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Aaron Miller

Final opportunity for Sturgis residents to provide recycling feedback before ordinance moves forward

Wednesday’s meeting will feature the second reading of the ordinance. If approved, the city would enter a 20-day waiting period before the measure becomes law. The commission will also need to decide the length of its next contract with Borden — likely between one year, which allows flexibility if prices change or the commission later discontinues recycling, and three years, which would reduce per-household costs through volume pricing.

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Sturgis City Commission seeking resident feedback on recycling decision

Commissioners plan to use the first and second readings to gather public input. During the September meeting, Commissioner Aaron Miller said he expects the city will hear from residents throughout the first year of the program.

Sturgis Commission advances recycling ordinance for first reading, seeking resident feedback

If adopted, the ordinance would convert curbside recycling into a city utility, and the service would no longer be optional. Residents could pay an estimated $96 per year, up from the current $25 annual charge. City Manger Andrew Kuk noted the $96 figure is tentative, depending on whether the city were to enter into a one-year or three-year contract with Borden Waste Management Services.

New options presented for continuing Sturgis recycling

“Gary Nissley, who runs a local trash service here in town, told us that without recycling, the amount of trash people set out — and the size of the Toters they’ll need — will increase drastically. In my own family of six, our recycle bin is full every week, while our trash is just a couple of small bags. Most of what we generate goes into recycling, and if that ends, everyone’s trash bill will go up,” Aaron Miller said.

Sturgis expands transparency efforts, resumes city commission live-streams

The change comes as part of a broader push to improve communication. The city's updated website, which launched this week, now features a direct link to the livestreams.

Sturgis commissioner suggests letting voters decide the future of curbside recycling

Two weeks ago, the Sturgis City Commission reached an informal consensus to eliminate funding for the city's curbside recycling program — the only municipal curbside recycling program in St. Joseph County. In an interview with Watershed Voice, At-Large Commissioner Aaron Miller said he wants to see the program continue, and believes the public should have the chance to weigh in directly.

Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

The second reading of an ordinance concerning downtown parking and a vote on this policy are expected for Wednesday.

Sturgis commission approves 2024-25 budget

Vice Mayor Aaron Miller said his dissenting vote has to do with a previous vote on Sturgis' millage.

Sturgis City Commission approves nine new motions Wednesday

A public hearing for Sturgis’ proposed 2024-25 budget will take place during the 6 p.m. city commission meeting Wednesday, August 14.

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Sturgis City Commission honors Eric Eishen for decades of public service

Eric Eishen retired in January from Sturgis Bank after 45 years. Heartfelt praises and thanks were shared Wednesday in a room full of friends, family, and community members.

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