By Maggie LaNoue – Contributing Writer
October 16, 2026
From programs supporting young people and older residents to costly sewer improvements and rental housing inspections, Albion City Council’s Monday, Oct. 19, meeting reflected the many elements involved in maintaining a safe, livable community.
The meeting opened with representatives of AARP Michigan recognizing Albion’s participation in the organization’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities. The presentation highlighted Tech Savvy Seniors, a program connecting Albion College students with older residents who want help using cellphones, social media and other technology.
Ben Pierce of Starr Commonwealth introduced F.O.C.U.S. Forward, a free program that offers individualized coaching and other assistance to help young adults overcome barriers to education, employment and stable housing. An Albion participant described his experience with the program and drew enthusiastic applause.
Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder presented a proclamation recognizing Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, an annual observance that promotes substance abuse prevention and encourages young people to make healthy, drug-free choices.
Marquetta Frost, Cross Age Mentor Program coordinator with Substance Abuse Prevention Services of Albion, joined students and community supporters for the presentation and described efforts to train students to mentor younger children. Garcia-Snyder thanked the students for their willingness to speak before an audience, acknowledging that doing so can be difficult, and for their role in encouraging other young people.
The council also recognized Albion Pride Day, celebrating the community’s LGBTQ residents and supporters. An Albion Pride event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24. Information is available from the Albion Arts Center at albionartscenter.com.
The council then turned to infrastructure, approving an engineering proposal from Wightman to advance planning for a $23.11 million wastewater project. The action did not constitute final approval of the construction project or its state financing.
Proposed financing through Michigan’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program includes $5,777,500 in principal forgiveness, covering 25% of the project, and a $17,332,500 loan at 2% interest.
Wightman engineer Mickey Bittner described plans for sewer reconstruction, lining, manhole rehabilitation and inspections. Construction is expected to begin in November 2027 and continue into 2029.
Councilmember Donivan Williams asked about financing and possible additional utility rate increases. Finance Director David Clark said previously approved sewer rate increases were intended to support the improvements: 35% in July 2026, 15% in January 2027 and 10% in January 2028.
Public Services Director Jason Kern said crews working near McIntosh Park found buried waste from an old dump beneath the roadway. Council approved the additional removal and disposal work, estimated in the meeting materials at $101,525.
Clark said the discovery, combined with earlier costs, would draw about $200,000 from the city’s solid waste fund, and warned that the fund could not readily absorb another unexpected expense of that size. Councilmembers Jim Stuart and Vivian Davis asked how the fund might be replenished and whether similar costs could arise on future projects. Clark said the city would review possible funding sources during the upcoming budget process.
The council approved two street paving expenditures totaling $96,445: $20,136 for West Broadwell Street between State and Mallory streets and $76,309 for State Street between Austin and West Broadwell streets.
Kern also reported that sanitary sewer replacement on West Cass Street between Ann and Albion streets was completed for less than the original $200,000 estimate.
Later in the meeting, the council reviewed the city’s rental housing registration and inspection program. A report listed 347 registered rental addresses and identified problems ranging from missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to more serious heating, plumbing, electrical and structural deficiencies. The council approved no changes to the program.
Clark also outlined plans to present the city’s next budget in stages during November, with approval targeted for early December.
During public comment, Rebecca Toby of Haven Road urged the council to reject a future request to rezone about 63 acres of Albion College property at 958 Haven Road from Campus Development to mixed use, citing wildlife, open space and the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission was scheduled to consider the proposal Oct. 20.
Following a closed session, City Manager Sheryl Theriot and department directors provided additional updates on city operations.
Work on City Hall’s front entrance included removal of the deteriorating steps and plans for new supports and handrails. Workers also discovered a water-damaged time capsule dating to 1935, which officials hope to preserve.
Kern reported that repairs to damaged playground equipment at Victory Park were planned, another example of the city’s maintenance needs.
