go ahead and get started.
>> Well, I think that uh
our guest would like to address the
board first and then maybe we have some
solutions or some other discussions.
>> Uh do you want to go first or
not a public speaker so I just brought
some notes? Um, I'm John Bartel. I'm CEO
of Bartel Aviation.
We've been operating in Sturgis since
1983. We employ nine people and we're
actually celebrating our 50th year being
in business.
Like to thank all of you for allowing me
to speak here tonight. Appreciate it
very much.
Um,
I'm here to enlighten you the issues
that I'm experiencing,
not to point fingers or pick on people,
but hopefully with the idea that if you
have the information, we can move
forward together as a team and fix
stuff.
Um, the city is extremely dysfunctional
uh when it comes to providing routine
business services.
Examples are transferring property
ownership. So, your assessor department
has a problem.
Um, I have a hanger
that was uh I inherited from my mother
and um
I can't obtain an airport land lease,
right? So, typically on airport
property, you own a building, personal
property, but you rent land from the
city for that and there's a fee
associated with that.
And the other issue we have problems
with is
we can't complete airport improvements
um
to get started.
The one question I have for all of you
being a citizen paying taxes
is if I go through multiple layers of
management. This is not to throw people
under the bus because everybody was nice
to me but nothing gets done. Examples
would be
um the airport manager. Uh I met with
Ken
and the former city manager. If all
three of those leadership roles fail,
what are we supposed to do as citizens
to get help?
Do do we have a protocol for that?
I can tell you that after I went through
the top layers of command
and this is not a situation where I'm
supporting any one person is I remember
my dad having problems. He used to re
reach out to like John Bran to get
things done. I reached out to the mayor
and explain the situation and he did
express interest in helping. So there
was a meeting with the airport manager,
the mayor and the city manager. Um, and
I can tell you that that person, the
mayor, was the only one that followed up
to see if things were getting done. I
had to keep telling them no.
>> Um, the land lease that I started to try
to obtain, I'm on my 13th month trying
to get one from the city of Stures.
So, the issue, the dysfunctionality is
whoever's going to run the various
departments needs to assign people to do
things. Ken would meet with me, was very
nice and compassionate when I had issues
with different situations, but I don't
think Ken was in a position where he
could actually help me even though he
was nice and met with me.
So,
how do we run our business in the town
is the concern that I have. um the
dysfunctionality that I have witnessed
and the um horrific experience I had
with the assessor department which was
only going to cost me more money because
something was coming on cap made me put
a half a million dollar expansion on
hold indefinitely until either people
get cleaned out or management decides
hey we don't want to run our city like
this anymore we want to be nice to our
taxpaying citizens we want to grow
business and we want to get things on.
Um,
so where I need help is I need to get a
land lease.
The airport manager can't get it done.
It's not Ken's responsibility. He just
met with me. I started to meet with
Andrew. We had a general game plan in
place, but he didn't execute either.
The simplest process for the commission
to think about is to let my attorney,
Bodman Law Firm, meet with the city
attorney. The city attorneys used to do
airport land leases. Let the two
attorneys work it out.
Bring it to the commission for final
approval. Then we might be able to take
a step forward.
Most people don't understand how
airports work or the land leases. It
doesn't make make you dumb or
incompetent. But that guy knows how to
do it and so does my attorney.
And then instead of waiting another 13
months to get it done, okay, we get
something done in two weeks.
» Do land leases typically need to come to
us in the first place, TJ, am I missing
something?
>> They are approved by the city
commission.
>> Okay.
>> Because this Mr. Bartell's correct. So
the way it works is and under the the
law
the [clears throat] city has to own the
property meaning the dirt in the land in
which those buildings sit on. Um a lot
of those out there um Mr. Barthel's
correct he actually built in per you
know their company built and improved
those um buildings and they pay a land
lease. So they lease the dirt underneath
and then they're taxed for the
improvements that they make. I mean
there's restrictions and in the lease it
and it requires that it be aviation
related public you know it's inferred
that a lot of those will be um for
public benefit public um you know it
meets those criteria but yes the once
the leases are done it's like any other
lease in which the city has an interest
the commission ultimately has to approve
them or give the city manager
authorization to execute the lease
>> and I'm second question I'm sure
to his last question. I'm sure you both
will get together at some level and get
down a path of approval.
I don't know what next steps are. I
guess that's the elephant in the room
question. A third question. Uh
or maybe an observation.
Uh I I'm not sure what you mean about
property transfer.
uh deeds as far as a property transfer
as far as I know would go through the
register of deeds. But are you talking
about the followup forms
>> with Dale?
>> You're talking about the forms that go
along with the sale
>> that go to the
>> transferring the the ownership of the
property so that the tax role entity
that gets assigned to that property for
the taxes and responsibility can get
changed.
It's different than buying a house just
because
>> no one owns the land except for the
city. So what's okay changing hands is
the
>> personal property tax
>> is the uh yeah it's a building on lease
land is how we it's defined and so okay
>> there's ownership but it's different
than selling a house.
>> Okay.
>> So you don't go through a registered
deeds and title and all that stuff.
>> Okay. I didn't I didn't know what you
were referring to exactly but
>> strictly meet with the assessor say hey
the property has changed. fill out a
form and try to get things accomplished.
That took over a year to get done.
>> How?
>> Give you an idea.
>> How is that possible?
>> I mean, I know Dale to be responsive
quickly. So, I don't know what the
missing link is. Dale, I've never seen
an assessor go to
uh his or her his or her bodies that
they represent like Dale does. Uh I've
never seen it. So I I don't know the
miss
>> I can just tell you my experience and I
have spent 20,000 so far on attorney
fees trying to get property titles
changed as well as getting a land lease.
What we don't want to do is hash out all
the little things. What we could do down
the road maybe is meet again we want to
go into it further go into a certain
topic and come up with a plan to become
better.
So, so John, just to clarify, we you we
you you had scheduled the meeting with
uh Andrew and I on February 11th,
and after that meeting concluded, Andrew
said he needed two weeks and it would be
resolved. And then I've been checking up
on you
» seems like
>> Yeah, it was never resolved. And the
airport manager, I met with him in July,
a year ago,
>> and it doesn't get done. I think Tom is
a good human. I think the city has too
much on his plate, meaning he can't be
an airport manager and then run the
whole municipality maintenance. And I
don't even know what his title is
exactly, but I'm not throwing him in
under the bus. But we don't have enough
help to conduct business in an efficient
way.
And I'm saying we because I'm not
pointing people out and saying you're
bad. I'm just telling you we're
dysfunctional. When you run a business,
you got to figure [clears throat] out
what's wrong and fix it. And here's an
example. Another example. Our airport
needs help.
Does anybody here know how much money we
received in grants in February of 2025?
>> Safety does.
>> Zero.
>> $378,000
from the MD to improve our airport.
$150,000 to rehabilitate six tea
hangers.
Now, when we rehabilitate those six tea
hangers, then the city can get revenue
off those tea hangers because you can
put airplanes in them and rent them.
We received $92,000 for a 17 ft finish
mower and snowblower attachment. I do
not know if we got those or not. We
might have. The hangers have not been
fixed.
We received $90,000 for a new fuel farm
credit card processing
equipment,
which would allow the city to sell more
fuel. They make about a buck a gallon.
Sometimes the credit card machine
doesn't work because of the technology
and the ground wires.
And we receive $46,000 for surface and
pavement joint ceiling because we have
4.5 in cracks at the airport and a
beacon upgrade, which is the light that
flashes in the evenings or the dark so
you can find the airport. The beacon's
been out two years.
We have done none of that maintenance.
So my question as a taxpayer is why.
So if Tom's not getting it done, again,
not throwing him under the bus, who is
responsible for Tom or to give him help
to get this done? Because all we got to
do is get two quotes, I believe, do the
work and then turn in the paperwork to
the state and we get reimbursed. It's
free money.
$378,000
doesn't make any sense to me. So I need
help with that. How do we fix that?
The last thing or my idea and then I'll
be finished is I have formed a KUR
municipal airport association. That
association is going to be made up of
business owners, pilots, aircraft
owners, hanger owners, and people use
the airport.
My idea, if the city commission would be
receptive to it, is to give us once a
month time at the work session so we
could report to you what the issues are
still outstanding. Or I can get members
of my association, the team to help the
city facilitate and get things done.
Meaning if someone we need to get two
quotes to fill cracks to get rid of
weeds that are two foot tall out there
with the city's commission's approval.
We could say okay that person from the
association is going to go get the two
quotes under this direction and this
format and then we bring it to you and
then the commission can say yes we'll do
this bid or that bid and we actually get
something done. We just don't have
enough people in charge that
manage things well.
