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Veterans urge Algoma to repair city-owned American Legion building before winter
Summary
Veterans and American Legion leaders told the Algoma City Council the city-owned American Legion building at 94 Clark Street needs immediate exterior repairs, citing rotted wood and structural risk; they asked the city to provide labor and materials and offered volunteer help.
Mike Brailes, commander of American Legion Post 236, told the Algoma City Council the former canning-works building at 94 Clark Street needs immediate exterior repairs and asked the city to provide labor and materials before winter weather sets in.
"Not tending to the repairs now will only result in further damage to the building and its structure," Brailes said, adding that he would commit personal time and volunteer help if the council approves the work. He said the legion has a long-standing agreement with the city dating to the 1950s and described ongoing volunteer services the post provides to the community.
Other local veterans backed Brailes. Bill Venice, a resident and former Marine, said the building is "a beacon" for veterans and noted legion members have invested in interior upgrades; Jeff Ferris and Lee Pacheoki also urged the council to solicit contractor help or otherwise accelerate repairs.
City staff and council members heard requests for the city to furnish labor and materials; speakers emphasized the building's historic ties to local veterans and community events. No formal resolution or vote to fund exterior work was recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.
The speakers cited immediate safety and preservation concerns and urged the council to avoid higher future costs by acting before winter. The council thanked the commenters; staff follow-up was discussed but no specific timeline or funding source was recorded in the excerpt.
