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Sep 09, 2023

Algonac City Council votes to change meeting time for summer months

The Algonac City Council discussed several items at its June 7 meeting,

The Algonac City Council discussed several items at its June 7 meeting, including a meeting time change, skate park ramp upgrades, water plant items and more.

"We’re being asked to consider a city council meeting time change," Mayor Terry Stoneburner said. "According to city charter, city council determines its own organizational rules and order of business, including meeting dates and times. Typically, organizational rules are reviewed each even-year November immediately following the regular city election. However, it has been recently suggested to change the city council meeting time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. as a convenience to residents and a way to encourage participation."

Stoneburner said the change would provide an opportunity for residents conducting business at city hall to attend the meetings immediately following while city hall is still open, rather than returning an hour later, after it closes. She also noted that the time change may allow residents to attend the meeting on their way home from work and that residents may find it more appealing knowing they may not have to be out as late.

She said that on Aug. 16, the council would evaluate whether to continue with the 6 p.m. start time or resume the 7 p.m. start time at the council meeting on Sept. 6.

Council member Corey Blair made the motion to approve the city council meeting time change from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. from June 21 to Aug. 16.

"I just think this is a great idea," Blair said. "I don't know why it hasn't been thought of in the last 20 years."

"I’ll second that," council member Jacob Skarbek said. "I think it's awesome that we’re doing this and I think it will definitely get a lot more people showing up and showing support or concerns."

Council member Rocky Gillis said Clay Township had moved its meeting time up, and he liked the idea of trying it, but if it does not work out and residents prefer the 7 p.m. time, council can move it back.

Stoneburner said the meeting time may not work for all of the council members, so maybe the change could just be for the summer, though she was unsure if the council would want to keep switching the times. She said she did not have a preference, but that the council should try it and collect data to see if the change affects attendance at the meetings.

Council member Raymond Martin said he could not make 6 p.m. work in the spring and fall due to coaching, but the time would work for him in the summer and winter.

Stoneburner noted that council member Cathy Harris brought up the time change.

"I’m pleased you did that," she said.

Council members unanimously approved the motion.

Council members also unanimously approved a motion to adopt their 2022-2023 meeting calendar. The dates include the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with one exception, which is the first meeting in August will take place Aug. 3 instead of Aug. 2 due to the primary elections.

The council also unanimously approved skate park ramp upgrades with equipment from Rampage LLC in the amount of $6,292.

"We received a quote from Rampage, LLC to purchased 26 Skatelite Pro … replacement panels and associated stainless steel screws for the skate park," Stoneburner said. "These boards are made from recycled paper sourced from the Midwest, designed to stand up to the daily punishment inflicted by skateboards and BMX bikes. These boards are naturally smooth and fast for less ramp rash and more speed, incredibly durable for indoor and outdoor installation, flexible and machinable, will maintain a safe temperature, even in the blazing sun, fire-resistant and easy to clean, even from stubborn graffiti, and environmentally friendly and sustainable."

Blair asked if the final bill includes a labor cost, or if that is something handled by the department of public works. Stoneburner said it will be handled by the DPW.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Bembas asked if the cost included a grant from Algonac Alive. City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said it did not, and that Algonac has $735.35 from a skate park competition, but the city has not presented the project to Algonac Alive yet to ask for the money.

Skarbek asked if paint could be added, as well. Gerstenberg said she could ask about it.

Council members unanimously approved a motion to approve a change order for water plant low service pump number two repair by Pump Service International LLC in the amount of $5,526.

"On March 15, we approved $20,349 for Pump Service International LLC to refurbish all three low service pumps," Stoneburner said. "These pumps move large volumes of water at relatively low discharge pressures. Any mechanical work would be extra and quoted after the teardown of the motor."

She said the third pump is done without any extra mechanical work needed and is back in service, the first pump continues to operate and has not yet been refurbished, and the second pump has motor windings that have started to go bad.

"Motor windings are conductive wires wrapped around a magnetic core that cause the rotor to spin," she said. "We received the quote — the cost to fix this problem will be an additional $5,526."

Two low service pumps must always be in operation in order to provide water to the public.

Council members also unanimously approved a motion to approve a change order for water plant sludge removal by Dig Doctor Utility Services in the amount of $5,160.

On May 17, the council approved water plant sludge removal and gate valve repair by Dig Doctor Utility Services in the amount of $5,160 for one day of work.

"During the installation of refurbished low service pump number three, an excessive amount of accumulated sludge was discovered at the bottom of the pump house well and it was noted that the gate valve opening the sluice gate would not open more than 75%," Stoneburner said. "The only qualified responding contractor is Dig Doctor Utility. Dig Doctor started working, and based upon the amount of sludge discovered, clearly over 6 feet, Dig Doctor estimated that this annually recommended cleaning has not been completed in over 20 years. Significantly more time and work was needed to remove the accumulated sludge. We received their bill to review and approve the change order for a second full day of work in the amount of $5,160."

Gerstenberg said the city has been working to put together a maintenance and equipment replacement program.

Additionally, council unanimously voted to approve the first Stormwater, Asset Management and Wastewater grant sewer cleaning and televising pay estimate for work completed from April 1 to 30 by Doetsch Environmental Services in the amount of $63,458.10.

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