Island City Council Says 'No' to State Cable Television Agreement
By Karen Gould

Refusal to sign a state-mandated cable television franchise with Charter Communications will keep the door open to future legal options for the City of Mackinac Island, say city council members.

Taking the advice of attorney Tom Waters of the Lansing firm Fraser, Trebilcock, Davis, and Dunlap, council agreed not to sign the generic cable franchise written by state legislators. The decision was reached during Council's September 12 meeting. If signed, the agreement would mean the city conceded to the document's stipulations, which do not address special free arrangements the city has with Charter Communications, its cable provider.

Under the current contract with the city, Charter Communications provides free cable service at Community Hall, the fire hall, police department, and the public library. The cable company also provides a local access cable channel the city uses to post meetings and events.

If the city had signed the contract, Charter Communications could eliminate the free services, Mr. Waters said. Without the city's agreement, legal options become available if the company decides to withdraw the free services.

During the council meeting, Kelly Bean, Mayor Margaret Doud's assistant, said Mr. Waters has said that if other communities contest the law, the City of Mackinac Island would be in a better position by having not signed the agreement.

Under the new state law, the contract will be valid 30 days after the city received it, even if the city doesn't sign it.

In other business, Council tabled a request from Gault Race Management for the Great Turtle Race Saturday, October 27, until Police Chief Jim Marks could talk with the race sponsor. Council has concerns that the event may require overtime work at the police department.

Now in its 27th year, the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Race brings more than 1,000 runners and walkers to the Island for the 5.7-mile run and walk and half-marathon run. Contestants and their families contribute to the city's budget through the ferry boat franchise fee the city collects from passenger ticket purchases. The race begins at Mission Point Resort.

Council withheld a $11,556.72 payment to Allied EMS Systems of Petoskey until it receives clarification on the billing. Alderman Jason St. Onge questioned why the company was charging patients when they were transferred in the city's police vehicle.

Council denied a request for the use of council chambers by a downstate court reporting firm, Network Reporting, to take a deposition. Council agreed lending out the room would limit its ability to have access if it was needed at the city level and the company could easily rent one of the Island's hotel conference rooms.

A temporary motor vehicle permit was approved for Belonga Plumbing of St. Ignace for use of a backhoe to remove trees at the Richard Coates property on Greenshed Lane near Stonecliffe. Council agreed to a one-week permit, with work beginning after October 8.

Mr. Coates sought a sevenmonth temporary motor vehicle permit for Trillium Development Company for a tractor with backhoe to use for work on employee housing, road maintenance, and snow plowing. His request was tabled because Council had no record of the company having a business license.

A temporary trailer permit was granted to Fettig's Landscaping of Petoskey to carry equipment needed to blow out sprinkler systems around the Island. The trailer will be pulled behind a dray. Council required the company to list with the police department locations it would service.

A letter was placed on file from Reynold Ledbetter, a bus driver from Illinois. He wanted to recognize the help he received from Mary Marquis at the Mackinac Island police department in returning his lost cell phone, which is necessary for his job.

"She was most helpful and extremely efficient in returning the phone to me," he wrote. "She not only located me, but personally delivered the telephone to me at the boat dock in Mackinaw City."

Bob Brown, chairman of the Planning Commission, recommending two variance in a letter to Council.

Allan Arbib, owner of Edward's Gifts on Main Street, sought to add a second apartment on the second level. The lot size only allows one apartment, unless a variance is granted. Mr. Arbib later withdrew his request.

Jason Klasnowski, Tony Brodeur, and Larry Myers are in the process of purchasing the Mustang Lounge on Astor Street and are proposing to add two apartments to a second floor. A variance is required for one of the apartments.

In seeking Council's support, Mr. Brown wrote, "Both projects are working to keep the historical aspects of their respective buildings intact."

Council set a public hearing for the Mustang variance request for Wednesday, October 10, at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers on Market Street.