Marysville Golf Course to add brick patio to memorial for Charlie ‘Tuna’ Peyrek

By Jim Bloch

“Tuna’s Lodge” at Marysville Golf Course will soon have a raised brick patio. Last year, the golf course built a 40-by-64 foot pole barn in memory of Charlie “Tuna” Peyrek, who died May 4, 2022 at 71. Peyrek was a longtime volunteer at the course.

The Marysville City Council voted unanimously at its regular meeting Jan. 23 to award the contract for the patio to Ultra-Lock Paving Stones, Ltd., of Port Huron. Ultra-Lock underbid Park Place Landscaping by nearly $10,000 — $69,419 to $78,180.

Council member Dave Barber’s father-in-law Charlie Kott contributed $75,000 toward the patio; Kott is Barber’s wife Karen’s father.

The project “would not be possible” without Kott’s generous donation, said Brian Lentz, director of golf.

“That money was given to us last year for such a project at the golf course,” said City Manager Randy Fernandez as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on the city’s website.

The lodge was phase one of the project.

“Now when we have events … and have inclimate weather, you can go in Charlie’s building, sit down in there, you’re out of elements,” said Fernandez. “Roll-up doors like Casey’s Pizza and Sub Shop has. Very nice.”

The lodge was paid for by contributions.

“The second part of the project was to design and build a beautiful brick paved patio to be located on the eastside lawn of the golf course clubhouse,” said Lentz, in his report to Fernandez.

The patio will be elevated. Fernandez is hoping the patio will encourage golfers to enjoy an additional beverage or sandwich after golfing. The deck’s views of the St. Clair River should help, he said.

Fernandez trimmed his holiday last September to meet with then-mayor Wayne Pyden, Lentz and Kott in order to lock down the donation; the meeting was organized by Joe Mericka.

“I was on vacation last September and I was led to believe an anonymous donor was going to give us $10,000 and I was asked to attend a lunch meeting,” said Fernandez, who initially balked at returning. “Then Mr. Mericka mentioned that it would be for $75,000. I cut my vacation short and came back the next day.”

Lentz attempted to attract more than two bidders.

“Five different companies were contacted to bid on the patio,” Lentz said. “Of those five contractors, three were brick paving companies and two were stamped concrete companies. Two bids were received back. Both were brick paving contractors.”

Lentz recommended awarding the job to the low bidder.

“Ultra-Lock Paving is the industry leader in brick paving and has been in the business 36 years,” Lentz said. “As a design team member at St. Clair Nursery years ago, I have seen Ultra-Lock’s artistic talents. I know this company will be a great fit for this project.”

The contract requires a down payment of $38,000.

The council approved the contract by a vote of 5-0. Members Barber and Paul Wessel were absent.

Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.