Um,
that's all I have for right now. I mean,
I could go on and on and on. If anybody
wants to meet with me personally or go
out to the airport, I'd be happy to show
them. But do you have any questions for
me tonight?
>> Yes, sir.
>> I have one. Thanks for being here
tonight, John.
>> Um, the land lease, you said it's been
13 months you've been trying to do. Is
that is that because of is that any way
related to
a building that's on it currently?
>> Yeah. So
>> because there needs to be things done
with that before a lease can be
processed here.
>> So we have had a land lease for years
because we've been operating on it here
>> for our north building, our north
hanger.
>> The problem with that land lease is both
my parents are now deceased.
So that land lease should reflect who is
owner of the personal property.
The leases are standardized,
so there's not a lot to fix on them or
change because you have to treat
everybody the same due to due to
accepting federal and state money.
So,
if the city management at the time, all
the different people I've worked with
would have said to TJ and given him
direction to work with my attorney,
those two guys would have had that done
in about a day. And then they would have
brought it to the city commission. They
would review it with you. Here is what
the proposal is or what we're going to
do. Here's a new entity. Do you approve
or disapprove?
>> So, we're just talking about a lease
>> transfer from your parents to you,
>> right? But I have to change some things
in that lease
slightly.
We're going to change the footprint a
little bit because the footprint we have
had for years was based on the cur curse
company. They owned the building before
us. In the old days with working with
the airport, the city really didn't care
too much about the airport. So, they
would just pass on the lease and
whatever curse was renting, you rent, so
on and so forth. The rule is 10 foot
outside the building.
And I'm I'm leasing much more than that.
So, I'm requesting a little bit smaller
footprint so that my lease is consistent
with the other leases on the airport.
But, I mean, that's a fivem minute
change. The only other thing I'm looking
at doing is getting my land lease set
up. So when I do my operating agreement
down the road, which is a separate
document, right? So, I'm in the business
of providing services. There's an out
there's agreement that the city allows
me to do that so that when I retire or
at some point if my son takes over the
business or employees take over the
business that we have the ability to
either transfer that lease or have some
leeway where we just want to rent the
building to somebody else other than
myself. So right now the land lease the
way it works is I own the personal
property personally
and then I subleasase to Bartell
aviation and the com and the city has
approved that because it's really one
and the same. But let's say you wanted
to buy my business but I'm not my
buildings and I want to let you lease my
building
>> and run the business.
There's no provisions to allow me to do
that at this time. So, we're trying to
make it so that down the road, if we
take the effort and time to get all this
done, that it's a simple process for the
commission to approve down the road. And
I'm not trying to do anything that
favors me.
Just want to get it done and so simple
and fair.
>> Is the one thing is the one thing that's
holding it up that changing of the lot?
>> No, it's just lack of execution by your
management.
>> I mean, is that is that a hanging sticky
point in it?
>> There's no sticky point.
And I've got emails I can share with you
with Andrew and he's already approved
the the the size. He just wanted time to
measure it to make sure it was accurate
or close. Um,
no, it's just lack of execution by your
city manager and uh your airport
manager.
>> Well, I'm only hearing one. I mean, I'm
hearing one side which is yours. I
haven't heard anything else. So, I'm
like I've still got a lot of questions,
but I don't I don't I don't really
understand. It seems like it should be
simple for what it
>> should be simple. And in Tom's defense,
who is your airport manager,
it's out of his wheelhouse to be
involved in a land lease.
It's that guy's job.
>> And then he says, "Yes, this is ethical,
doesn't violate anything that would hurt
the city," and explains it to you, and
then you approve it. It's really
straightforward and simple. It's just we
don't have the right people
moving things forward. Simple yes or no
TJ will suffice, but have you been
approached with any things yet? Yes,
>> I'm aware. So, it started different. It
started as a tax assessor issue on the
transfer. It did turn into a lease
modification.
I don't get involved with the leases
till after the city department generally
send it to me for review. So I don't
review them until because I generally
wait for the city departments to put
their input in on all things and then I
review them because what I don't want to
do is review something and then have the
city go well wait a minute there's other
issues that need to be put here. So
generally I once all input is there I
then do the final review on behalf of
the city.
>> You don't do lease modification. those
two words. Does that anything to do with
the changing of the is that
>> I'm not saying that I don't do those,
but all of the modification languages in
the city department will still have to
be ready for me to review them. Um, and
so
I can agree to disagree with some of the
things in in in terminology that's been
used. Um but yes, I don't think that
it's a complicated process to transfer
ownership um or to transfer the named
entity on one of those leases from one
party. That's happens all the time.
These leases are generally cannot be
more than 50 years. Most of the time
they're 20. Um they're they're long-term
leases and something happens in the
interim. I think that's what John's
alluding to. This lease started back
when his dad took it from Kersh Company
and they just assigned the lease from
Kersh Company to Bartel. And so whatever
was in the original, it just continues
like making a copy of a copy at times.
It becomes antiquated and maybe not
necessarily reflecting what is actually
on the premise right now. So if there's
been expansions that were done over time
and not
put to paper or reductions, it's it's
not maybe reflecting in the actual lease
in which um John's talking about. So, I would agree that a fresh look at any
of those when you're trying to do
secession planning as a business owner
is important. Um, but again, I think all
of these are very fact specific. Every
single lease out there is a little bit
different as far as what the use is.
They're uniform leases because they have
to be. So, the thing we have to be
careful of as the city is I can't take a
lease that the Bartell Aviation puts
forth if it's
different and key provisions from all
other leases out there. Now they have
some unique advantage or different lease
and I don't believe that you know from
my brief discussions I don't think
that's what the requests are but that
does have to be looked at. So in these
leases some of them are old and so the
language is a little bit uh
>> older and and again we have to look at
all those things. So
>> so just not as simple as his attorney
getting with you and getting it done.
you you need certain things from staff
before you can do what you need to do.
And does staff work with another
attorney on that part of stuff?
>> No.
>> Okay.
>> No. So, [snorts] generally staff when
they're ready and say, "We're we're
good. Um, this is our concerns. Here are
the issues we may have or here are the
things that we may have. I can take a
look at those and incorporate those into
my review." My uh my attorney had
prepared the lease. Andrew has reviewed
it and then there were some questions
that he had and he had he said that he
had to review it with council to make
sure it's okay. He [clears throat]
thought it was okay in principle, but he
wanted that final approval.
I [clears throat] don't think Andrew
asked TJ or any other attorney that the
city may work with for that guidance.
So, if the commission I don't want to
step on TJ either, but if the commission
would grant approval for TJ to work with
my attorney to finish up the lease, it's
95% there.
I'm sure he can say in the if there's
something in that lease in the city, he
can say, you know, this is not in our
interest. We don't want to do this or I
advise against that. But there's nothing
in that lease that gives anybody a
competitive advantage. That's what he's
talking about. So, when Kuscornney was
here, I had to fix all the leases then.
They were all different. One guy paid
three cents a square foot. Another guy
paid nine cents because he was outside
of town. I fixed all that stuff years
ago. Reason I fixed that is that if you
got caught with that, the federal
government and state government could
make the city pay back every nickel they
got in federal and state funds because
it's discriminatory or giving AFBO a
competitive advantage over another one.
That's what TJ's explaining to you.
There's nothing in that lease that does
that. That would be more of an operating
agreement situation because the land
lease rates are already set.
» So that's what I need help with. If the
city would allow him to work with my
attorney, I think we can get it done
pretty quickly.
>> So, okay, go ahead.
>> Just want to make sure that I I'm
understanding all of this. First thing
is because of this, we have a loss of
development
>> 100%. I don't feel comfortable.
>> Okay. The uh the other thing is there
were numerous grants that you had
mentioned minus the equipment
>> which we may have already got.
>> Are any of those done finished?
>> No, those grants
>> they they have not
>> none of those you mentioned.
>> They have never been done.
>> Okay.
>> Just a second. And then one of those
actually you're saying would be an
increase of revenue for gas for fuel
>> if we were to do the credit processor.
>> Well the credit card we have one but a
lot of times it's down. It doesn't work.
Therefore, you couldn't sell fuel on a
credit card.
>> Okay.
>> And then we have six tea hangers that
need to be rehabilitated and we have
money assigned to those, which means the
city, if they rented all six, they could
get more revenue.
>> You didn't mention it, but a couple
months ago it came to our attention that
jet fuel was a problem, but I understand
that's been taken care of.
>> I believe that's been resolved.
>> Jet fuel.
>> Yep. That's been resolved.
>> And then the other thing is um you
mentioned about one of those projects
with the beacon light we haven't had for
two years. My question, maybe it's
unfair to ask any of you here, but I'm
curious, not having that, has that been
a problem for any of our businesses or in any way, shape, or form?
