The City of Sturgis suffered very little damage from the storms. City staff reported during Monday’s meeting that minor damage occurred at the city’s hydroelectric facility, where a unit was knocked offline. “It went right over the dam,” one city staff member said during the meeting. Sturgis’ most significant involvement following the storm came through the aid and resources it provided to neighboring communities.
Commissioners agreed to direct city staff to move forward with an electric vehicle charging station using leftover funds from a 2024 Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant. The city completed its downtown improvements under budget, leaving approximately $151,207 in remaining funds. According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure was the only remaining eligible use for the excess funds. The proposal includes installation of up to two dual-port Level 2 ChargePoint stations in Parking Lot 11 across from City Hall and the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Commissioners said the location is intended to encourage visitors to charge their vehicles while supporting downtown businesses within walking distance of the lot.
Public Services Director Barry Cox presented an opportunity for the city to pursue federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding administered through the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund. Cox said the funding could “turbocharge” Sturgis’ lead service line replacement program ahead of the state’s 2037 deadline.
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.
The plan isn't final as commissioners said they intend to adjust language based on public feedback before adoption. “We can structure it with a sunset [end date] so the commission must renew it each year,” said Commissioner Aaron Miller, calling it a way to “give the commission more of a flexible approach” if costs rise or if public feedback provides a clear direction.
Commissioners will consider whether the city should join the new national settlement with Purdue and the Sackler family. Funds are first allocated to states and then distributed to participating local governments.
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.
City Manager Andrew Kuk presented the budget in detail, noting $11.74 million in total revenue and transfers against $12.31 million in expenditures and transfers. The general fund's largest spending areas include police and fire services at $5.75 million, general government at $1.88 million, and recreation and culture at $808,488.
Sturgis’ current website, sturgismi.gov, is built on an out of-date-platform, according to City Manager Andrew Kuk. It needs a refresh.
Seven new business items are on the agenda, including an update on downtown parking lots.
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