By Barb Pert Templeton
The Sept. 2 meeting of the Algonac City Council lasted just under an hour and included a number of interesting items. Councilman Michael Bembas was absent.
Here are some highlights:
Lions donate $15,000 to pool
The city pool, just reopened this summer, was presented with a gift from Algonac Lions Club President Anndy Goulet who addressed the council during public comments
“On behalf of the Algonac Lions Club first of all congratulations on getting the long-awaited construction of the pool done, everything looks really great,” Goulet said.
He then shared a brief history noting that the Algonac Lions Club had long taken care of the field and the pool. He said when the high school was downtown all the field games happened on the Lions property. Then in the late 1950’s the club built, staffed and maintained the pool for the children in the community. “Our club has always been mostly about doing things for the youth in our community,” Goulet said.
This is a photo of the old server room at Algonac City Hall that will be redone along with adding a new IT/Server to the place.
He then said Mayor Rocky Gillis had recently attended a Lions Club meeting to share that the pool needed furniture so the Algonac Lions wanted to present a check to the city for $15,000 for the furniture.
Members of the city council thanked the Lions Club for its generosity.
A post on the city’s Facebook page stated: “Your continued generosity and commitment to our community are truly appreciated. This gift will directly enhance the pool experience for families, residents, and visitors for years to come. On behalf of the City of Algonac, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our hometown.”
New server at city offices
In a memo to the city council Algonac Treasurer Alysia Bugg said the IT/Server system had reached the end of its reliable service life. She asked for approval for a new server and server room upgrades. Bugg said the equipment would include a new server, Microsoft windows licensing and setup, migration services, data backup configuration, IT/ server room cleanup plus warranty and support services. The current IT provider for the city, Hi-Tech located in Casco Township, was suggested as the continued provider of the services for the city. The council approved the new server and server room upgrade at a cost of $19,590 to Hi-Tech. Bugg noted that the items were included in the 2025-2026 budget.
Firewall upgrade approved
A new firewall at a cost of $3,483 was approved by the council at the request of City Treasurer Alysia Bugg. When the city’s computer server began to experience connectivity issues and reliability issues earlier this year the problem was traced to a failing and outdated firewall. A firewall is a critical part of maintaining cybersecurity, protecting the city’s network from outside threats. At that time the city’s IT provider, Hi-Tech loaned the city a firewall to use but it’s time for a new one, Bugg wrote in a memo to officials. The item was planned for and written is as part of the 2025-2026 budget.
New boat parking rules approved
An amendment to the Waterways Ordinance adding Section 3 entitled Vessel Parking was approved by the council. In a memo in the meeting packet City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said the idea for the new rules was to keep Riverfront Park, a popular place for boaters safe, clean and enjoyable for all. The six new rules are as follows:
1. Five-hour limit for docking, parking or mooring boats along the seawall.
2. No docking north of the Walpole Island Ferry Dock (Coast Guard Area).
3. Allowed between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. only unless there is permission by the city.
4. No overnight docking without prior approval.
5. Vessels over 25’ must use mooring bollards (not railings or benches)
6. Boats must bring their own lines and venders, secure vessels properly and are responsible for any damage caused
The rules are designed to share limited space and protect park property and keep the waterfront safe.