>> I don't know if it'd be a problem for a
business because it's nightflying, but
that beacon would identify the airport.
So, the only savior that we have had is at last
>> because that building lights up. that
bill,
but I I have put a call into the
Michigan Aeronomics Commission um the
head person and my plan was to discuss
the issues that we have here that we
discussed tonight and see if they also
could put pressure to help us get it
fixed.
I'm guessing that they won't be real
happy when they find out that we've had
money for a beacon and hasn't been fixed
for two years.
We had similar problems with runway
lights that wear out for a long time.
>> Wouldn't a beacon be required?
>> Yes,
>> it is. Okay.
>> So, what's the what do we know what the
hold up for the beacon is?
>> Yes.
[clears throat]
>> Um
during remember Dodge
Department of Government Efficiency.
>> Yeah. Right after that, there was a hold
put on all federal and state grants,
especially federal. Michigan Aeronautics
receives most of its monies from
the FAA.
Right after the Department of Government
Efficiency identified all of the
different funding sources, they put a
freeze on everything.
Earlier this week, we were just notified that money has just now become
available.
According to Tom is that he was notified
that we can proceed with all of those
grant projects that were frozen because
of funds that were frozen to us.
» Thank you.
>> Okay. I know I know there's I know
Gayen, you requested the meeting. And I
know you you you you want to stop talk
as well, but it's 5:30 and I don't want
to take away from you, John.
>> We can't
>> because I'm respectful of that, but I
just want to make sure Gayen has a
chance to speak. Okay.
>> Yeah.
>> So, are we Who's going to follow up with
Mr. John Bartell?
>> I can't Terry. Okay. All right. So, our
new interim city manager will be in
contact with
>> What we'll do, this is my card.
What we'll do
>> put in place your attorney, have him
call TJ. Any other details that we want
to go f further with? Then you and I can
sit down and talk about it. Um,
again, TJ is the person. He doesn't need
my permission for your attorney to talk
to one another.
>> That's very helpful. I appreciate you
very much. That's where we stand.
>> Thank you.
John. Appreciate you. Uh I
like your uh opening comment in which
you were not here to beat anybody up,
but if anything we can do to help,
that's what we're here for. Thank you.
>> Just just to clarify, so the the grants
were awarded, but the cash was simply
not received.
>> It wasn't. That's correct. The grants
were awarded, but the the funds were
frozen,
>> which are two different things.
>> Yes.
>> Yeah. because I recall Tom had presented
a while ago about grant money that but I
guess I didn't realize that it had been
not allowed to be used.
» Oh gosh, it probably was probably close
to a year ago.
>> Spring of last year.
>> Um, does that money have a sunset and
when it needs to be used that far as
well?
>> Oh, I'm sure it does. Most grants you
have to have a glo a grant closeout
period where Michigan Aeronautics has to
come in review audit what we've done to
make sure that we use the money in
accordance with what they said we were
supposed to do with it.
>> But if they give you like two years to
do projects [music] and we're wasted a
year by this being shut down, is that
clock start or does it pause as well?
>> I'm not quite certain, but I know that
Tom's ready to go on a lot of this
stuff.
Thank you.
>> I am Gayen Giggley. Uh I'm on the
airport advisory comm uh board and uh we
love our airport. We love our city.
Thank you all for being here. And like
John said, we're not here to beat
anybody up. We're just here to
enlighten, to show you what's going on
so that you're aware of what's happening
at the airport so that we can
proactively
get together and make things happen and
make it work for everyone and and make
the city successful as a whole. And
again, Tom uh when Andrew took the city
manager position, he put Tom in. Tom
went to work. He he had to learn on the
fly because he didn't know anything
about airports. And I commend him for
putting the time and effort in and
learning the stuff that he needed to do.
And then as time progressed, uh, he got,
as with everyone that does a good job,
they keep getting more and more put onto
them. And what I seen was Tom just kept
getting overloaded with more and more
responsibilities and less time put at
the airport. So, it's nothing to do with
Tom and his fault. It's just he's
overworked and couldn't put the time and
effort in to uh get the things done that
needed to be done at the airport. We
feel um in my case, I wanted to build a
facility at the airport. I spent about a
year and a half uh trying to get a
building put up there and it was just
one barrier after the other and uh and
then there was no clear path forward.
Finally got to the point trying to get a
permit uh submitted everything that
wasn't good enough. Fulfilled all the
requests that wasn't good enough. Uh it
was just one thing after the next and
just more and more put on. Uh so it was
very
uh
unorganized as far as how to proceed.
And um I tried to get a builder to build
here. Unfortunately,
I had to contact three builders because
two builders wouldn't build in the city
of Sturgeis because they won't work with
the building department here in the
city. That's sad because how do you grow
in the city and how do you build
structures? How do you get more tax
revenue? How do you do that if you don't
have a progrowth building department?
So, there's a lot of barriers there. I
could go into a lot of details there,
but it was basically a year and a half
and nothing happened. I canceled the
project because there was too much
uncertainty and I didn't want to proceed
anymore and the cost was just getting
out of hand because the engineering I
did get wasn't good enough. It don't
look good enough. I want more
engineering. I want this. I want that.
And it just it got out of hand. So, I
canceled the project. So, I did submit a
foyer request on May 26th. Um,
unfortunately the city has not responded
to that request other than Andrew said
he's working on it and that's the only
thing that I got back from the city.
According to the state, it's 10 days
to respond to a foyer request and then
with at least the avenue forward on how
we proceed there. But I'm just trying to
get a little bit more information on the
building department and how it operates
and some of the concerns there. So maybe
we can work together and fix that
building department so that we can grow
the city. I know of at least four
different building projects that were
cancelled on the airport. Four, my
project alone in the next 30 years would
have created $200 to $250,000 worth of
lease revenue and personal property tax
for the city. That's just mine. So,
we're talking well over a million of
dollars worth of city revenue that's
lost because they can't build. So, there
is a problem there. We need to fix it.
I'm happy to work with anybody, answer
any questions on that and how we can
proceed. I'm not new to building. I
developed over 25,000 square feet on the
Hastings airport since 2011.
And it's very simple process. You submit
your plans. You go in a week later. we
had our permits and we build the
building. It's not like that here in
Sturgis and a lot of the builders will
tell you the same thing. So that we need
to fix that so that we can grow, we can
expand, we can build more buildings and
together we can make our community
better. That's what it's about. And I
thank Frank for sitting down with me
back when this was all going down. He
heard some of my concerns.
um he's willing to sit down with
citizens and listen to them and
everybody's been nice throughout the
process. Uh it's just we can't get
anything done. So it's frustrating in
that regard. But
I'm willing to work with you guys and if
you have any questions
free to answer them.
>> Any questions for Gab?
is you're pro you're not
>> yeah no I'm not I'm not going to build
here with the uncertainties of the
building department and the demands and
the and the uncertainties meaning if I
start this project there's going to be
even additional demands it could even
happen in fact the last time I spoke
here and was cut short I got emails and flooded with people that
experienced the same thing And in fact,
one of the architects engineers that you
know very well emailed me and said he'll
never do business in the city of
Sturgeis because his projects even
though they're engineering everything
can change in the middle of the project.
Building department will come out and
say no, we want this re-engineered that
done and cost tens of thousands of
dollars more for the project than when
it was officially when it was uh permit
was given to begin with. So they'll
never do work here again. There's
multiple builders that'll never do work
in Sturgis until it's fixed. So, we got
to fix it. Um, so that we can grow.
And it's not I think it's maybe some
insecurities on the building department
side or something. I don't know what it
is, but you have to make a pathway
that's easy for the It's not about they
hide behind the codes and all the other
stuff, but it's not about building to
the code. Everybody wants to build to
the code. We want to build safe
building. Everybody's going to do that.
It's all the other things that are that
are the gray areas that they have
discretion over that they can make it
very painful or or easy to work with.
So that's where we're at.
>> Did you say though I think you're
forgetting on top of commissioner would
like to hear
you presented your plans.
building department came back and said
you need to pitch these things. We did
that changed the engineering submitted
again and then he wanted to change
things again.
>> Yeah,
>> that's the uncertainty. So when you
fulfill all the request and then there's
a whole blanket more of request. So then
you sit down and they come up with other
ideas. It's almost like so for instance
the uh site plan. So we we spend tens of
thousands of dollars on a new ALP which
is their airport layout plan. We use uh
engineering firm to do that. But Tom
submitted the documents to the FAA for
the height, elevation, the lighting, and
all of that. We had a we had a basically
a site plan, but that wasn't good
enough. You're going to have to spend
four or 5,000 on an engineered site plan
because I want to see this, this, and this when it was fine for
anything else. But so the first list of
12 things that I had to come up with, I
did all of those, sat down. Then there
was another list that wasn't good
enough. So we had to come up with
another five to seven things. So it's
just never ending and there's no clear
path and it's just the cost to build a
basically a pole barn in the city of
Sturgis is too high. You can't do it.
