ALGOMA – The Algoma Common Council convened on Oct. 5 for a regular meeting led by Mayor James Winter at City Hall. The council addressed several key city ordinances, public safety measures, volunteer stipends and property decisions.

City administrator and community updates

Moving into the new Algoma Fire Rescue Station at 1515 Sunset Ave. is underway, with a public ribbon-cutting and grand opening scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1-4 p.m.

Utility work for TID #5 (Mary Min Acres) is complete with final paving underway. Remodeling work continues at City Hall, the library and the police department.

Clerk Erin Mueller noted that absentee voting by mail is currently open, early in-person voting runs from Oct. 20-30, and Election Day takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Public comment

One citizen spoke about pedestrian safety on Church Street. Due to the events like Smashed on the Rocks, the hotel, the cruises and residences in that area, there is a higher volume of foot traffic. She would like to see the City assess the area for ADA accessible ramps, sidewalks and crosswalks.

Mike Froelich of the American Legion spoke about the activities of the American Legion. They are continuing to be active in the community and have a high demand for medical devices like knee scooters and canes.

New ordinances passed

The council passed several ordinances impacting public safety and city operations:

• Tobacco and Hemp Regulation (Ordinance 865): The council voted to adopt Ordinance 865, further regulating the sale, possession and use of tobacco, nicotine, vaping and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, specifically targeting enforcement regarding minors and individuals under age 21.

• Parental Responsibility (Ordinance 866): Ordinance 866 was adopted to establish parental and guardian responsibility for juvenile municipal ordinance violations. The ordinance states when a juvenile commits three or more municipal ordinance violations within any 12 month period, the police department may conduct a parental conference with the juvenile and the parent or legal guardian.

A parent may be cited under this section only when the City establishes that: The parent received notice of the juvenile’s prior municipal ordinance violations; The parent knowingly permitted, encouraged, or failed to exercise reasonable supervision over the juvenile; and the parent’s failure to exercise reasonable supervision substantially contributed to the juvenile’s continued municipal ordinance violations.

• Minor Sexting Prohibition (Ordinance 867): The council adopted Ordinance 867, prohibiting sexting between minors.

• Park Hours and Vandalism Control (Ordinance 868): Council members approved Ordinance 868 in a 7–1 vote (with Alder John Ortlieb voting no), establishing new park hours from sunrise to dusk to combat thousands of dollars in recent vandalism. Exceptions to the closure hours include the Marina, Olson Park and Crescent Beach.

Equipment approvals and volunteer stipends

The council authorized the replacement of a fuel dispenser/pump for the Algoma Marina from Walt’s Petroleum Services at an updated cost of $8,434.85.

Resolutions 1254-2026 and 1255-2026 were adopted, setting 2027 stipends for Algoma Fire Service and Rescue Service volunteers. The janitorial role for the fire station will transition to an hourly paid position due to the cleaning demands of the new facility. More discussion will take place during the budget portion of the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting.
Property sales and personnel actions

Following a closed session, the council made multiple decisions:

• Approved the sale of the former Algoma Fire Rescue Station at 400 Third Street to Michael and Heidi Gwiazda for $150,000.

• Approved hiring Trenton Schmidt as a police officer and authorized the Algoma Police Department Bargaining Unit contract for January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029. Alder Kevin Schmidt abstained from both votes.