Council hears annual reports and approves library entrance fundraiser; honors Eagles 50th

The council began the meeting with community recognitions and several presentations. Mayor Walby read a proclamation honoring the St. Clair Shores Eagles Area 3619 on its fiftieth anniversary; club leaders John Alexi and Joe Romatz thanked the council and highlighted decades of community service.

Ron Zaleski, the city’s food‑drive coordinator, reported that St. Clair Shores collected 34,217 pounds of food this year and that southern Macomb collections surpassed 200,000 pounds overall; the donations will be distributed via the Macomb Food Program.

Tony from the regional 911 dispatch center presented the center’s 2024 annual report, noting accreditation, ~120,000 annual calls processed, expanded QA and training programs and preparations for the countywide transition to an ESInet (next‑generation 911 network). Council members asked about call durations, Smart911 public education and a specific delayed response where a park phone registered as City Hall; Tony said that incident is under review and staff have coordinated with the deputy chief.

Library Director Stephanie Fair presented a fundraising plan for replacing front pavers with engraved brick markers through BrickMarkers (vendor previously used by the golf course). The project budget for the front entrance was estimated at about $15,000 depending on paver sizes. Council unanimously approved the fundraiser; Stephanie said the fundraiser could be ongoing and installations timed with interior renovations.

What happens next: The library will launch the brick paver fundraiser and work with city IT and finance to accept purchases online; staff will coordinate public outreach at the farmers market and other city events.