At its meeting last night, the Planning Commission recommended to the City Council several changes to the Sign Ordinance; postponed action on a parking plan submitted by Northwestern Bank pending additional information; and denied a requested extension of site-plan approval by Northern Homes Community Development Corporation for a six-unit structure at 53 Bridge Street.  The Planning Commission also cancelled its August 12 special meeting.

Meeting in special session Tuesday, the City Council met with the Bay Harbor Community Council and, following a brief powerpoint presentation concerning a July 10 fire at 6774 Preserve Drive, presented information concerning City utilities provided to the Bay Harbor development that included water and sewer service.  The City also provided information from its utility consultant, Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett, Grand Rapids, concerning requests for City electric services, that briefly outlined several legal and economic reasons why a suggested change of electric utility providers from Consumers Energy to the City of Petoskey for the Bay Harbor development was both unlikely to occur and unlikely to reduce Bay Harbor electric-power rates.  Consumers Energy representatives also presented a slide show outlining the Company's service to the Bay Harbor development, including its investments and costs, and reported that Consumers Energy was not willing to give up its franchise that provided electric service to Bay Harbor residents.