Company hopes to bring high-speed internet to unserved areas
By Barb Pert Templeton
The regular Dec. 17 meeting of the Algonac City Council lasted just under 30 minutes and included a short agenda.
Here are a few highlights:
Board reappointments approved
The Algonac City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m.
Algonac City Clerk Lisa Borgacz sent an agenda statement to the city council asking that several people be reappointed to boards and commissions in the city. In her memo she noted that the Boards and Commissions Appointment Policy approved by the city council in December 2015 states that new applicants will not be sought out in the case of a requested reappointment, unless by a majority of the council. Current reappointments approved by the council included Jamie Sternberg to the Board of Review for a term ending Jan. 6, 2027. They also okayed Kimberly Catenacci as an alternate on the Board of Review for a two-year term also ending on Jan. 6, 2027. The third reappointment was for Adam Ragsdale for a partial-term ending on Feb. 1, 2028.
Second pool payment okayed
Members of the council approved the second installment payment to Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. for work on the city pool. Clancy was awarded the bid for the project back in August for $2,924,301. Architect George Hartman reviewed the application for payment accuracy and accounting and completion percentages. The current invoice covered the period of Oct. 1 to Nov. 1 and asked for $184,011.
“Are we still on schedule for having this ready for May 1,” Councilman Michael Bembas asked.
Acting City Manager Joseph Doan said as far as he knows everything is right on schedule at this time, weather permitting.
“I know I’ve seen them and they’re still out there (working), very thankful for that,” Mayor Rocky Gillis added.
The pool, at the Lions Field closed in 2020 due to leaking water and safety concerns. Deciding what to do about the popular city venue, that first opened in 1957, became a topic of interest in the community. Prices soared for a reconstruction so the project stalled until this this past July when State Senator Kevin Hertel came through with $1 million dollars from the state budget and the project moved forward. The city budgets $1,000,000 for the project and will get two grants, one for $300,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and another $400,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking. The remaining $221,304 will be covered via the city’s 2025 budget.
Updated computer equipment approved
A memo by Algonac City Treasurer Alysia Bugg said the city changed IT providers in September and now has an overwhelming need for upgraded computer equipment in all departments including the server. The new IT provider, Hi-Tech will provide the necessary work on site. Hi-
Tech offers a time block purchase option hours are pre-purchased where hours are purchased at a discounted rate Hi-Tech charges $170 an hour but in January Hi-Tech will be raising their rates. If they purchase the block now the rate will not increase and will stay the same and never expire. Bugg’s memo said by purchasing a package now the city would save money promote budget predictability. The options being offered included 25 hours for $4,000 or $160 per hour; 50 hours for $7,500 or $150 an hour or 100 hours for $14,500 or $145.00 and hour. Examples of the service and the time required to complete it were listed as Windows Update, six hours; New Server including set-up and relocating of equipment 50 hours; Installation of new computer equipment on a rotating replacement program over the next few years – 2 to 4 hours per computer. Bugg recommended the council approve a contract from Hi-Tech for 100 hours at a rate of $14,500. Councilman Michael Bembas made the motion to sign a contract with Hi-Tech for 100 hours of service and it was seconded by Councilman Ed Carter. The council was unanimous in its approval of the contract.
