Rocky Gillis and Dawn Davy will run again
By Barb Pert Templeton
The March 5, regular bi-monthly meeting of the Marine City Commission, was uncharacteristically short lasting just 20 minutes. Commissioner Trish May was absent from the recent meeting.
Here are a few highlights:
Special permit for new event okayed
A permit sought by the Marine City Festival, Inc. for the special event, ‘Cruisin, Castin’ and so much more’ scheduled for Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the city was approved by the commission. The permit stated the event will include a Scout Car Show on Water Street from St. Clair to Jefferson Avenue with food and a DJ providing music throughout the day. Family friendly activities will take place in local parks including foam parties and a kids’ fishing contest and there will be additional games and activities for families.
James Vandermeulen announces retirement
Marine City Police officer James Vandermeulen filed a formal letter with the city manager announcing his retirement from the force effective July 20, 2026. The letter was part of the commission meeting packet and stated that he spent 31 years of service in law enforcement. Vandermeulen stated it has been an honor and privilege to serve the police department and he is proud of the work they have accomplished and the positive impact it’s had on the community. He added that he wishes the department’s continued success and safety in the future.
The Pride and Heritage Museum in Marine City dates to 1847 and is located at 405 S. Main Street.
“I want to congratulate Jim Vandermeulen for finally getting his letter in to be able to retire, it’s been a long haul for him,” Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Hendrick said.
Siding for Heritage Museum
The commission approved a bid for work for the Community Pride and Heritage Museum. The quote noted that the work was to be done for siding on the original building only, not the addition.
“I know the city’s been on kind of a stroke of bad luck with various repairs we’ve had with the water main project and the waste water treatment plant,” O’Brien said. “I’m glad we’ve got something like this that we are out ahead of, we’re taking care of, I know the folks at the museum really appreciate the support.”
“I appreciate the fact that they are paying for it,” Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Hendrick said.
Mayor Jennifer Vandenbossche said all the funding is from the museum supporters and that they have independently raised the money, there are no city funds being utilized.
“They did their diligence and they got the three quotes and this is the one they preferred based on the contractor and the itemized list that they had,” Vandenbossche said.
The museum is a city owned building and officials voted to approve the quote from Progressive Siding for $22,825.
Grant application approved
Resolution, 007-2026, for the submission of a Water Resources Division Grant application for Marine City infrastructure – storm water system repairs was approved by the commission. The resolution states the total project cost for storm – sewer collection system repairs are estimated to be $1,500,000; 30 percent of which would be funded through the Water Resources Division and 70 percent would be local match. Submission of the grant application to the Water Resources Division for the improvements to the storm-sewer collection system commits that the local match shall be provided if the project is funded.