So it's just
frustrating in that regards. So unless
something hap changes, I'd be happy to
build here. Uh I'd like to build here.
My home's here. Everything's here, but I
don't have to build. It's just something
that I wanted to do in the city and I
wanted to expand. I love the airport.
Um, there's a lot of people at the
airport that want to expand the airport.
We want to build more hangers. We want
to create more tax revenue for the city.
We want it to grow and be a beacon in
the city. It's the gateway to our city.
Businesses, usually business owners or
larger businesses will have aircraft as
they fly different places. So this is
the gateway to our city. We have to have
a functional airport that is
usable and that uh people want to come
to.
So any questions for Gay?
» Thank thanks for your time,
>> Mr. Mayor. Um permission to approach
podium. Sure.
Thank you.
As you know, I've been here for three
weeks.
Um, I want to answer u some of the
concerns that were brought up tonight.
There's no doubt about it that
government can be somewhat frustrated.
But I want to point out something else.
Remember
when we drive through our community,
we have above average
housing stock.
We have above average building
appearance and success. In other words,
Sturgis is a wonderful place to work and
to do business in.
An airport is very complicated from the
standpoint
that we have to follow strict Michigan
Aeronautics
uh code and we have to follow FAA code.
Okay, that means that our the land in
which a building is built on has to be
owned by the city.
That being the case, we've did a review,
a staff review of the history of
everything that was just set, all the meetings, all the permits, all
the applications that went through
somewhere in the conversation. I think
it was lost. The reason why we have
strict building codes is because this
city, this body has adopted a building
code
which we adhere to. We pay Will and his
team to administer that and they do an
excellent job at that. Excellent. Why?
Just drive around Sturgis. Take a look
at our housing stock. Take a look at our
businesses. Take a look at the airport.
Now, we're not dissuading anybody from
doing business here. We want them to do
business here.
However,
we do have strict standards. We own the
land.
They own the buildings. However,
there could be a possibility that maybe
the solution is is that we build a
building and lease it back to them. Why?
Because just like all of us, we have
limited time on this earth and it makes
it easier to resell or release a
building.
Some people wouldn't be in favor of
that. Maybe there's another solution is
that they build a building and lease it
back to us.
So, I mean there's different approaches
to take here that we need to explore,
but I just want to and I'm not going to
use I don't want to use the word defend
because that probably puts us in a
defensive mode.
Tom and Will and the rest of the staff
do an excellent job
of taking care of this city.
Now again somewhere in the conversation
their interpretation
is that it's easier to do business in
Hastings. Well, we're not Hastings.
We have a building code that we will
follow
and a procedure that we will follow.
And that is the right way to do things.
And my belief is that Tom and Will and
his and our team here have done an
excellent job.
Perhaps maybe that conversations and
those conversations should be held with
me
since my next step is the nursing home.
But nonetheless, I have the experience
maybe to sit down and figure out what's
going on. But we do have an expectation
of things being built in a proper
manner. And to do anything different is
irresponsible on our part. And I think
going forward again, if you drive down
Centerville,
look at all the businesses that are open
right now. So we must be doing something
right. There's a reason why some
contractors don't want to work here.
I know because I've dealt with some of
those contractors and some of those
contractors, I wouldn't want them
working on anything here.
That being said, with all respect to all
of our audience here tonight, we do want
to communicate. We do want them to
invest here, but it has to be done in
accordance with what our standards are.
the standards that this body set going
forward.
I'm not trying to be stern. I'm just
trying to be mature and thoughtful and
also want to know that it is a serious
business and making sure that the public
is safe and airports are nothing that
you can just skimp on.
That being said, I welcome any questions
or comments you might have for me.
>> Any questions for
>> And I was an airport manager, too.
» Any questions from the audience for
Doug?
You'll be working with these gentlemen.
Then Doug to
>> Yes, I will.
>> Resolve the concerns and move forward.
Yes, sir. Okay.
>> One question I have is I'm going to
agree with you that Tom is excellent. He
needs help. He needs some assistance
and then he can do a lot more things
because he is very passionate about that
airport. I think he's got too much
money. Respect.
>> In three weeks that I've been here,
we've already taken steps to do some
reorganization and to take and rebalance
some of the workload that everybody has.
We're not going to stop. I just read an
article today though. You know what it's
like. Everybody knows what it's like to
hire people to these cases.
There is a shortage of actual physical
[snorts] bodies. Then on top of that,
there's an actual shortage of physical
capable and willing bodies coming.
That's what we're struggling with the
association [cough]
as it progresses.
I'd like to meet with you and then I can
guarantee you we can get you some people
that will volunteer their time to help
the city to move in a positive direction
>> and I think Tom is moving us in a
positive direction. I think Will is and
his team is moving us in a thoughtful
>> I believe that 100%.
>> So it needs help
>> and we're doing everything we can to
balance it out. Later on in the meeting,
I'll be talking about another issue
concerning public safety. So, thank you
for your time.
>> Are you gonna give your card to Gayen?
>> Yes, I will.
>> Okay.
>> One question I have on the formation of
a committee or board or what would you
call it? The
>> association.
Um is there is no issue
doing something like this.
>> It has nothing to do with the city.
>> Okay. I mean, it's like it's a group of
interested people that that are
interested.
>> I mean, when it comes to you,
>> us res.
>> No, it it would be no different than if
your neighborhood decided we're going to
have a community, you know, they want to
come in and report, you know, ward one,
this is what we see out there. You know,
we're just reporting into the
commission.
>> But it sounds like we would be giving
them direction on projects and things
like this that they would be doing the
leg work on where our city staff would
normally be doing. We're just offering
to help if you need the help and you
can't find the people and pay them like
the less that a forges
>> right
>> two foot tall for grass.
>> Well,
as you know, some of that was grants and
when you're dealing with the federal
government, there's a bidding procedure
that we have to follow. There are
procurement procedures that we have to
observe. And like on the pract
I believe that was part of the grant
program that we got, was it not?
>> That means that we have to make sure
that we have the people with the right
credentials
and the right skills that
can do that. Just can't call it asphalt
deals. They have to be sort of
>> I would say under your direction. We
have people that are learning for free.
Never mind. And my question is on you
mentioned something about you know
having somebody on that association go
get quotes for things and stuff like
that. That's what I'm talking
>> what I would what I would say is I think
that they could talk and then in
conjunction with the airport board work
on doing that there there's a path
forward with taking volunteer help.
Obviously we would have to be careful to
make sure
>> it sounds like a great idea. I just want
to make sure that procedurally policy
wise
>> there's always a pathway forward if
people want to volunteer and help. I
mean, we have an airport board, but
there's nothing stopping a group of
citizens that have a common interest to
come and say, "Hey, here here's what
we'd like to see." Again, this they have
no authority on behalf of the city just
because they present things to the city.
There there are certain processes and
procedures that the city must follow
based on charter and statute. Um, as
well as here the dual role both Michigan
Air and the FAA. Um,
however,
I don't see it as being a negative to
the city. I just think we have to make
sure that if it gets to that point,
we're very cognizant of what limitations
we can ask volunteers that are not part
of the city and how do we incorporate
those recommendations. So, I like the
idea.
>> We just want to help.
>> I love the idea
>> and we appreciate that.
>> Really 100% want to help.
>> We appreciate that.
Just going to have to be patient with
this a little bit longer.
>> Any other comments on the airport?
» Okay, good. Thank you.
>> I thought there was one more gentleman.
>> Is there one more?
>> Yeah.
>> Oh, okay.
>> Did he have Doug's card?
Okay. Any
questions for Doug before we we end the
airport discussion.
All right. Thank you, Gayla. And thank
you, John, and coming out and speaking.
And Marty, good to see you.
All right. Thanks, guys. Thank you all.
He said he could beat this.
>> He said he he's like, "Oh, six. I'm
good." And then he gets up in jacket
quarter, too. I saw that. Yeah.
» Facebook.
» Well, the agenda
we
Okay. No. And you may not
a whole bunch.
But I'll make sure
» somebody sing something to the
collective of all of us.
>> Sorry.
>> Are they saying we have a cough?
>> I guess [laughter]
we all know
after the onions
she's going to fix it. I don't think I
have the first one now. The second one
probably
>> probably
part time job.
I can't
>> I can'tes
a lot of people.
Thank you.
>> Thank you
with electronic navigation.
» I don't know.
>> I thought
I
totally messed up.
>> Now last thing I want to do
when you close. No,
>> I thought
you
» [clears throat]
>> I can't
have to share with you
so mad.
