By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council addressed a number of items at their most recent meeting on May 7. The meeting lasted 57 minutes and here are a few of the items that were discussed.
Officials thank Councilman Blair for his service
Members of the city council accepted the resignation of Councilman Corey Blair after Mayor Rocky Gillis read the letter, dated April 25, into the record. The councilman had missed several bimonthly meetings of the council over the last few months. In the later Blair stated that “unfortunately due to my work schedule I will be unable to fulfill the rest of my term and commitment on the council. I hate to not be able to fulfill my commitment but it just cannot be changed at this time and my family and career come first.”
Blair was appointed to the council in June 2017 to fill a vacancy and was then elected to a four-year term in Nov. 2020. That term will expire this November and the city’s taking applications for the spot until May 28.
“I would just like to thank Mr. Blair, Councilman Blair for his term,” Mayor Rocky Gillis said. “He has been an asset to the city and yes, it will be a loss.”
The resignation of Councilman Corey Blair has prompted an opening on the Algonac City Council and the city will accept applications until May 28.
“Now who are we going to get to say, ‘Hey should we buy two of those,” laughed Councilwoman Dawn Davey. “We’re going to miss him; I know he struggled with should I or shouldn’t I; but I appreciate his time and I wish him well.”
“I’d like to thank Councilman Blair for his years of service,” Councilman Ed Carter said, as he recalled meeting Blair a decade ago when he moved to the community and how Blair encouraged him to get involved in things around town.
“I’m going to miss Corey Blair with his experience and knowledge in engineering,” Councilwoman Cathy Harris said.
“I also want to thank Corey Blair for his time and effort on behalf of the citizens and serving as a council person,” Mayor Pro Tem Ray Martin said.
City Manager shares school, pool updates
Algonac City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said she recently met with the staff, architect, Macomb Mechanical, building, electrical and mechanical inspectors at the old Algonac Elementary School on April 18. There was debate amongst the professionals regarding whether or not converting the school to a community center use would be considered a “change of use” under the building or rehabilitation codes. The architect spoke with a code specialist at ICC (International Code Council) at the state level earlier this week and was advised that yes, this is a change of use with the building. Gerstenberg told officials that that change in use would require the installation of a fire suppression system as well as properly rated firewalls and fire rated doors. The architect continues to review additional building codes such as total building area, accessibility requirements, heating and cooling, plumbing and lighting.
As to the update on the city pool project, Gerstenberg said it is currently out for bids and while the bids were originally due by April 25, both contractors proposing bids requested a delay until May 20.
Riverside Market dates set
A special event permit for Jacob’s Ladder Farm and Home to host Riverside Market at Smith Recreation Field was unanimously approved by the Algonac City Council. The market will be open on Fridays, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. from May 17 to Oct. 18. The market will include farmers and small businesses with vendors paying $10 a week for a booth. The market will not be held when major events are scheduled such as Pickerel Tournament, Bump and Run and Halloween in the Nac’. Officials noted that all the permits and paperwork has been submitted to the city and the safety and security plan had been approved by the St. Clair County Sheriff.
