Henry Bowman

The meeting addressed several critical areas, including the Treasurer's Report, where it was decided that Historical Commission donations would be retained by the Commission, while Society Membership funds would remain with the Historical Society. Museum activities included discussions on updating donation records, refusing certain item donations, creating a loan form procedure, and addressing facility issues such as frozen pipes and fence damage. The Commission also reviewed requests for funding from the Historical Society for upcoming events. Regarding Old Business, updates on social media outreach resulted in two prospective new members indicating interest in joining the Commission. Work on city and residential historical markers is ongoing, with a motion passed to allow outreach to potential qualifying homeowners. The final topics for the 75th Anniversary History Walk panels were confirmed, excluding restaurants and shopping. New Business involved reviewing the 2026 roster and updating member contact information.

The work study meeting focused on several key operational and budgetary items. Discussions regarding Priority Waste involved evaluating an 18-month contract extension to manage rising market rates, with Council members debating the duration to allow for better future bidding preparation, and potential service model changes such as eliminating loose bag collection. The Council also reviewed plans for upgrading the water meter system to cellular-based technology to address issues with estimated readings, favoring a recommended vendor whose solution involves a phased, three-year installation starting with problem meters. For the Jefferson Street reconstruction project, discussions centered on accelerating the road and sidewalk reconstruction timelines to minimize business impact, with roadwork largely funded by SEMSD. Furthermore, the Council agreed in principle to transfer the annual sidewalk replacement program from the General Fund to Act 51 Local Streets funding, eliminating resident billing for tree-related hazards. Other topics included planning for the resurfacing of the main Civic Center parking lot, separating garage sale regulations into a standalone ordinance, and prioritizing the renovation of the 1966 pool bathhouse to meet ADA compliance and fixture requirements by 2027, agreeing on an option that includes relocating boater restrooms and potentially incorporating work for the failing kiddie pool infrastructure.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included the approval of a site plan for the renovation of an existing retail building in Lakeshore Village. The Council also addressed several bids and contracts, awarding contracts for the District 3 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Lining Project and the Library Renovation Furniture. The Consent Agenda items were approved, including bills and various internal documents. A specific item concerning recommendations from the Council Sub-Committee on Boards, Commissions, and Committees was addressed separately and approved. The Council held a closed session regarding litigation (Javell Johnson, et al vs. City of St. Clair Shores) and subsequently accepted the attorney's recommendation upon returning to open session before adjourning the meeting.

The meeting covered several old business items, including discussions about renaming the Farmer's Market to "Sunday Market" to better reflect the event type and avoid duplication. A significant portion of the discussion focused on downtown barricades, specifically evaluating retractable bollards versus movable planters for safety and aesthetics, with a goal to have street barricades in place by May 1st. New business included planning for the ordering of benches and the placement of purchased trash cans; a request was also made for guidelines on preferred picnic tables for consistent downtown aesthetics. Follow-ups addressed outdated marquee signage, the status of directional parking signage (including pricing for "Parking" signs with directional arrows), and the need for updated pedestrian "stop as state law" signs near crosswalks. The re-striping of Greater Mack crosswalks was reviewed.

The City Council meeting agenda included several items for discussion and potential action. Key topics involved a recommendation from the Compensation Commission regarding a salary increase for elected officials, which required council consideration before a set deadline. The council was also scheduled to hold a public hearing to review objections and adopt a resolution confirming the Special Assessment District for the 2025 Benjamin Statler Canal Dredge, with costs borne entirely by 51 resident parcels. Other agenda items included a request for site plan approval for a new mixed-use building, a request to adopt a Resolution for Conveyance of Bottomlands to the Great Lakes Yacht Club, and approval of a budget amendment for the Brys Park Walking Path. The meeting included standard segments for audience participation and reports from the City Manager.