By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council meeting on July 21 lasted just under 48 minutes and then officials went into a closed session to review the sixth-month performance of City Manager Artie Bryson. All seven members of the council were present for the meeting.
Here are some highlights:
Road salt purchase approved
The Algonac Activity Center will be getting a new roof this summer.
Algonac annually purchases salt through the MIDeal program, which allows Michigan local units of government to use state contracts to buy goods and services, according to a meo in the meeting packet. Local governments benefit directly from the reduced cost of goods and service and indirectly by eliminating the time needed to process bids. Detroit Salt Company was awarded the MIDeal buying program bid for this year. The council approved the purchase of road salt for the 2026-2027 season from Detroit Salt Company, located in Detroit, at a cost of $6,153.
Roof replacement contract awarded
A bid for the roof replacement at the Algonac Activity Center, formally the Algonac Elementary School, was unanimously approved by the city council. The city got two bids for the project including one from GC Commercial Roof Systems for $201,000 and one from Zimmer Roofing for $316,000. Officials awarded the bid to the low bidder in this case GC Commercial Roof Systems, of Harrison Township, for $201,000. Councilwoman Wendy Meldrum said she just wanted to confirm that the project will not cost the taxpayers any additional money as it was grant funded. City Manager Artie Bryson said that was true and how it works is the city pays for the work and then gets reimbursed by the state. Councilman Michael Bembas asked if anyone knows or is related to anyone at GC Commercial Roof Systems and the council members mumbled no. Councilman Jake Skarbek said be prepared that once they open the roof up that cost will go up and the city could be looking at $20,000 to $30,000 in extra costs.
Thermal imaging cameras for fire department
The Algonac Fire Department asked the city council to approve the purchase of two Seek AttackPro+ NFPA Certified thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imagining cameras are an essential tool that allow firefighter to locate victims, detect heat sources and navigate through smoke-filled areas, according to a memo in the meeting packet from Fire Chief Joe Doan. The cameras also enhance firefighter safety and life-saving operations. The city got three quotes for the cameras including: Chief Miller Apparel for $9,441, MED for $8,921 and Witmer Public Safety Group Inc. for $8,823. Doan also noted that the purchase is already budgeted for in the department’s Capitol Outlay Budget. The council unanimously approved the lowest bid from Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc.
Council thanks the crowd
During council comments council members Cathy Harris, Wendy Meldrum and Jake Scarbek thanked everyone for coming to the meeting.
“Again, cool, like seeing bodies in the room,” Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey said during her comments.
Mayor Rocky Gillis, who always speaks last, also thanked everyone for attending.
“It’s great to see a full room and it’s great to see people face to face not in front of a keyboard because what can be said on social media can hurt,” Gillis said. “I think it’s nice to see people in the room, thank you all.”
New meeting location
The next Algonac City Council meeting will be held at Smith’s Recreation Field instead of at the city offices. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. The address for Smith’s Recreation Field in 404 Clay Street in Algonac.
