Algonac council adopts two new ordinance amendments
By Barb Pert Templeton
The Algonac City Council approved a pair of amendments to existing city ordinances at it’s Oct. 21 meeting. They had previously introduced the amendments at an Oct. 7th meeting.
The first one adopted was an amendment to Chapter 32 “Solid Waste” Article 1 “In General,” Section 1 “Polluting Public Spaces” Subsection (A) to change violations of the ordinance from Municipal Civil Infractions to Misdemeanors by adding Subsection C.
In a memo in the meeting packet City Manager Denice Gerstenberg noted that the change came about because the staff requested the city attorney draft an ordinance because of situations that have occurred recently with in the community.
The amendment will update the current city ordinance on littering and dumping:
· It is illegal to litter or dump trash, debris or other waster on city streets, sidewalks, alleys or public places.
· Commercial or industrial waste may not be discharged onto streets, sidewalks, alleys or gutters at any time
Algonac Mayor Rocky Gillis.
· Violations are now considered misdemeanors rather than civil infractions. This change strengthens enforcement and emphasizes how seriously the city takes protecting our community spaces.
City Council approved the introduction of this ordinance at their meeting of Oct. 7, 2025.
At that time Gerstenberg’s memo noted that this ordinance update is meant to keep Algonac clean, safe and enjoyable.
The second ordinance amendment the council adopted was one to Chapter 44 “Utilities” by adding Article IV “Stormwater Management.”
Gerstenberg explained that in order to keep local waterways clean EGLE requires that the City of Algonac operate under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit. The permit requires
the city to take steps to reduce pollution, prevent illegal dumping and keep our stormwater system working properly. The MS4 permit requires that the city of Algonac implement a detailed stormwater management ordinance.
The city attorney drafted and ordinance with input from city staff. These new rules will help keep our community safe from flooding and to protect the St. Clair River and surrounding waterways from pollution.
What does the ordinance do:
This update is meant to keep Algonac clean, safe and enjoyable.
The amendment to Chapter 32 the Solid Waste Management Ordinance
· Requires new construction and certain property changes to follow stormwater design and standards
· Prohibits illegal discharges from entering storm drain
· Ensures that stormwater systems are property maintained so they continue working long term.
· Gives the city the right to inspect systems and act if there’s a risk to the health, safety or the environment.
What does this mean for residents and businesses:
· Everyday activities like lawn watering and washing vehicles at home are okay, as long as no pollutants are discharges.
The goal is compliance and prevention, not punishment.
The amendment to ordinance Chapter 44 “Utilities” by adding Article IV “Stormwater Management.”
· Developers and contractors must follow stormwater rules when building or renovating.
· Property owners must maintain their stormwater systems (like drains, retention ponds, or swales.)
The city may issue warnings, require cleanup or fine violators up to $500 per day.
The memo noted that the city’s goal is compliance and prevention, not punishment.
Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey noted that she really liked this ordinance amendment because she has a big drain in the ditch on her property. She said she’ll be printing out the document to use to assure her 16-year-old son that yes, he needs to clean it out because there’s now an ordinance insisting on it.
Mayor Rocky Gillis said he likes the fact that being in an area with high flooding probability sometimes, he lives in a flood plain and he likes the fact that people will have to direct their water in the right directions.
To view the ordinance amendments in detail visit cityofalgonac.org.
