During last night’s meeting, Sturgis City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance closing parking spaces, the closure of City Streets and City Hall for the upcoming Trade Days event, and council members voted to not proceed with a Memorandum of Agreement for a Walking Trail Grant.
Under old business, council members unanimously approved the second reading of an Ordinance closing two parking spaces on Highway 109 closest to Adams Street.
Under new business, Public Works Superintendent Jeff Wilson informed council members he had received a verbal quote from Timmons of nearly 47-thousand dollars regarding the walking trail. Mayor Mike Hardesty explained what the funds would be used to purchase at the walking trail, and stated the City of Sturgis would be responsible for any repairs.
According to City Clerk Cindy Carr, the Walking Trail Grant was only for over 10-thousand dollars.
She added that would leave the City over 35-thousand dollars short of the 47-thousand dollars needed. After a discussion, Councilman Pete Brown made a motion to not proceed with the memorandum of agreement for the walking trail, which was passed by a vote of 5-1 with Councilman Doug Rodgers casting the lone no vote.
In other new business, Rodgers informed council of the streets that would need to be closed for Sturgis Trade Days scheduled for June 3rd and 4th.
In addition, he stated 6th and Adams Streets would be closed through Sunday morning. Council members unanimously approved the street closures, as well as the closure of City Hall at Noon on Friday, June 3rd.
Public Works Superintendent Jeff Wilson gave an update on utilities and stated all the sewerage pumps are installed and operating properly, but they did have an issue with a check valve.
He indicated gas is okay, they have started pothole repairs on city streets, and mowing flood walls, parks, etc. He also mentioned they had a X-Mark lawn mower with a blown engine.
During the police report presented by Sturgis Police Chief DeWayne Jackson, he informed council Officer Eric McAllister’s last day with the police department is Wednesday.
Items of discussion included the $300 annual allowance for city workers to purchase new uniforms, and Code of Enforcement Officer, Sturgis Fire Chief Chad Cullen, moving forward with citations for those city properties in violation, and habitual violators. However, Mayor Hardesty said they would revisit these two issues in the near future.
And council members approved the appointment of Bill Pierce to the Airport Board to replace Joe Woodring.
Following the open session, council went into closed session to discuss personnel. City Clerk Cindy Carr tells me once they came back into open session they had a first reading of an ordinance to amend the City’s Personnel Policy to change superintendent’s pay from salary to hourly, which was unanimously approved.
The next regularly scheduled Sturgis City Council will be held Monday, June 6, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sturgis Council Chambers.s