By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council meeting on May 5 lasted just over two hours, included a pair of presentations and lots of additional items. All the members of the council were present for the recent meeting.
Here are some highlights:
Food drive set for Saturday, May 9
The 34th annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, May 9. Residents can participate by placing non-perishable food donations in a bag by their mailbox before their regular mail delivery time for collection by letter carriers. Councilman Michael Bembas, who’s also the city’s postmaster, said they do very well with the annual collection drive that includes Algonac, Clay Township and Harsens Island and all the food stays local. He said they collected almost 6,000 pounds of food last year, besting Marine City and Cottrellville by almost double. “We do really good,” Bembas said. He thanked everyone ahead of time and stated people can drop off food at the post office, Methodist or Lutheran churches or even city hall.
Website redesign firm approved
The city council approved a bid from Shumaker Technology Group LLC at a cost of $5,995 for the initial website design fee and $900 for an annual hosting fee for a total of $6895. Thereafter there will be a fee of $1,695 a year for hosting and text message blasts. The city received four bids for the contract and Shumaker presented the lowest one. A memo in the meeting packet noted that the city hasn’t had a website update in seven years. The new service includes multiple calendar options for meetings and events, reservation services, updated forms plus text message notifications. The memo, from the offices of City Manager Artie Bryson and City Clerk Lisa Borgacz, also noted that local municipalities who already utilize Shumaker Technology Group include St. Clair, China and Cottrellville townships.
Water tank repairs cost $21,372
An invoice for $21,372 from Blue Water Engineered Storage Systems in Southfield was approved by the council for repairs at the city’s water plant. A memo in the meeting packet noted that the costs were to be split between Algonac, responsible for $7,742 and Clay Township paying the balance of $13,630. Water Plant Chief Operator Jason Wrightner noted that water plants throughout the state are inspected every five years and earlier this year the water filtration plant was found to have four deficiencies. Blue Water Engineered Storage Systems installed the tanks and provided a quote for making the necessary repairs.
54th Annual Algonac Art Fair okayed
A special event permit for the annual Labor Day weekend Algonac Art Fair on Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., was approved by members of the city council. The popular event is hosted at Riverfront Park and includes artists from across the country. Councilwoman Cathy Harris is chairperson for the event and submitted the special event permit which noted that admission is free to the public and vendors pay $150 to $175 for their space at the event.
Algonac Alive event approved
The 34th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is this coming Saturday, May 9.
A special event permit for a Beer and Wine Festival on the St. Clair River dubbed “A Sip of Summer” was unanimously approved by the council for the local non-profit, Algonac Alive with sponsor Social Connection Events from Ferndale. The event is set for Saturday, June 6 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Algonac Waterfront Park. There will be 100 beer, wine and craft cocktails from across the state and ticket prices range from $35 to $60. Algonac Alive will apply for the liquor license and all vendor fees will be donated to Algonac Alive along with all profits derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages. There will be a commemorative glass, keepsake photos and live music.
Mayor addresses the boardwalk issue
Mayor Rocky Gillis took time during his council comments to say the city has budgeted $50,000 for improvements to the city’s boardwalk in this fiscal year. “Every single one of us up here wants that boardwalk fixed, we know what it needs to work,” Gillis said. He added that every so often on social media they see comments about why isn’t this done and why not that and “believe me if we had the money this whole town would be paved in gold, but we can only spend so much per year.” Gillis said. He added that the board is well aware of the condition of the boardwalk and is addressing it and will be replacing boards soon. City Manager Artie Bryson said the city has applied for a $400,000 grant through the DNR which, if awarded to the city, will require a 28% match. Bryson said that might not cover the whole project, but they will be doing sections and also hope to have the labor done in house to save money.
