By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council held their bi-monthly meeting on March 18, it lasted just under an hour and all council members were present.
Here are a few highlights:
Nice Neighbor Award presented
A Nice Neighbor Award was presented to Algonac resident Ronald Davey by Algonac Councilman Ed Carter. Davey, who’s the spouse of current Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey, was honored for his devotion to helping out other residents who live on his street in the city. In the winter he plows snow from driveways and sidewalks within a two-block radius of his home. A memo about the award in the March 18 meeting packet noted that “Ron’s thoughtfulness for all of his neighbors is greatly appreciated and that his kindness and actions demonstrate the true meaning of neighbor.” During his council comments Carter thanked Davey again and stated that it’s always nice when citizens care for each other and in this case he’s out there all summer and winter helping his neighbors. Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey joked that her husband would be especially pleased with his award because each member of her family has been recognized in one way or another by the city council in the past. “Ronald Davey didn’t get squat and he’s the one out there in the snow and he doesn’t stop,” Davey laughed.
The Algonac City Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m.
City Manager shares update on pool project
Algonac City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said the $1,000,000 Project Agreement from the state has been received and council will vote on accepting it at their next meeting. She noted that frost laws are currently affecting deliveries for the pool project. The law is a seasonal restriction on weight and speed limits for commercial trucks and heavy vehicles, typically in place from March to May to protect roadways from damage. They will pour concrete soon, install the pool rebar and be welding a gutter system in place at the end of April. The city will be seeking quotes for the painting of the existing bathhouse. Councilman Michael Bembas asked if the pool is still scheduled to open on May 1 and Gerstenberg said that wasn’t likely but it will open this summer. She said a date will be easier to project once the weather changes and the frost ends.
Stage rental contract okayed
The Algonac City Council approved a stage rental contract with the St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission for use during the 2025 Music in the Park series for $3,750. The council previously approved a Special Event Permit for Music in the Park for the following dates: June 5, 12, 19 and 26 and July 10, all Thursdays. The St. Clair County Parks and Recreation Commission increased the stage rental fee on Jan. 1, 2025 from $500 per use to $750. Councilman Michael Bembas asked what happened to a plan to purchase a stage of their own to share with Clay Township. City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said former Clay Township
Supervisor Artie Bryson applied for a grant via ARPA funds to have a stage for Algonac, Clay and Ira townships, but those funds won’t be available until Dec. 2025 so maybe next year. “So. thank you to Supervisor Bryson for putting that application in and getting it funded for us,” Gerstenberg said.
