An increase in insurance coverage for the annual July 4th fireworks display, and drainage problems on Warren Street, were discussed last week by the Northport Village Council.

Council members on Jan. 17 voted to spend up to $2,500 to increase village insurance coverage for the Independence Day fireworks from $500,000 to $1.5 million. The move was made after a presentation from Paul Olsen of Municipal Underwriters of Michigan, the village insurance carrier. Olsen updated the council on its current coverage, which has expanded somewhat. The quote for 2008-09 is increasing by $300, to $19,193. Last year, the village had $500,000 in coverage.

In other business during the hour-long meeting, village resident Ed Weiss, husband of clerk Laura Weiss, presented the council with pictures illustrating an ongoing drainage problem on North Warren Street.

Weiss said the ends at Sixth and Seventh streets are eight inches higher than the middle of the block, causing water to pool into yards, driveways and his garage.

Trustees Steve Mattson and Fred Thomas said they have looked at the problem and agreed that the road needs to be built up and a runoff or swale built at the corner of Seventh and Warren, similar to one constructed near Master Craft on North Mill Street.

No action was taken on plans for improving the street. However, it may be considered in preparations for the 2008-09 budget year, which begins March 1.

Meanwhile, village President Michael F. Rogers Sr. appointed Andy Thomas to the Planning Commission. Thomas replaces Ray Kellogg, who did not seek reappointment.