Petoskey approves fire-protection agreement with tribal landowners inside city limits

Petoskey City Council on March 3 approved a resolution authorizing an agreement between the city and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (tribal general counsel drafted a similar agreement used elsewhere) to provide fire-protection services for four tribal-owned parcels inside the city. The council vote was 5-0.

Public Safety Director Adrienne Rockey Carr told council she had discussed the proposed agreement with the tribe's general counsel, James Bransky. Carr said three of the parcels have buildings and one is currently vacant. She described the proposed payment structure as a flat annual fee of $2,100 and referenced an additional $800 fee for services beyond the base agreement as presented by the tribe.

Council members asked how the tribe had determined the $2,100 amount; Carr said the tribe indicated the figure was based on comparable arrangements in Harbor Springs and Mackinac City but could be revisited later. Councilmember questions also focused on the condition of buildings covered by the agreement and whether city inspectors would have appropriate access; Carr said the tribe invited the city to provide inspections and that the agreement would formalize the working relationship while respecting tribal sovereignty.

Motion: adopt resolution authorizing agreement between the city and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians for fire protection services for tribal parcels within the city; motion by Miss DeMourne, second by Mr. Shields. Vote: 5-0.