was seen in the background during the broadcast.

Mrs. Lennard said she would be responsible for managing five elections in the next 14 months, with some requiring overlapping preparation work. She asked that Council move a copy machine from her office, allowing her to put a table in its place for more work space and to provide election privacy.

Mr. Hart suggested the copier be moved to the council chambers. Mayor Doud said the conference room would also work. The location will be decided at a department head meeting next week.

Grand Hotel received a temporary motor vehicle permit for a satellite truck for broadcasting during the Michigan Republicans Conference. John Hulett, general manager of the hotel, said the truck would arrive at British Landing and be hidden in the Tea Garden or by the tennis court.

Mission Point Resort received two temporary motor vehicle permits for propane to be brought to the resort in September and October.

Council tabled approving a new Charter Communications franchise agreement until city attorney Tom Evashevski can receive it.

Also tabled was a payment to Allied EMS Systems for $11,566.72. Council had questions on the procedures for billing customers.

The Mackinac Island City Council will change to its offseason schedule when it moves its meeting time up one hour to 5 p.m. beginning with its next meeting, September 12. The move accommodates the fall boat schedules.