Four firms will be interviewed by the City of Mackinac Island after responding to the city’s request for proposals on updating the zoning ordinance. An ad hoc committee charged with choosing a firm met Monday, July 9, and decided they would interview all firms who have shown interest. The firms will send representatives to Mackinac Island to interview with the committee Tuesday, July 24.

The update will help keep the zoning ordinance compliant with state statutes, in line with the Master Plan passed in March 2011. A letter sent to the consulting firms stated that the firm hired will work with the Planning Commission and key staff to develop an amended zoning ordinance that supports the goals and policies of the Mackinac Island Master Plan.

Frank Bloswick of the City Council and Michael Straus and Lee Finkel of the Planning Commission are the members of the committee.

Proposals for the work were submitted by The Lakota Group and Duncan Associates of Chicago, M.C. Planning and Design of Petoskey, Wade Trim of Traverse City, and U.P. Engineers and Architects of Ishpeming.

Originally, the committee planned to choose three firms to interview, but when only four proposals were submitted, it decided to interview all four. The committee members agreed that the diversity among the four candidates offers a number of selections to choose from.

The firms will be provided a list of discussion topics, including costs, timeline, process, and level of involvement from city employees. Mr. Straus also suggested a list be formed from the Planning Commission and the City Council on what issues they would like the firms to consider when updating the city zoning ordinance. He suggested areas like historical preservation, reduction of the need for zoning variances, and updating the zoning map.

Mr. Straus added it might also be a good idea for the committee to meet with department heads to see how any changes might affect them.