No, mine doesn't either.
» Mine doesn't.
» Does yours
I downloaded mine earlier.
» Oh, I'm good.
>> Hit the wrong button.
Good.
» [snorts]
» Let me ask you.
» [snorts]
» No,
I can't do that.
Okay.
» Yep.
Yes.
» So anyway,
I'm interested.
» [laughter]
» I tried. Yeah, that's what it was.
>> Thank you for
she can come sit right up here. It's the
press table.
All right, we'll call this meeting to
order. If you can please stand for the
pledge of
>> allegiance
to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all.
Commissioner Miller, would you lead us
in prayer? Sure.
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day.
Thank you for the beauty of what we've
had. Um the rain, the sunshine. Thank
you for what we have here in Sturgis,
Michigan, for the blessings that we
have. Help us to utilize it well, to
take care of it for the benefit of all
who live here.
And may we do excellent work on the
resident's behalf for the good of our
future, the good of those who live here
now, and the good of those who will live
here in years to come. Bless the
proceedings of tonight's meeting. And
may we always keep in mind um working
with each other, working on things for
the greater good in Jesus name. Amen.
>> Amen.
Roll call. City clear.
>> Commissioner Burr
>> here.
>> Commissioner Boring
>> here.
>> Commissioner Wiki
>> here.
>> Commissioner Smith
>> here.
>> Commissioner ABS
>> here.
>> Commissioner Miller
>> here.
>> Vice Mayor Mullins
>> present.
>> Mayor Perez
>> here.
>> All right. Moving on with the agenda
under proclamations and presentations.
There's none tonight.
We'll move on to uh to the visitor
section. And if there's a visitor here
who'd like to make a public comment for
items not listed on the agenda, please
approach the podium. You have two
minutes to speak.
[snorts]
>> Thanks, Mayor. Welcome.
>> Hi, Barry Cox.
>> Tonight 1421 South Marab Street,
Sturgis.
As uh most of you in this room know, I
retired from the city of Sturgis on June
19th of this year. However, this event
uh was overshadowed by a much more
significant significant community event
that occurred uh which was the closure
of Sturgis Hospital. Uh like many of you
uh I was born at Sturgis Hospital and I
am disappointed at its closure. So why
do I bring this up tonight two months
later? Well, one obviously you have an
agenda item that I'm very interested in
uh regarding the hospital and the bonds
this evening. That'll come later. Uh
two, in review of uh utility shut off
rules that were approved by commission
September of 25, uh they indicate that
these are only for residential
properties for residential utilities,
not commercials, not industrials, not
government entities. Just wondering why
that's the case.
Uh second item is I really wish it would
have been here for the airport
discussion tonight but didn't find the
agenda anywhere uh on the city's
communication networks uh
electronically. So u missed that portion
unfortunately. Um,
thirdly, I want to thank and I want to
wish J uh Jamie
Immer, last name's tough, all the best
uh with her new endeavor and thank her
for a wonderful job at the Sturdish
Young Center for the Arts. Lastly,
because this is an important discussion,
please make sure that the microphone is
right where you're talking. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Barry.
Is there another any other visitor like
to speak and address the commission for
items not listed on the agenda? You got
two minutes, please state your name and
address.
>> Hello, I'm Trina Boils. Uh, I'm the
owner of Folultz Bakery on 220 West or
220 West Chicago Street.
>> Welcome.
>> Um, hi. I have brought some agendas
because I know I only have two minutes.
Um, so I brought enough I think for
everybody to review. So me and my
husband are here today because we would
like you to review our concerns about
the tree. I know that it's been an
ongoing discussion. At least that's what
I hear. But I'm here today because when
we've discussed it with other people, we
kind of get the that's not going to
happen. Well, I'm here today because we
want to stay in Surgis. Um I love
Sergis. I was a nurse practitioner here
at Sturgis and I led this community and
it's one of the reasons we chose the
community not just because of that but
because we had so much felt so much
support from our Sturgis
um members who brought us in Carrie and
Eric Erica and Will they were very
instrumental on our decision to be here
because we could really go anywhere um
but we want to be in Surges. So since
we've been here, you expect a business
and new business after the first month
and after the whole like oh everybody
wants to see you. You expect your after
the other months do you decline 20 to
30% for a business but we have they're
up more than 50%. So we need your help.
Um I have brought in this proposal there
is proposals from us like suggestions of
what we can do to make our signage more
visible. We feel like as a taxpayer in
Sturgis, Michigan and choosing to come
here that we should have a right to have
our sign visualized just as much as
anybody else. So, I'm not asking you to
rip down every tree in Sturgis. I know
that there's reasons. I know you want
the aesthetics of St. Just to stay the
way it is, but I think that you have to
look at losing business versus the cost
of a tree. So, it's it's causing us to
consider losing a business, which is
going to make me lose my contract as
well. So I'll be in violation of my
renting contract. [clears throat] Um so
I have some of my I even put some facts
compared to our Lrange folks how we've
kind of stayed study. So the argument
could be that it it's economy. Well I
don't believe that's all of it. Do I
think that we have some things that we
need to change too because the surges
community asked for different things
here than what we do in the graange but
we're so close together the numbers
shouldn't be that different. Okay. So
anyhow I have this here. We would like
you to please not just throw it in the
trash to actually look at it and um
maybe contact us on how we can solve
this and come up with a better solution
for us.
>> Okay. I would assume Doug, you'd follow
up with it.
>> Yep.
>> Okay.
>> Thank you.
[snorts]
>> Is there any other visitor that like to
make a public comment for items not
listed on the agenda?
>> Please state your name and address. We
got two
>> 1221 Tulip Drive. I was just inquiring
about the sidewalk on the corner of Nawa
and or yeah, Nawa and Congress been
blocked since the storm. I was just
wondering how long it was going to take
to clear that sidewalk and make it
pedestrian safe and usable.
>> Okay.
All right. But Congress and NA. Okay.
Thank you.
There any other visitor like to make a
public comment for items on not listed
on the agenda?
Okay.
Next on the agenda is the approval of
the agenda.
>> So move.
>> So we have a motion.
>> Second.
>> And we have support. All in favor?
>> Opposed? So move.
>> Next on the agenda is the approval of
the consent agenda.
>> So moved. So I have a motion,
>> second and support. All in favor?
>> I opposed. So moved.
>> Next on the agenda is unfinished
business and we have none tonight.
So we'll move on straight to new
business.
Our first item on the agenda for new
business is the Sturgis Hospital $3
million usage resolution. Miss Satie
Griff.
>> Good evening, commissioners. Um the city
of Sturgis building authority currently
holds general obligation bonds related
to the Sturgis hospital project. Um the
outstanding principle on those tax
exempt bonds is 5,445,000.
as we discussed through the budget
process and we've been advised from um
our financial advisors and bond council
um that we recommend utilizing 3 million
of the funds that we have to call a
portion of those outstanding and
existing bonds. This would reduce our
principal balance down to 2,455,000
um while still maintaining our current
maturity date of two of 2034.
So, what this does is um brings down our
annual debt service obligation um to
roughly 295,000 on average over the
remainder um of those bonds. So, it it
gives us increased cash flow from the
general fund as we discussed through the budget process. Um and we'd still um
use the state marijuana funds um as
dedicated funds to paying down that
annual um debt service obligation. So
included in your packet is a resolution
um requesting the redemption of um the
bonds. This would need to go through the
um building authority for approval as
well. But um first step is through
commission.
>> Question once you if
>> we pay this off the average would be uh
$295,000
for our annual obligation. Currently
it's 700 and roughly 700,000
>> $700,000. So I that wasn't stated in
there. I just want to make sure
everybody knew what it is currently.
>> And then the other economic piece of it
is, you know, we have that three million
sitting and and earning just under 4%
and our bonds are, you know, a little
bit higher than that. So things have
turned where interest rates have gone
down and that's why we weren't utilizing
it because we were earning more interest
um on those funds. But things have
turned where it makes more sense to
utilize the 3 million currently
>> and basically a $400,000
less
>> correct on our general fund contribution
to it.
>> Yeah.
>> Which is just about what we've gotten
the last few years for marijuana
number.
>> Yep. So what we budgeted um we we were
transferring you know 300,000 in 2027
and I think we were budgeting a little
bit more from the state marijuana fund.
So, um,
>> so I guess the only conversation piece I
would have is if it's now 295 and we
have four whatever from marijuana. I
mean, if this goes through the way
you're proposing it,
>> uh, the additional 100,000 if things
stay that the way they are,
>> um, would we need a discussion on any of
that?
Yeah, we could um discuss whether we
want to um use all the funds and
transfer them over and and pay
additional or
>> that be all principal at that point.
