City manager outlines NAC projects, Opportunity Zone nomination and interlocal DPW plan

City Manager Bryson used his report to summarize a range of economic-development and infrastructure initiatives. He said staff met with the Economic Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation about programs for the neighborhood activity center (NAC), including a Public Spaces, Community Places grant that would match community fundraising up to $50,000 for a skate park. Bryson also described local interest in a “kitchen incubator” — shared commercial kitchen space aimed at helping food entrepreneurs access commercial facilities to sell products.

Bryson said Algonac has applied to be considered for a federal Opportunity Zone 2.0 nomination intended to attract private investment through capital gains incentives for qualifying census tracts; he told council staff are awaiting selection. He also outlined a proposed agreement to utilize Clay Township DPW labor for labor‑intensive water‑plant projects as a cost-saving alternative to outsourcing, with reciprocal billing arranged under the city’s water contract.

The city manager gave project-level cost estimates for pump repairs (roughly $22,000 per pump) and said ongoing savings at the water plant contributed to a small decrease in rates charged to partner jurisdictions. Bryson asked council members to join follow-up meetings on NAC opportunities and to support community fundraising for matched grant programs.

Next steps: Staff will continue grant applications and follow up with details on the Opportunity Zone nomination and any interlocal labor agreement.