By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council meeting held on March 3 lasted just over 45 minutes and included a mid-size agenda and nobody stepping to the microphone during public comments. Councilman Michael Bembas was absent.
Here are some highlights:
Road salt purchase
Officials approved the purchase of road salt vis the MiDeal Program for the 2026-2027 season. In a memo in the meeting packet DPW Foreman Joe Vernier explained that the city purchases its road salt through the program because it allows local units of government to purchase goods and services from the State of Michigan and it’s very cost effective. The price of the salt will be determined after MiDeal goes out for bids and provides the quote to the city. Vernier stated that Algonac will need 50 tons of salt for the season with a seasonal backup of 50 tons.
Special event permit for family movie
A special event permit for Woodside Bible Church to host a family movie at the Algonac Activity Center on Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. was approved by the council. The event is free to the community and the film that will be shown is ‘David.’ The event permit request noted that the activity is scheduled to last until 9:30 p.m. The Algonac Activity Center is located at 1216 St. Clair Blvd. in the city.
2026 Music in the park schedule
The schedule for Algonac’s summer Music in the Park series was announced and approved by the council. Mayor Rocky Gillis read the list of participating bands into the record and it includes June 4 – The Gobies, June 11- Los Gringos, June 18 – Project 29, June 25 – The Gambler Returns – The Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute Show, July 9 – The Meldrum Brothers. The free concerts are hosted on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Riverfront Park.
The City of Algonac’s currently taking applications for lifeguards to work at the city pool which will open in June.
New pet holding kennel
The City of Algonac has established a pet holding kennel in city offices to host lost pets. City Manager Artie Bryson mentioned the setup during his report to the city council at the recent meeting. He said the first customer was a mid-size black pup named Olive. The owners came by to claim her shortly after her arrival at the kennel. Bryson said “she can visit anytime she wants she was a great dog.”
Mayor Rocky Gillis was contacted by Blue Water Healthy Living to share more information about the new kennel. He said when a voting precinct at city hall was moved to the new Algonac Activity Center, it freed up space in the city offices in a spot formerly used to store election equipment. Gillis said that space, that used to be an old holding cell, has now been repurposed into a safe and secure area for lost animals until their owners can be located.
“This gives our police and city staff a humane and practical way to care for animals that are found wandering, while we work to reunite them with their families,” Gillis said.
In addition to the kennel, Gillis said Algonac Alive has applied to the Algonac Clay Community Fund for a microchip reader, which will allow city employees to quickly identify pets and contact their owners.
“This is a simple service that makes a big difference, helping protect the beloved furry friends that are part of so many Algonac families,” Gillis said.
Lifeguards sought for pool
Algonac’s looking to hire lifeguards for the summer for the city pool. The part-time positions do require a lifeguard certification or a willingness by the applicants to get certification. The hours of employment vary and include, days, nights and weekends. Applications can be obtained by visiting the city website at cityofalgonac.org.
City office hours change
Starting this month, March, the Algonac city offices will no longer be closed during the lunch hour. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. The Algonac City offices are located at 805 St. Clair River Drive in the city.