>> Um I believe we could I'd have to verify
that but or build up and and you know
call anything additional early. Um, so
yes, we could make that decision of
whether transferring the full amount or,
you know, based on our our conversation
with the budget of the general fund. I
think, you know, in fiscal 27, it didn't
make sense to to move the full.
>> So maybe next year's budget
conversation.
>> Yeah. Yeah. looking at what what we
project coming in from marijuana funds,
you know, as things change or facilities
change within, you know, the area that
those fundings can change and make a
decision each year of how much we would
like to transfer over.
>> A lot better.
>> That could help that downfall that we
were seeing. Yeah. Yeah.
So that new type that 295 is that what
the interest acred on that too or is
that 295 plus the interest
is the 295 the the payment and
>> the total total
>> that's the total.
>> So will that change as does the interest
rate drop as as it go
>> a little bit there is in the the um back
of the resolution what um Ken has on the
screen um it's pretty flat you can see
that you know, it doesn't change wildly,
right? So, that's why it was averaging
that that 295. But,
>> yeah, my computer wasn't working, so
>> No, you're good.
>> I didn't see that chart. So, all right.
>> Thank you. [clears throat]
>> So, just to recap, because I know we
have a lot of visitors here. They're
normal. Uh, and and so this $3 million
was from the sale of the pro of the uh
buildings. No, it
>> the $3 million was given to the city uh
in consideration for um relieving
the hospital and asker corporation from
any obligation on the bonds. Okay.
>> So, we took full responsibility of the
bonds. We were always backed them. We
always backed the bonds. We were always
going to be obligated to pay those by
releasing all of our leans against that.
Um they gave us three million.
>> Three million. Okay. Right. Okay. Just
want to make sure that's stated so that
it's not uh doesn't appear that it's
something else. Any questions for S?
>> Just we we still would have to reissue
for a different bond if it's a private
not
>> if if there was a triggering event
turnover to the private sector.
>> Yes. If if the the building sale
>> if it was for a forprofit. That's what I
said. So if if the hospital were to
change to a nonprofit, then we would not
have to. So there there are certain
triggering events and there are a lot of
non-triggering events and so we can keep
these. It's possible they will never
need to be refunded. Possible. So we'll
see.
» Any other questions?
>> Okay.
>> Mr. I move that the Sturgeis City
Commission adopt the resolution
[clears throat] requesting the
redemption of the city of Sturgeis
building authority refunding bonds.
>> So we have a motion.
>> Support and support. All in favor?
>> I opposed. So move.
>> Thank you. Sadi.
Next on the agenda is the uh annual
utility rate uh approval. Uh Mr. Doug.
>> Yes. Mr. Mayor and commissioners. In
your agenda packet tonight is the
explanation of an annual utility rate
increase. This is something that we do
on an annual basis as a municipality is
review the rates. That would include
electric, water, and sewer. As you can
see, we're asking for a slight increase
in the electric. Part of that has to do
with the power cost recovery factor that
is includes fuel and us as you know
electricity es and flows. We buy
periodically electricity from other
providers. And so what we have to do is
when we meter and then we subtract out
what we buy from other municipalities,
we end up having to pay that increase.
So we're seeking about a two two cent uh
increase in the per kilowatt hour. Um we
believe that that's a responsible thing
to do. Underwater and wastewater. You'll
see that 2% in wastewater is uh we're
seeking and then a 6.9. A lot of that
has to do with the lead and copper rule
and us replacing those lines. Um that
has become quite a costly venture for
all municipalities in the state. So we
see this as modest increases given the
fact that the state of Michigan is
mandating us to perform this work. So I
willing to answer any questions or
comments you have and would ask your
honorable body for approval on this
recommendation.
Any questions for Doug?
» Mr. Mayor, I move that the Sturgeis City
Commission
approve the electric rate
for buildings beginning October 1st,
2026 and through October 1st, 2027 is
presented.
>> So, we have a motion.
>> Second.
>> Support. All in favor?
>> I opposed.
>> I so moved. May I move that the Sturgeis
City Commission may approve the
wastewater and water rates for buildings
beginning on October 1st, 2026 is
presented.
>> So we have a motion.
>> Second in support. All in favor?
>> I oppos.
>> Nay.
>> So move.
Next on the agenda is the budget public
hearing. Mr. Doug Terry.
>> Yes. Yes. Mr. Mayor and commissioners.
In your agenda packet again is the um
budget recap of what has been worked on
by staff and this commission over the
last few months.
>> Mr. Cherry, I just uh
>> so we'll go ahead and we'll go ahead and
open the public hearing.
>> Okay. Thanks.
>> And again, this is a public hearing
where uh we welcome the input of our
citizens. Um but again, this is a recap.
Um, I have to give kudos to Andrew uh
Cook for and Sadi for their hard work.
They met with the department heads um
over the last six months and uh have
diligently worked on this. The budget
message is excellent that Andrew and
Sadi put together. I welcome any
questions that I might be able to
answer, but perhaps Sidi could answer
any that you might have. Um we see this
as a responsible budget. Last year we
had to go into fund balance of about a
half a million dollars. This year uh we
reduce that um down to 341,000.
That's explained in the agenda packet.
So we see this as a responsible
approach. Um later on in the evening
we'll under my report we'll talk about
some staffing concerns that I have but
again this is a very good budget that
was put together by staff along with the
budget committee. So
>> any questions for uh Mr. Doug from the
commission
>> before I open it to the public?
I think it's worth asking so everybody
knows um we discussed it obviously
during many budget work sessions
Doug or Sadi or both of you what what's
our total dollar all-in cost that is
known today
as far as storm cleanup gross and that
would be across multiple departments. Do
we know a a number as of today
>> without including internal labor cost?
Um I think we were at when I looked last
um 1,ion5
>> 1,ion5,000.
>> Yep.
>> And that's not complete.
>> Oh, sure.
>> No, that's not complete.
>> But that's just known as of today.
>> Yes.
>> Strictly external.
>> There are there are labor costs though
that would technically
>> have been contributed to
>> add on to the cost.
>> Correct. Okay. Yeah, that I think that
does round out most of our mutual aid um
billings in there.
>> Thank you. I I think it's important for
everybody to know. And then uh a second
question would be um
similar timeline sadly uh but related to
the hospital closure that Barry
mentioned earlier.
We've had several changes and tweaks in
there, but I guess from from budget
standpoint at the outset,
what's our what's our number as far as
added expense that we've associated with
the closure of the hospital? And that
would be additional staffing and any
other pivot changes that we weren't
going to make at the outside of the
budget, but then chose to make
in the process.
I don't have a specific number for you,
but I can highlight some of the things
that were impacted by that. So, we um
ultimately decreased revenue um in the
ambulance fund, I believe, by roughly a
100,000 um that we anticipated from
transfers. So, typically we were picking
up transfers out of Sturgis Hospital
>> that we're not going to be able to do
because of it.
>> Correct. Um we will see increased fuel
costs um just again from that transport
time. Um we have um eliminated the fire
marshall um position and put that back
as a um full-time ambulance and and fire
personnel and added additional staffing
related to that to reduce um overtime
and keep um staff levels accordingly
balanced. um just due to those long lead
times of transfers and getting them to
the hospital.
>> But as far as that lost revenue and then
the additional staffing, do you know a
ballpark number? And I'm sorry I'm
asking you on the spot, but
>> I don't want to misrepresent a number,
but I can look and see if I can get you
a number by the end of the the meeting
when we come back around.
>> Thank you, Satie. And I I just I say
that just because it's important to
highlight that
through two circumstances outside our
control. That's correct. Uh within eight
days of each other, um there's been a
lot piled on inside this budget process
that has been abnormal outside what a
normal would normal year would be.
>> So just to help our citizens
um understand a municipal budget is a
management tool subject to change like
we've had with this the uh storm damage.
There's unanticipated
things that we're going to encounter
over the next year. Who knows, we might
have another storm or another situation
that might occur.
So, we know that we amend the budget at
least twice. Once in the middle and then
toward the end of the fiscal year to
realign those cost items to reflect what
we actually spent. That's why we need to
be flexible in the way that we approach
our budget.
Again, during my report, I'm going to
talk about a little bit about um
anticipated staffing going forward
um and some effects of the hospital. So,
[clears throat]
um that's only two scenarios. We don't
know what holds true in the future. And
again, this is a management tool and it
has to be flexible.
One more to add to that.
>> We've mentioned it in the past, like you
said in others, but I think it's
important as we joke on our increase on
water.
>> The We talked about the lead lines. Keep
bringing that up. If we were to do that
ourselves,
I think it's like 3,700 I think we were
estimating. Is that right? We were to
take care of the lead ourselves. We've
identified 1,500. We probably have what,
another 1,300 or so to do. I can't
remember the exact numbers, but do the
math. That's if we are to do it
ourselves. That number is as big as the
hospital.
