By Barb Pert Templeton
The March 3 meeting of the Algonac City Council included the regular agenda item, city manager’s report. City Manager Artie Bryson spent time updating officials on items he’s working on for the city.
Here are some highlights:
Algonac Activity Center updates
Chasing grant funding
The city manager said he’s submitted a federal grant request to Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s office for $750,00 to the Algonac Activity Center. Bryson said he was told by her office that in the beginning they were going to fund 15 projects in six counties but now that numbers been bumped up to 20 so that’s more chances for Algonac. In addition, Bryson said he got emails noting that Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin will be releasing their grant submittals too so he’ll be sending those in soon. Bryson added that representatives from both Peters and Slotkin’s offices will be touring the Algonac Activity Center on Tuesday, Feb. 10. “So that’s good,” Bryson said.
Grand opening was positive
The recent grand opening at the activity center brought “a lot of overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community” plus a pair of proclamations from Sen. Hertel and Congresswoman Lisa McClain’s offices that will be hung up soon, Bryson said.
Thanks to Historical Society and clock fund donor
The Algonac Historical Society has agreed to populate the three trophy cases at the activity center with historic items from the area. The city also received a $200 private donation to purchase new clocks for the activity center gym.
Algonac City Manager Artie Bryson.
State of the State
Bryson reported that he and Mayor Rocky Gillis attended the State of the State address in Lansing on Feb. 26 and made several valuable connections that may benefit future funding and partnership opportunities for the city.
MDOT correspondence
Bryson said he got an email and had a phone conversation with MDOT because they took down a flashing light at the stop sign at Smith Street and M-29. Bryson said they explained that they don’t want to have too many flashing red lights because they won’t be as beneficial where they are really needed. He said he’ll continue to talk to them about it because he thought the stop signs belonged to the city not the state roadways.
Recouping $500,000 from the state
A $500,000 grant from the state that was promised to the city via Senator Kevin Hertel’s office that was apparently taken back may come through soon after all. Bryson said a representative from the Office of Public and Government Affairs in the Michigan Department to Education is going to contact him soon with instructions about how to get those dollars for the city. The funds were going to be used for roof repairs at the Algonac Activity Center
“It’s happy dance time, that’s good stuff,” Bryson said.
Board applicants
The city is still seeking applicants to serve on the Algonac Planning Commission and the Algonac ZBA.
Save the dates
· Thursday, March 5 @ 7 p.m. Ordinance Review Committee – Organizational meeting
· Friday, March 13 @ 7 p.m. Family Movie Night at Algonac Activity Center – showing the film, David.
· Saturday, March 28 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Easter in the Nac’
· Saturday, May 16th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Spring Cleanup Day
· Saturday, June 13 – Pool Grand Opening – featuring the Rasta Steel Band
· Saturday, July 25 – Summertime in the Nac’ from 12 to 7 p.m.
