to adopt the meeting minutes from December 11, 2025.
Representative VanderWall moved to adopt the meeting minutes from December 11, 2025. There being no objection, the motion prevailed with unanimous consent. The Chair laid SB 304 before the committee: SB 304 (Sen. Damoose) A bill to amend 1899 LA 437, entitled "An act to vacate the Township of Holmes and Village of Mackinac in Mackinac County, State of Michigan, and to Incorporate the City of Mackinac Island in said Mackinac County," by amending section 1 of chapter IX and section 1 of chapter XVI; and to provide for a referendum. Senator Damoose testified in support of SB 304. Dr. Ted Bolema, representing the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, testified in opposition to SB 304. Mike Cavanagh and Dennis Cawthorne, representing the City of Mackinac Island, testified in support of SB 304. Questions and discussions followed. Sonny Koch, representing the Americans for Prosperity Michigan, testified in opposition to SB 304. Steven Liedel, representing Shepler's Incorporated, testified in opposition to SB 304. Questions and discussions followed. Mark Ware, representing Mission Point Resort, testified in support of SB 304. Questions and discussions followed. Tim Hygh, representing Mackinac Island, testified in support of SB 304. Questions and discussions followed. Landen Chulski testified in opposition to SB 304. Questions and discussions followed. Lance Elliot Griffin testified in opposition to SB 304. Katherine Brussard testified in opposition to SB 304. The following person submitted a card wishing to speak with no position on SB 304, but due to the time constraints were unable to speak: Michael Farage. The following people submitted a card in support of SB 304, but did not wish to speak: Scott Ellis, representing the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. Kelli Saunders, representing the Small Business Association of Michigan. John McNamara, representing the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. Frank Foster, representing the Grand Hotel. The following people submitted a card wishing to speak in opposition to SB 304, but due to the time constraints were unable to speak: Angie Morthland, representing the Mackinaw Area Historical Society, Mackinaw Woman's Club, Mackinaw City Area Arts Council, Mackinaw City Park Board. John Lemanski, a Mackinaw City Council Trustee. Kelsey Gamble, a Mackinaw City Resident. Lisa Rivera, a Mackinaw City Resident. Chuck Ball, the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Director, and the Mackinaw City Planning Commission Vice President. Jeff Metternich, a Mackinaw City Planning Commission trustee, and Shepler’s Boat Captain. Sandy Planisek, representing the Mackinaw City Newspaper. Jeff Curth, the Mackinaw City School Superintendent. George Ranville, the Mackinaw City Council, Pro-Tem, Business Owner. Jim Tamlyn, representing the Mackinaw City Lighthouse Society President, a Mackinaw City Planning Commission Trustee, and Former Emmet County Commissioner. Jim Draze, a St. Ignace Resident. Kathy Paquet, a Mackinaw City Council Trustee. Patrick Marshall, a Mackinaw City Business Owner. Tom Chastain, the Mackinaw City American Legion, Commander. Phil Siebigteroth, a Mackinaw City Planning Commission trustee. Danny Ranville, representing the Biere de Mac Brew Works, a Mackinac City Planning Commissioner, and a member of the Mackinac City Chamber of Commerce. Dean Martin, the Village of Mackinaw City, Manager. Cyndi Twichell. Tim Ross. There being no further business before the committee, Chair BeGole adjourned the meeting at 10:30 AM. Representative Brian BeGole, Chair Keith Feldpausch Committee Clerk kfeldpausch@house.mi.gov