CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is part of a statewide Michigan network that trains volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for children in abuse and neglect cases. The Calhoun County chapter, located at 32 W. Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek, recently expanded its operations and expects to begin taking cases within two weeks. Robert Miller, from Albion College, as Todd explained, serves as executive director, and the organization also has two interns from Albion College. The organization is seeking Albion community members as volunteers, advisory council members, and board members with expertise in HR, finance, legal, and fundraising. City Manager Dr. Sheryl Theriot said she submitted interest in serving on the advisory committee. Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert also addressed the council, noting that many children from Albion are among those in the foster care system.

Council Member Lenn Reid presented an update on Albion’s Juneteenth celebration at Holland Park, June 19-20, with free admission both days. The theme is ‘We are better together.’ On June 19, events including BBQ, games and a movie night run from 5 to 8 p.m., with Movie Night in the Park starting at 9 p.m. The Annual Juneteenth Jubilee on June 20 runs noon to 7 p.m. and will feature live music, speakers, food, games and vendors near History Hill. Reid said vendor booths will wrap up at 4 p.m., with a Gospel Fest beginning at 5 p.m. in the Bonner Pavilion.

Council approved Resolution 2026-30, authorizing a grant application to the State Historic Preservation Office for 100 S. Superior Street, the downtown building the city acquired from the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority on May 28. The application seeks funding for engineering services and initial structural stabilization of the building’s foundation. Theriot reported that an inspection found the building to be repairable.

Council also approved a request for proposals for a citywide Comprehensive Plan update and housing assessment, to include public engagement, evaluation of housing needs, and recommendations for future land use, housing, and redevelopment. Benita Krill was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority, with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. Krill has partnered with the Albion EDC on more than 20 home rehabilitations, and her business was recently awarded a $50,000 LISC grant for senior home repairs.

Council spent considerable time on the city’s transition to monthly water billing and a new $2 fee for mailed paper bills. Several members raised concerns about how seniors and other residents would adapt. Staff said paper bills will remain available and that residents will be able to receive assistance through City Hall and online account access.  City Attorney Cullen Harkness noted that the water and sewer system operates as an enterprise fund and must generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs. 

“This is a transition for all of us,” Theriot said. Monthly billing is projected to begin the second week of July. Installation of the city’s new water meters is 83.52% complete, with 2,321 of 2,779 meters installed.

Theriot reported that approximately 30 recreation partners attended a Recreation Roundtable on May 26 at The BOB, with the Dobbins Foundation donating the space. Cherryl Thames and Gwen Tabb facilitated the discussion. Participants identified communication and transportation as barriers to participation. The city has brought on Thames to coordinate recreation collaboration and strategic planning. The city is also exploring the re-establishment of a recreation department to operate a summer program for children in kindergarten through second grade, with a grant application submitted to the Albion Community Foundation. If funded, the city plans to hire two or three seasonal recreation coordinators.

Resident Juanita Kidder, commenting on road construction and detours throughout the region, offered an observation.

“You get to see parts of Albion that you haven’t visited before,” Kidder said.