ADVISORY BOARD FOR FATHER MARQUETTE MEMORIAL & MACKINAC STRAITS MUSEUM

House Bill 5415

Sponsor:  Rep. Frank Foster

Committee:  Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

                                     

Complete to 3-19-12

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5415 AS INTRODUCED 2-21-12

The bill would create the new "Father Marquette National Memorial and Mackinac Straits Area Museum Advisory Board Act."  Among other things, the bill would establish an advisory board for the Father Marquette National Memorial and Mackinac Straits Area Museum within the Department of Natural Resources, provide for its membership, and set forth its duties. 

The board would be charged with (1) advising the DNR on policies, plans, and programs concerning the museum site; (2) facilitating cooperation between the DNR and public and private entities interested in historic preservation of the site; (3) encouraging real and personal property donations to the DNR, including artifacts associated with the park; (4) promoting public use of the museum site; (5) advising the DNR and other authorities on maintenance and expansion of the site; and (6) seeking grants and other sources of funding to support the site.

The board would consist of a member appointed by the Speaker of the House, a member appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, and nine members appointed by the Governor.  The Governor's appointment would have to include all of the following:

o                   One representative from the city of St. Ignace.

o                   One representative from Moran Township.

o                   One representative from the Mackinac County Board of Commissioners.

o                   One representative of the Michilimackinac Historical Society of Mackinac County.

o                   One representative from the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians.

o                   Three members from the general public, at least one of whom is from the Upper Peninsula.

o                   One representative from the Mackinac Island State Park Commission.

Each member would have to be a registered voter of the state and the board could not consist of more than six members from the same political party.  Members would serve staggered terms ranging between two and four years.  Additionally, the board would be required to meet at least twice each calendar year and would have to elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary every year.  Board members would serve without compensation but could be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

All business performed by the Advisory Board would have to be conducted at public meetings in accordance with the Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.261 to 15.245).  All writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the board in the performance of its official duties would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 to 15.246).

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Father Marquette National Memorial is a 58-acre site located in St. Ignace, and houses a national memorial in honor of Father Jacques Marquette, the founder of Michigan's first permanent settlement.  The Father Marquette Museum building was destroyed by a fire in March 2000.  In addition to the memorial, the site includes an outdoor interpretive trail, picnicking, and views of the Mackinac Bridge.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Viola Bay Wild

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.