St. Clair Shores · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Clair Shores public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Lake St. Clair muck, cormorants, and water infrastructure
A resident described watching firefighters struggle with low hydrant pressure during last year's Bayview Street house fire, saying crews had to tap hydrants across Jefferson. The mayor promised a follow-up on his unanswered questions.
Civic media streaming on YouTube
The commission is shopping for a Tricaster system used to produce and play back broadcast coverage of city meetings. The bid is on hold until an absent commissioner can review it, with action expected next month.
Sunnydale Relief Sewer outfall location in Golf Ball Bay
Residents packed the chamber to fight a $13.75 million stormwater outfall planned for the shallow, sandy Wildwood/Golf Ball Bay, citing swimming, wildlife, buried contamination, and property values. The council tabled the award to July 20 and promised a town hall — the last possible date under EGLE's funding deadline.
Switching Trash Haulers from Priority Waste to Express
Yard waste is running a day or two late with spotty communication from the hauler, and Council Member Rusie says it's getting worse, not better. The city is pushing for better advance notice to residents.
Great Lakes Yacht Club bottomlands conveyance
The council gave local approval for the state to convey lake bottomlands under the yacht club's breakwater barge, with the club committing to paint and maintain the barge in coordination with neighbor Trader Todd's.
I-94 / 9 Mile cleanup program
The Waterfront Environmental Committee is stepping up to six cleanups a year, with the first on May 9 at 10 Mile and I-94. Council also flagged trash and landscaping issues at the storage facility on the northeast corner.
Maple-Benjamin Canal 2026 Dredge Special Assessment District
Fifty-one canal-front property owners will each pay $5,000 — $255,000 total — to dredge the Benjamin Statler Canal and replace part of the jetty seawall, confirmed unanimously after a hearing with no objections. Payment is due February 2, 2026.
Water Tower Preservation Debate
St. Clair Shores is deciding whether to tear down its old water tower, and something found inside has one councilman arguing harder to save it. The choice could reshape the city’s skyline, so it’s not just a nostalgia fight.