And therefore, we're increasing. Like I
said, our water's increasing. That's a
big number.
So, I don't want to forget that either.
That's over 10 years, but still a big
number.
So Satie, just to understand your your number, the 1.15, uh, that's
just mutual aid. That's not our
overtime. That's not our staff over
time. That's not any of that.
>> That's not staff. It it's it's mutual
aid. It's anything that got damaged.
It's also we had crews in here cutting
trees, moving um brush, moving logs,
taking it to compost site. We had people
into the compost site helping clean that
up. So those were the the highlights of
the the major costs. Yeah.
>> Okay.
» Any other questions from the commission
before I open up to the public?
>> No. Any comments from the public?
» Thank you, mayor. Um so that's 5 a.5
million. Kathy, Commissioner ABS.
>> Biggest is the high school?
>> Uh yeah, for 1500, which is pretty close
to where we're at, not 13. So, sorry to
disappoint.
>> I thought we already had some done. So,
>> it' really be great to be at 1300. Um
the uh the the approval for uh item 10A
for the 3 million. So, is that part of
this current budget?
>> That's correct.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. So, and we're the fund balance is
only still being reduced by $300,000.
Okay.
Any
other comments from comments from the
public?
Okay, we'll go ahead and close the
public hearing.
What's the wish of the commission?
>> Mr. Mayor, I'll move that the Sturgeis
City Commission adopt the 26 27 annual
city of Sturgeis budget summary and
appropriation resolution and approve the
city of Sturgeis fee schedule as
presented. So we have a motion second
and support. All in favor?
>> Opposed?
>> So move.
Next on the agenda is the uh Doyle roof
bonds. Uh Miss Sabra, welcome back.
>> Thank you again. Um so included in your
packet is a bond authorizing resolution
for the issuance of capital improvement
bonds for the Doyle Roof project. Um
this would authorize the city to issue
bonds not to exceed 800,000. Um
previously um we had issued a notice of
intent um back in May with a 45day
referendum period. Um this referendum
period has passed and we've received no
petitions um that were filed. Um the
term of the bonds would be 15 years um
with the interest rate not to exceed 6%.
Um again um
final required issue amount may be
adjusted um but cannot exceed the
maximum of the 800,000 which was in the
notice of intent. Um
back on May 13th, the commission
approved the low bidder um Newberry
Square construction out of Ship Shawana
in the amount of $729,728
with a $20,000 contingency budget
included in that. um the cost of the the
bond um from financial advisory
services, bond services and rating
agency fees would be eligible for
payment from the bond proceeds as well.
Um we have submitted a um grant to the
Sturgeis Area Community Foundation and
hopefully we will find out tomorrow if
we've received a grant towards the Doyle
roof which would then um ultimately
reduce our bonding need. But
unfortunately they are meeting um today
as well. So we will give you an update
um on the what we hear from that. But um
this would move us forward in the
process of getting those bonds started
and approved.
>> Say was there an idea of what that grant
could be up to?
>> We we submitted for um a $200,000 okay
grant but um that could vary based on
what they would award us. Okay.
Any
other questions for state?
» Oh, I guess the only other question I
the work when was it supposed to start?
>> Um, once we
>> just when
>> had the funds. Yep. So, we we can also
reimburse ourselves from a period so we
can get started soon.
» Okay.
>> Mr. Mayor, I move that the Sturis City
Commission adopt the bond authorizing
resolution as presented.
>> So, we have a motion.
>> Second
>> and support. All in favor?
>> I opposed. So, move.
Next on the agenda is planning
commission appointment. Mr. Ken Rhodess.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. uh planning
commission obviously one of our most
important boards and want to make sure
that we've got a full uh board so that
we can have a quorum when needed. Um
Jersey Anderson has submitted a uh um
application which is in front of you. Um
and uh she was here at one meeting.
She's actually talked to the community
development department. So she
understands uh what is involved in the
planning uh uh commission and uh she's
recommended for approval. So or
appointment I should say. Happy to
answer any questions. This the only one
we have on file currently. I can also
say on that note uh there's a gentleman
in the audience right now that
apparently has expressed some interest
uh in serving on some boards. So, no.
>> He uh he may get an application and get
more than he bargained for.
>> We can give it to him today if he really
wants it.
>> Yeah. So,
>> Ken, is that will this round out the
planning commission as full now with
this appointment?
>> I don't know.
>> I think we're close. I we may still need
one, but I I've got to check that. But,
uh definitely this will help. Uh um
>> is this one of the boards where city
residents are required or the members
are required to Yeah.
Okay. I was I was wondering about that.
Not to not to delve into details, but
>> actually you can be an owner of property
in the city
>> and be on the bike.
>> I don't I'd have to check on how many
you can have but just one
>> because Mike Kaywood was in that case
where he wasn't a resident of here but
>> he was a resident when he got on.
>> Okay.
>> Right.
>> And you have to own property. So,
>> but has an ownership interest in
property that's in
>> and we had a situation where we had
gentlemen that were on they were
appointed once their term expired then
they may not have been able to be
reappointed. Uh so we can only appoint
so you do have to live in the city.
>> So you're grandfathering and you're not
required to leave if your situation
changes.
>> So Barry, were you shaking your head
because you do want an application? Is
that is that
>> he may have difficulty as a conflict of
appointment soon. So, I don't want to
appoint people that may not be able to
continue their appointment
>> for long.
>> All right.
Any questions for Ken,
>> Mr.
I'm I'm going to jump in real quick. So,
>> under the planning commission and
planning enabling act, technically the
mayor should move to appoint and then if
you would move to support um the
approval of the appointment. So,
>> yeah. Under 2441. Yes. And in our
commission technically, it's kind of a
nuance where the mayor appoints and then
the commission affirms. That's kind of
like the nomination and then the
confirmation by the board.
>> Is that the only board that
>> that's the only one that applies to? So,
anyways.
» Okay. So, I mayor Frank Perez move that
the city sturgeon city commission
appoint Jersey Anderson to the planning
uh to the Sturgis planning commission.
So you move your point and then K.
>> I'll second.
>> Second.
>> Okay.
>> All in favor?
>> I I opposed. So move.
>> Thank you. T I was not aware of that.
>> Not a problem.
>> All right.
>> Is that in our charter or is that a
state law?
>> It's in the state statute for the
planning enabling act. It's also in our
uh code of um under section 2441 for the
uh city planning board created which
tracks the statute.
>> Okay. Thank you. That's the only motion
I've made since I've been mayor.
[laughter]
>> So, we pay you big bucks.
>> All right. Next on the agenda is
commissioner and staff comments. So,
we'll move on with that. Start with Miss
80.
>> So, I do have some numbers for you. Um,
from the ambulance fund side, we added
um an additional 110,000 of expense due
to staffing. Um, we had uh 68,000 of
essentially loss revenue. Um, and then
we um added $150,000 contribution from
the general fund compared to where we
were at. So those would be the the
numbers that affected the the ambulance
fund specifically.
>> Thank you.
>> Yeah, that's all I have.
>> Okay, Mr. Ross.
>> Yep. Uh, we had a really good election.
Everything went very well. It's a
different different election world these
days. We had 637 absentee ballots and
715 people at the polls themselves. So
it's almost half half. I can't tell you
I'll find out tomorrow how many uh
people voted uh at the early voting site
which is open for 9 days. So in essence
there are three
parallel elections happening right now.
Um so um so we'll do it again in
November. Uh if you have not heard but
this will pertain to uh the city
commission the um state passed uh a law
because if you recall our organizational
meeting falls uh before they can certify
the election. So that was addressed um
and so um commissioners I believe it's
the first
Monday after in December but at the
beginning of December. So whereas we had
an organizational meeting uh right after
the election uh that won't take place
until
um uh December. So uh commissioners that
will not be on the commission going
forward would still serve the two uh two
meetings in November and then new
commissioners will um will come on board
in December and we'll have our
organizational meeting then. So
>> that first December uh
>> yeah so I think it TJ is working out the
details but it should be
>> the first Monday of December unless of
course it's probably December 1st when
it may be December 8th or something like
that. So we'll we'll get that figured
out so that we can get those dates out
to you.
>> Okay.
>> So yes sir.
>> Okay.
Since our charter says that we have to
have it that money
>> Yeah.
>> So we have to change it anyway.
Can we get that moved to like six
o'clock instead of 8:00?
>> Yeah. So, so, so that I will take that
in consideration. What I'm looking at,
>> what we're dealing with is an issue of
preeemption. So, the state has
essentially preempted our charter by
mandating
um that this meeting is going to have to
be moved because of the way that they're
certifying the election and allowing
those elected officials to take place.
