By Barb Pert Templeton
A regular meeting of the Algonac City Council on March 5 had officials recognizing a local church for adopting a park for clean-up and approving a number of events coming up in the city this spring. The meeting lasted 31 minutes, Councilman Corey Blair was absent and it was noted that he was on vacation.
Woodside Bible Church thanked
Algonac Councilwoman Cathy Harris thanked Woodside Bible Church on behalf of the Algonac City Council and presented them with a sign for placement in the Columbia Street Park. The church submitted an application to adopt the Columbia Street Playground and it was noted that Woodside has a history with Columbia Park, having orchestrated a clean- up in 2019. At that time the church had a wave of volunteers who re-mulched, painted playground equipment, and picked up trash. Woodside Pastor Chris Hsieh and congregation members Councilman Ed Carter and Joe DeRue appeared at the meeting on behalf of Woodside Bible Church. The city council noted that they are grateful for the interest and support of Woodside Bible Church, whose efforts make Algonac a better place to live, work, and play.
This Adopt-A-Park program was started at the suggestion of a resident, modeled after the MDOT Adopt-A-Highway program, where volunteers are asked to pick up litter at least 2 times per year between April and October along M-29.
Family members of all ages can participate in the clean-up together, teaching kids about local public service and encouraging community pride.
Currently all parks are adopted except Riverfront Park. Anyone interested should submit an application to the city, which are available on the city’s website at cityofalgonac.org.
At the conclusion of the meeting under council comments Mayor Rocky Gillis took a few moments to highlight how far the city has come in the last decade, from the adoption of so many parks, to free clothing and food banks plus free suppers and park remodeling. “This community has gone a long way in the last ten years, we’ve gotten a lot of stuff done together and I couldn’t be prouder,” Gillis said. “I mean I don’t think there’s a problem we can’t solve.”
Sunrise Easter service okayed
The Algonac Faith Coalition’s application to host an Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at Riverfront Park on March 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. has been approved by the Algonac City Council. The service is meant to bring the community together on a special day to share in the beauty of the sun rising over the waterfront. The Rev. Dr. Rodney Diggs will serve as chairman of the event and it’s noted on the application for the special event that the service is free of charge. The St. Clair Couty Sheriff’s Office approved the safety and security plan for the event.
The dates for Algonac Clay Music in the Park, at Riverfront Park in Algonac, were recently approved by members of the city council.
Music in park dates approved
The upcoming spring and summer dates for the family friendly concert series, Algonac Clay Music in the Park, have been approved by members of the Algonac City Council. The Algonac dates at Riverfront Park include June 6, June 13, June 20 and June 27 plus July 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. Food trucks will be available and parked along M-29. The concerts, which are sponsored by local businesses and organizations, feature local musicians and have been a staple of the summer months in the city and township for a number of years. A safety and security plan for the event has been approved by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office.
Car Show and Art Exhibit event set
The Algonac-Clay Historical Society’s annual Car Show and Art Exhibit is set for Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Riverfront Park. The one-day only event will be free to the public with a $10 entry fee for cars. There will be no charge for artists to show their works. The idea behind the event is to welcome spring by bringing people to the local park while letting car enthusiasts and artists show off their cars and art, according to an application filed with the city for the event. The council unanimously approved the special event request.
New water meters to be purchased
Algonac Water Superintendent Josh Stewart sent a request to the city council seeking approval to purchase new water meters. The memo stated that the proposal for a $110,000 purchase order to Ferguson Waterworks would cover the generic majority of water meters but from time to time there is also a need to purchase specialty meters, meter replacements and or parts. Therefore, approval was given in the amount of $101,053 for meters plus $8,946 for specialty meters, replacements or parts. Stewart also noted that it takes a year to receive the order so the meters aren’t expected to be delivered to the city until March of 2025. The council approved the purchases.
