Algonac to get more barricades for crowd control

Algonac will soon be equipped with nearly 40 more steel barricades to help manage crowds and boost public safety at local events.

At an Aug. 1 city council meeting at Smith Recreation Park, council members unanimously approved the purchase of 38 steel barricades from Crowd Control Warehouse in the amount of $4,369.66.

“Tragic episodes around the world have made increased safety at public events a necessity,” Mayor Rocky Gillis said. “Crowd control has become the first and foremost aspect of managing a safe and secure event. On June 6, 2023, the city council approved purchase of 50 steel barricades from Crowd Control Warehouse in the amount of $5,229.19. Sixty-two barricades were delivered, at no extra cost to the city. The Algonac Lions donated $5,200 on June 26, 2023, to the city for the purchase of barricades.”

He said the barricades are one of the most efficient on the market and are made from 18-gauge steel, measure 8.5 feet long and weigh 34 pounds. They are weather-resistant and the interlocking design allows each one to be easily hooked to another to create a long, continuous line of protection. Once the barricades are locked together, they can only be removed from end-to-end, helping prevent any disconnects in the middle of the line.

“These barricades are less expensive, easier to move and easier to store than concrete or water-filled barricades,” Gillis said. “The barricades are successfully being used for events in the city of Algonac. After using the barricades during recent events, we need more than what we have. It is recommended that the city purchase 38 additional barricades, for a total of 100.”

Council member Dawn Davey asked if the barricades are strong enough. City Manager Denice Gerstenberg said the city has met with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and they have come up with a plan to combine the steel barricades with other barricades for events.

Council member Michael Bembas said he hopes the city looks at stronger barricades in the future.

“I will say that I thought they worked out really well at the Pickerel Tournament,” Gillis said.

Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Martin thanked the Algonac Lions Club for the donation to make the purchase.

The council also unanimously approved a water plant lab incubator replacement from Thermo Fisher Scientific in the amount of $3,644.63.

“The water plant uses the lab incubator for microbiology testing of drinking water and daily plant processes,” Gillis said. “The current incubator is over 20 years old and parts are no longer available. Three quotes were received with the lowest being from Thermo Fisher Scientific for the amount of $3,644.63.”

Two other quotes were received from BMT USA Incucell 222 for the amount of $4,341 and from Raeyco Incucell 111 for the amount of $4,295.

“It is recommended to purchase a Heratherm General Protocol Microbiological Incubator, 180 liters, interior glass door, 120 volt, with two-year warranty and cCSAus certified, from Thermo Fisher Scientific, who provided the lowest quote,” Gillis said. “This is a reliable and reputable manufacturer the water plant has used for other lab equipment.”

He said $8,000 was budgeted for replacement of the lab incubator.

Council member Corey Blair asked if the city should consider purchasing two incubators to have one on standby. Gerstenberg said the water plant superintendent has stated the plant only needs one at this time.

Additionally, the council unanimously approved a motion to approve the special events permit for the 51st Algonac Art Fair at Riverfront Park Sept. 2 and 3, pending submission of the correct certificate of liability insurance to the city prior to the event, as well as a motion to approve permit for fireworks other than consumer of low impact provided by Great Lakes Fireworks LLC for fireworks public display Sept. 16 and direct the city clerk to sign the permit on behalf of the city.

“The Algonac Art Fair Committee has submitted a special events permit for the 51st Annual Algonac Art Fair in Riverfront Park for Sept. 2 to 3,” Gillis said. “Their permit application has been received and has been approved by administration. The safety and security plan has been approved by the St. Clair County sheriff. However, the Art Fair is still in the process of securing the correct certificate of liability insurance.”

The fireworks permit is for the annual Bump N Run event. Gillis said the permit is required by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to permit the pyrotechnic company, Great Lakes Fireworks LLC, to conduct the fireworks display.