So, I'm working on that. We're not the
only municipality that is dealing with
charter provisions that conflict with
this new state law. Um, but I think that
I I Ken and I were talking before. So,
it's every other year. It will still be
in November because there will be no
commission commissioners up for
election. It'll just be simply you
organizing it, which will still be the
first Monday following the election at
8:00. on the years in which a commission
gets installed. Um I think that there's
since it's preempted in that respect,
there'll be plenty of latitude there for
timing.
>> Okay. But our our charter I think you're
asking if our charter is being changed,
but our charter is not being changed
state law just I'm just saying since we
have to violate the charter anyway
according to state law.
>> We're not violating.
>> They're not violating. [laughter] They
are they are preempted. We're not
violating. If it's preempted, it's not a
violation. So, I want to be clear, it's
not a violation. Um, and there are
plenty of areas in the charter that are
preempted by state law, but um, well,
and actually, I will point out
Commissioner Smith two years ago had
presented which a common sense
resolution that would have fixed the
issue had the state adopted the language
in which you put forth, but they decided
to go completely different direction,
just kick everything uh, three weeks
down the road. So,
>> but we can change the charter by a vote
of the people.
>> You certainly can.
change.
>> We can put that on our next election.
[laughter]
>> Um, next agenda item.
>> But yeah, so
>> Oh, wait. Violation of the charter. It's
just a screen option issue.
>> That's it.
>> Anything else, Mr. Sey anything from
staff? Uh, Mr. Will?
>> Yeah.
Thanks commissioners.
>> So tonight you guys adopted a fee
schedule for the upcoming budget year
and as part of that there was a couple
of rental or property maintenance fee
increases. One was rental registrations.
So that was increased and then we also
added uh premier properties would be
paying half of the inspection fees. So
over the next probably 30 or 60 days,
I'll be bringing back policy change that
would require the uh premier properties
to pay the half as part of the policy to
catch up with what the fee schedule
would be. I know in the past we've
talked about the property maintenance
policy that we have in place and I think
there was some concerns from this board
and I want to know if there's anything
that you guys want us to be addressing
as part of this policy change that uh we
should be looking at from a staff level.
So when we bring it back, we can try to
keep this thing moving forward at least
to clean up the language that we have.
So I know that there was discussion a
while ago and it kind of went went on
the side and now I want to bring it back
to make sure we can finish this up. I
have a few changes that just from
processes on our end, but nothing drastic other than just uh
completing with the fee schedule changes
that were just approved.
>> Yeah. Will the fee fee change fee
schedule change? But did the um
property um the inspections
time in between change at all for any
premier versus other? That would be part
of the policy discussion that we would
have because if I bring it back, my my
thought process would be on the current
policy without extending the premier
properties, they would the premier
properties would pay half of the
inspection fee. But if they want to go
longer term, then the premier properties
would pay all of the inspection fee,
>> but they would go a longer term.
>> Okay.
>> So, there's like a couple different
things. I I think we have positives and
negatives for both. Yeah.
>> For both sides. What are you thinking
about?
>> You uh do do you think it's best we have
a work session before the meeting if you
were to bring something?
>> I'm all
>> No,
>> I think it's I think what we're bringing
is pretty simple to to discuss.
>> Um but we can it's a it's a I we'll
leave it Doug Terry after he and I talk
about the policy changes, he can make
the decision.
>> All right.
But if you guys have anything else that
you you think about, reach out to Doug
or city manager and uh be happy to
present that.
>> Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Erica, you got anything, Dan?
>> Anything from our men in blue?
Anything from the media?
>> TJ,
>> nothing more tonight.
>> Doug,
>> I have a few things. Uh first of all,
Mr. mayor. Um, I want to give our
sincere thanks to Jamie Iimer who gave
us a lot of years of service at uh the
Civic Center. Um, as of today, we
started advertising for her replacement
and hope to have somebody in place
within a month. Um, we'll see. um public
staffing, public safety staffing. Uh in
regards to ambulance, as you know, we're
capped out with uh both police and fire.
Um my orders to U Ryan was that um when
we see talent, let's grab on to it. um
knowing that we're going to have some
retirements coming up. Um I'm concerned
that um with the hospital closure that
we're going to be tied up um quite a bit
with our ambulance. So I want to make
sure that we're our citizens can be
assured that their safety is first
priority. So hopefully he'll be able to.
Again, it's just like anywhere. We're
having this problem with a shortage of
qualified people trying to recruit. Um,
that's the marketplace right now. And
we're a competitive community. We're a
beautiful community. So, we're trying I
didn't want to sound like Donald Trump
there. Um we're we're going to do
everything we can to attract so that
there's no
shortage of qualified staff going
forward.
Um
development uh we do have as uh Will tell you uh we do have interested
people looking at building housing in
our community. there seems to be a
shortage um right now. Um Sturgis is
probably one of the more attractive
communities uh in our state. So we want
to uh work with them. That's we have
that going on. Storm cleanup um
continues. Um, through Tom's efforts, we
will be working with our arborist and
with our contractors to try and excel
those big pieces of wood that a lot of
our residents cannot handle physically.
We want to get in there and help them as
much as we can. This doesn't occur all
the time, but it is a problem. We can't
ask people to do something that they
can't [clears throat] physically do.
to just so we want to do everything we
can to help them. Uh that being said, um
it's been a busy month and uh we don't
see it letting up. So [laughter]
that's all I have.
>> All right, Commissioner,
>> nothing. Thank you.
>> Commissioner Bourne,
>> not tonight.
>> Commissioner Wiki,
>> nothing tonight.
>> Commissioner Miller.
on uh Clerk Road's topic of elections.
Uh while I've been trained as an
elections inspector twice, I finally got
to serve and uh can't do that here. So I
served in Leonidis Township and so that
sadly meant that I was one of those
absentee ballots. That's one downside.
Um but I definitely learned a great
deal. I got to see how things work in
another municipality
and uh it was altogether an enlightening
experience and we have a wonderful
election system.
>> Thank you, Commissioner B.
>> Nothing tonight. Thank you,
>> Commissioner Smith.
>> Um, couple things.
One, I know it's not our problem. I
think it's uh the phone companies GTS or
G's whatever
on the corner of
East Maine in Nawa they got a broken
pole there in front of Camurns and
there's a tree stump sticking up in the
air that the cables just kind of laying
off over top of. Can we do anything
about their inaction to fix that?
>> We you will take a look at it.
If if it's a totem pole, um, we'll take
care of.
>> Okay.
>> I know where you're talking.
>> Yeah. And the second thing is tomorrow
is National Feet Minion Day.
>> So, Vinnie, if anybody wants to
volunteer to go out, get a nice like
2inch thick porter house, drill it up
good, and just cut the little part off,
keep it, and bring me the rest.
[laughter] Would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Um, thank you, Vice Mayor.
>> Uh, nothing
exciting like Commissioner Smith, but
uh, good discussions tonight. Um, the
airport thing I learned a lot on. So,
hopefully that that stuff will get
resolved quickly for some of these
people if it's as if it's truly is easy
what they say it is. I don't know all
the details. You guys do. So, hopefully
it can be resolved quickly. Um, I will
say this. If we could spread love and
love as quickly as we spread hate and
negativity, what an amazing world we
live in. Let's all be kind to one
another.
Great. So, fellow commissioners and uh
citizens, I just want to take this
opportunity to address events that have
taken place over the last over this past
summer. Uh, as you all know, we faced a
severe thunderstorm that just ripped our
city, especially in the ways of trees. I
really want to thank our DPS staff, our
electric staff, parks and cemetery
staff, and the rest of our staff who
work diligent diligently to assist our
citizens in the cleanup of properties
and streets. Uh second of all, it's been
challenging for commissioners with the
most recent change in city and city
manager. I I think that all of us should
reflect that we serve the citizens of
Sturgis and are blessed to have the
opportunity to serve our citizens going
forward. I see excellent opportunities
for both the commission and our citizens
as we as we grow our city. Again, I want
to thank our citizens for having the
patience to understand that government
can be very complex. We appreciate
everyone's patience while cleaning while
the cleaning efforts continue. And I
want to thank our city staff uh for
their knowledge and dedicated work as
they carry us forward. It's not easy uh responding to uh the mess that we
had. Uh
and I know there's uh uh some folks that
uh uh say we should do it faster, but I I can tell you this, our staff has
been awesome in the way they've
addressed our city, and it looks a lot
better today than what it did a couple
weeks ago. So [clears throat] big huge
shout out to our staff and and all those
involved in uh making our city uh what
it is. And with that, I hope each and
every one of you have a great rest of
your work week meeting agreement. Thank
you.
>> Can you meet these applications?
>> No. Well, I'll take it. Okay. until it