By Barb Pert Templeton
The March 17 meeting of the Algonac City Council lasted an hour and seven minutes and included a two-page agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey was absent from the recent meeting.
Here are some highlights:
Milford Jackson Testament Trust donation
For the 32nd year the city of Algonac received funds from the Milford Jackson Testamentary Trust Fund and this year the dollar amount was $26,145. Mayor Rocky Gillis said he found the actual will for Mr. Jackson and he gave all his clothing to the Salvation Army in Port Huron while everything else was invested and given to the city of Algonac for the benefit of the community as determined by the governing body. “Again, this is what gives us the money to buy the Christmas tree, fix the clock and these are non-general fund expenses that we can spend because this gentleman left a legacy,” Gillis said. The council then unanimously approved the donation.
Defibrillator for the city pool
Algonac Fire Chief Jospeh Doan made a request to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the city pool. In a letter to the city council meeting packet Doan wrote that having the AED would enhance the fire department’s ability to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies at the pool. “Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning and immediate defibrillation can significantly increase a victim’s chances of survival. An AED allows first responders to quickly assess heart rhythm and deliver a life-saving shock, if necessary, before advanced medical personnel arrive.” Doan sought and received three quotes for the equipment one for $1,674 from AED123 LLC, $1,523 from American AED and $1,389 from Cardio Partners. Doan recommended the council approve the lowest bid from Cardio Partners, located in Detroit.
Mayor Rocky Gillis said just to clarify things the city pool had a defibrillator but it was moved to the Activity Center went it opened.
New video system for meeting chambers approved
The church will host a free Easter egg drop at Algonac Activity Center on Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In a memo to the city council City Manager Artie Bryson explained that the city chambers have been without camera equipment to video tape council meetings for many years. The sound system in place is not compatible with the recording so often times meetings are difficult to hear on the video. A new video system will be attached to the existing sound system making that problem go away, Bryson said. He provided the council with two quotes for the equipment and council approved the one from Blue Water Video at a cost of $4,618. “I’m excited that people will be able to hear and see us better,” Mayor Rocky Gillis commented.
Permit okayed for Chris Smith 165th Birthday Party
The Algonac/Clay Historical Society submitted a special event permit to host a 165th Birthday Party for Chris Smith, the founder of the Chris Craft boat company. The event is set for Sunday, May 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Legends Statue at Riverfront Park. The party will include a tent with trailed boats, history on Chris Smith and Chris Craft, birthday cake and more historical information at the Maritime Museum. “Sounds like a lot of fun, excellent event,” Councilman Michael Bembas said, as officials approved the permit.
Easter sunrise service set
Trinity United Methodist Church submitted a special event permit to host an Easter Sunrise Service at Riverfront Park on Sunday, April 5 at 6:30 a.m. The special service is a collaborative event being hosted by four local churches including Trinity, Woodside Bible Church, Algonac Church of Christ and Algonac Baptist Church. The council unanimously approved the permit.
Four computers upgraded for city hall approved
The purchase of four computer upgrades from Centaris (formerly High-Tech) in Casco for $4,661 was approved by the council. In a memo in the meeting packet City Treasurer Alysia Bugg stated that four computers needed to be replaced, one for the city manager, one for the city clerk and two for the fire department. She said most computers have a life span of five years and these have all exceeded that time. Officials approved the purchase of four computers at a cost of $990 each plus $175 each for five-year warranties.
Easter in the Nac’ event is March 28
Woodside Bible Church will host an Easter Egg Drop Event on Satruday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.at the Algonac Activity Center and Smith Recreation Center. The free event will include a bounce house, crafts, games, story time, hotdogs and cotton candy, plus the egg drop. Participants can pre-register for the event by using the QR code on the flyer or calling Woodside Bible Church. Members of the council approved the event permit.
