Algonac seeks $1M grant for pool renovation

Jul 18, 2023

Algonac is seeking a $1 million state grant to renovate the community outdoor swimming pool at Lions Field.

City council members on Nov. 15 unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant program for the pool project.

"The Michigan DNR has announced a new SPARK grant opportunity to support projects that provide safe, accessible public recreation facilities and spaces to improve recreational experiences, rebuild existing park infrastructures and promote outdoor activities," Mayor Rocky Gillis said. "Applications are due Dec. 19."

All projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, Gillis continued. A total of $65 million — ranging from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $1 million — will be distributed in three rounds.

The first round will grant $15 million by the end of 2022; the second round will grant $25 million in the spring of 2023, and the third round will grant $25 million in the summer of 2023.

"The application requires a resolution from the governing body," Gillis said. "The city will be requesting $1 million for the pool. The estimated construction cost of the pool is $1.7 million. The city has applied for and was awarded a $300,000 grant for the pool in December 2021 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund."

"The plans for the new swimming pool were prepared by architect George Hartman with input from the city council, the Algonac Pool Advisory Committee, residents and staff members," he continued. "The new pool is the same size as the existing pool. Proposed amenities include swimming lanes for exercise and swim team, a deep end, a zero-entry area with water features, heated pool, new perimeter fencing, new pool equipment building, new decks, ramps and rails. The original 178,000-gallon pool was built in 1957."

Council member Dawn Davey made the motion to adopt the resolution.

City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said city staff members are currently working on the grant application.

"We need this resolution and a couple additional documents, but we will definitely have it in by the deadline," she said. "It's all electronically submitted."

"Next we are being asked by (department of public works Foreman Joe Vernier) to approve the request of water parts for $7,500," Gillis said.

He said authorization was requested to purchase various adapters and clamps and a 14-ton trailer from Harrison Township-based CPI Excavating Inc., which is going out of business and selling all existing inventory at a 30% discount.

"Everything needs to be moved quickly," he said. "The adapters and clamps are all materials needed for water service installations. The typical lead time for these items pre-pandemic was six to eight weeks. Now the lead time is 24 to 36 weeks."

The 2000 14-ton tandem axle heavy duty open utility trailer will be used to haul the bobcat, barricades and small equipment.

"It is in great condition and the axles and tires were just replaced," Gillis said. "A similar trailer would cost $8,000 to $10,000."

He noted that Clay Township authorized a purchase of similar materials and a skid steer from CPI Excavating at the township board meeting on Nov. 7 and that the owner of CPI Excavating lived in the city of Algonac for many years.

Council member Michael Bembas made a motion to approve purchase of water service installation parts and a 14-ton trailer from Chuck Smith at CPI Excavating in the total amount of $7,500. The council unanimously approved the motion.

The council also unanimously approved a motion to approve payment to Electric Motor Services LLC for Elm Street lift station pump emergency repair in the amount of $2,582.84.

"One of the two Elm Street lift station pumps stopped working because of debris overwhelming the impeller," Gillis said. "One of the two spare pumps was put in place and the Elm Street pump was removed for repairs. The pump is currently back in operation."

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