Algonac City Council takes care of business

By Barb Pert Templeton

The April 15 meeting of the Algonac City Council lasted 55 minutes and all members of the council were present.

Here are a few highlights:

City Manager’s report

Algonac City Manager Denice Gerstenberg told officials the HVAC system for the Algonac Activity Center is almost done and the electrical work to disconnect power for the administration and classroom areas is being finished for the demolition. The roof leaks have also been repaired. The city pool has passed all inspections for reinforcing and piping and next up is forming the pool walls and waterproofing the retaining walls. The city is still looking to hire lifeguards, the pay rate if $13.50 an hour and interested applicants should contact the city treasurer.

New exterior lighting ordinance amended and approvedd

Officials introduced at amendment to “Chapter 50” zoning Article XV General Provisions, Section 459, Exterior Lighting. Councilman Michael Bembas asked if the ordinance will apply to any multi-family building or business in the city and Mayor Rocky Gillis said yes, that’s the plan. Bembas then asked if there’s a date in mind for completion and if there’s a cost in mind for the lighting. City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said no, there are no cost estimates at this time nor are there installation dates set yet. “It would be my hope that if this passes that we are patient with people having to spend money out of their pocket to conform to this,” Bembas said. Gerstenberg said actually, the complaints the city has received are for businesses in town that are closed leaving certain areas really dark. The ordinance calls for illuminating areas from dusk until sunrise using a variety of lights including LEDs. Mayor Pro Tem Dawn Davey said yes, it’s hard to believe how dark some of the neighborhoods are and that the sheriff’s department can’t be everywhere all the time. “So, turn your porch lights on it’ll help you and it’ll help your neighbors,” Davey said. The council then unanimously approved the ordinance amendment.

Annual Postal Food Drive set

On Saturday, May 10 the U.S. Postal Service Food Drive will be in full swing and the City of Algonac donates at least 5,000 pounds of food a year, which includes Clay Township and Harsens Island. Councilman Michael Bembas, who’s the postmaster in Algonac, said “we get almost double what they do in Marine City and China Township. We get more than St. Clair and the people there have a little bit more funds than we do.” Bembas said actually they almost get as many donations as New Baltimore and it’s important to remember that all of the food donated stays in Algonac, Clay Township and Harsens Island. To make a donation people can leave things on their porch now for their mail carriers or on Fridays go to the Methodist Church between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. “We got 5,000 last year let’s get 5,100 pounds this year,” Bembas

said. “Just to put that in perspective that only lasts about two and a half months, that’s how much food they give away in our community.”

Spaghetti fundraiser a success

Councilwoman Cathy Harris took a few moments during her council comments to note that a recent spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Algonac fifth grader Kenzie Perry, 9, was a big success. The Algonac Lions donated the hall, the meal and the entertainment. Harris said 400 people attended, the hall actually ran out of food and the workers never stopped. Kenzie has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation that will require many doctor’s appointments and she underwent successful brain surgery on April 11th. Harris said Kenzie is home and on the mend. She is a middle child in a family with six siblings in a single-family home.

Upcoming events for the city

A city-wide spring cleanup will be hosted in Algonac on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the city’s DPW. Residents can recycle and dispose of many household hazard waste items including bulky waste, electronics, household waste, appliances and scrap tires.

Streamtime Live Cam Crawl Weekend is set for Aug. 15 – 17 is a get together where Streamtime live owners, moderators, viewers and chatters for a fun filled weekend in Port Huron, Marine City and Algonac. Planned activities include a reception dinner with Polynesian dancers and fire performers, dancing, a river cruise on the Huron Lady and a float down watch party.