By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council’s first meeting for 2026 was actually a lengthy one on Jan. 6 lasting an hour and 48 minutes with a pretty full agenda. Councilwoman Cathy Harris was absent.
Here are some highlights:
Riverside Market hours expanded for 2026
A special event permit from Jacob’s Ladder Farm and Home to host the Riverside Market from May 8 to October 23 was approved by the Algonac City Council. In a memo in the meeting packet, it was noted that the market was previously held at the Smith Creek Recreation Center but was moved to the city’s Riverfront Park last year. The move was met with great success as it proved to be a better location. Organizers also sought approval to have the market hours changed from 3 to 7 p.m. to 1 to 7 p.m. with a special notation to have permission to open the market at noon on the day of the Blue Water Antique Yard Sale. The permit also notes that Michelle Binaghi will run the market, booths for farmers and small businesses are $10 per week and the market will not be held when major events are scheduled in the park. Approval of the safety and securing plan was pending with the St. Clair County Sheriff.
Ordinance review committee being formed
The city is looking to start an ordinance review committee to review all the ordinances on the books and it will likely take about a year to do the project. City Manager Artie Bryson said they are looking for two residents, a council member, a planning commission member and a business owner to serve on the committee. Volunteers are being sought now for one meeting a month to sit down and look over and discuss the ordinances. The committee would serve in an advisory capacity turning their work over to the city planning commission before it comes to the city council.
Two new Algonac businesses
The hours for Riverside Market have been expanded for the 2026 spring/summer market season.
As part of his report to the council City Manager Artie Bryson said he met with the new owner of the Algonac Pharmacy. He said they want to organize a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Bryson said the city also has another new business moving into town, “Zeff’s on the Lake” will be moving into the Algonac Harbor Club. “They have a wonderful restaurant in St. Clair Shores and this will be a definite upgrade, I’m excited about that,” he said.
Indoor walking opportunity
The Algonac Activity Center had a soft opening and people are utilizing it for walking and the quilters club. Councilwoman Wendy Meldrum said she’s had people tell her they went to the center but couldn’t get in although they saw the quilters there. Mayor Rocky Gillis said you have to buy a key fob for entrance and the cost is $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents.
Donations still needed in the community
During his comments at the end of the meeting Councilman Michael Bembas said the food pantry at the Methodist Church got a lot of food in December due to the holidays but donations drop off big time now. “People are still hungry even though it’s January,” he said. Adding that if someone has it on their heart to donate some canned goods or items they didn’t use during the holidays please drop it off. The locations accepting the donations include the Methodist Church on Fridays, Mondays at the Lutheran Church or anytime at the Algonac Post Office where Bembas works.
