Keep the space that’s for a community center
By Barb Pert Templeton
The Nov. 18 meeting of the Algonac City Council lasted just over 32-minutes and included a pair of presentations including one honoring retiring City Manager Denice Gerstenberg. Councilman Michael Bembas was absent from the recent meeting.
Here are some highlights:
Nice Neighbor Award At the November 18, 2025 Algonac City Council meeting, Councilman Jake Skarbek presented the Nice Neighbor Award to two Rolling Brook Apartment residents, Char Badenhoop and Sharon Latimer. Throughout the summer, Char and Sharon dedicated countless hours to clearing invasive phragmites from the neighborhood wetland. Their hard work protected the natural habitat, prevented the spread of this invasive species, and helped restore a beautiful, healthy ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. In a memo in the meeting packet City Manager Denice Gerstenberg stated that the women’s commitment to environmental stewardship and to their neighbors is truly inspiring. We are grateful for their dedication and for setting such a strong example of community leadership,” she said.
Popup food pantry
Two local residents, Char Badenhoop and Sharon Latimer, were formally recognized at a recent council meeting and presented with a Nice Neighbor Award.
Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey announced that St. Clair Community Mental Health with host a popup pantry on Monday, Dec 1 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Harvest Center located on 6385 King Road in Marine City. Organizers welcome all volunteers.
“It will be until supplies run out and you never know these days how quick that will be,” Davey said. She encouraged those in need to stop in and invited anyone who’d like to volunteer to come by and assist.
Architectural invoice approved
An invoice for $1,433 was approved by members of the city council for architectural services for the Algonac Activity Center. In a memo to officials City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said professional expertise was needed after the city purchased the former Algonac Elementary School in 2023 in order to determine its existing condition, assess structural issues, discuss
This well lite RV led Algonac’s First Annual Golf Cart Parade in Dec. 2024. The event returns to town on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
improvement options and interpret building costs. An invoice from George J. Hartman Architects P.C. for 7.75 hours of services at a rate of $185 an hour was submitted to the city on Oct. 26, 2025.
Infrastructure Grant accepted
The final city manager’s report from retiring City Manager Denice Gerstenberg was presented to the council on Nov. 18. An update on the Algonac Activity Center had Gerstenberg explaining that Superior Heating and Cooling will be finished with the air handlers this week. In addition, the Pearl Beach Lions donated 11 round banquet tables to the Activity Center and Gerstenberg noted that the center is almost ready to welcome walkers for the winter months. In a city pool update she noted that a pool cover has been installed and that resident Dee Caimi donated $1,000 in grant monies to support the Algonac swimming pool. As for the Lions Park Pathway Paving plans and specs are now 75% complete and HRC just completed the necessary survey work.
Golf Cart Parade
Councilman Jake Skarbek took time out during his council comments to note that there will be a holiday Golf Cart Parade hosted on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade will step off from Lions Field and take a path around Algonac. Golf carts and side by sides will be allowed but there will not be any dirt bikes in the parade, Skarbek said. Those that show up with a dirt bike will be asked very nicely to leave, he added. He encouraged participants to put lights all over their vehicles and noted there will be live music and an appearance by Santa Claus.
