By Barb Pert Templeton
The Sept. 16 meeting of the Algonac City Council had a busy agenda but officials managed to complete it in about 33-minutes. Councilman Michael Bembas was absent.
Here are some highlights:
Pool side tree removal
A large hollowed out oak tree that was a safety hazard on the grounds of the city pool was recently removed by Timber Tree Services Inc. In a memo to the council DPW Foreman Joe Vernier said the tree was showing signs of rotting and hollowed out branches and had it remained could have taken out a building and parts of the fencing. The council approved an invoice of $4,000 to Timber Tree Services for the tree’s removal.
Heat issue at Algonac Community Center
Members of the city council were asked to approve an invoice in the amount of $3,840 to Superior Heating and Cooling Inc. The change order was for related to the heating system at the center because when a new system was installed it failed to circulate air in the building and that could prompt a mold issue in the future. The company suggested installing air handlers that will automatically circulate the air. Officials approved the work change-order in the amount requested.
Red Barn Country Fest approved
A special event in Algonac was approved my officials and this flyer is helping promote it in the community.
A special event permit application was submitted by Youth for the Future for the Red Barn Country Fest & SXS Ride on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. The SXS Ride will begin at 10 a.m. and will travel to various stops in Algonac and Harsens Island. The country event will be held at Smith Recreation Park at 6 p.m. This is the first event of its kind and the Country Fest will feature live country music, drinks, food vendors and outdoor games. The permit application was approved by the administration and the safety and security plan was reviewed by the St. Clair County Sheriff. The council approved the permit. Councilman Jake Skarbek is helping organize the event and told officials that the there will be a red barn with fencing with lights that illuminates the letters on the barn at night. There will also be a 16-foot by 30-foot saloon as the bar serving area. “Any event that you put on Mr. Skarbek, you make it a fun experience for all,” Mayor Rocky Gillis said.
Piece-to-Peace Quilters get gaming license
Officials adopted Resolution 2025-12 recognizing Piece-to -Peace Quilters as a local non-profit organization. The group is a certified 501 (c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization committed to promoting the craft and art of quilts, quilt-making, sewing and fiber arts. Plus passing along the quilting tradition to members and the wider community. In order to get a license from the state and conduct any fundraisers the State of Michigan Charitable Gaming Division requires the local government to recognize the existence of the non-profit in the community.
Change in cost for fire alarm system
The Algonac Community Center general contractor, Salski Construction, had originally quoted $3,750 to relocate a panel and activate the fire alarm system. In a memo from Fire Chief Joe Doan, he stated that upon working on the main panel contractors found it had been vandalized while the building had sat vacant. The main circuit breakers were damaged and separated requiring it to be replaced. National Time and Signal replaced the circuit boards, main panels and all back up batteries for the system at a cost of $3,575. Doan was seeking approval for a total payment of $7,325 to Stephenson Electric Company, the electric contractor for the project.
