[0:00] go ahead and get started.
[0:01] >> Well, I think that uh
[0:04] our guest would like to address the
[0:07] board first and then maybe we have some
[0:10] solutions or some other discussions.
[0:13] >> Uh do you want to go first or
[0:21] not a public speaker so I just brought
[0:22] some notes? Um, I'm John Bartel. I'm CEO
[0:27] of Bartel Aviation.
[0:30] We've been operating in Sturgis since
[0:31] 1983. We employ nine people and we're
[0:35] actually celebrating our 50th year being
[0:36] in business.
[0:39] Like to thank all of you for allowing me
[0:41] to speak here tonight. Appreciate it
[0:42] very much.
[0:45] Um,
[0:46] I'm here to enlighten you the issues
[0:51] that I'm experiencing,
[0:54] not to point fingers or pick on people,
[0:56] but hopefully with the idea that if you
[0:58] have the information, we can move
[0:59] forward together as a team and fix
[1:03] stuff.
[1:05] Um, the city is extremely dysfunctional
[1:09] uh when it comes to providing routine
[1:11] business services.
[1:13] Examples are transferring property
[1:15] ownership. So, your assessor department
[1:17] has a problem.
[1:19] Um, I have a hanger
[1:22] that was uh I inherited from my mother
[1:26] and um
[1:29] I can't obtain an airport land lease,
[1:32] right? So, typically on airport
[1:33] property, you own a building, personal
[1:35] property, but you rent land from the
[1:37] city for that and there's a fee
[1:40] associated with that.
[1:42] And the other issue we have problems
[1:44] with is
[1:45] we can't complete airport improvements
[1:50] um
[1:52] to get started.
[1:54] The one question I have for all of you
[1:56] being a citizen paying taxes
[1:59] is if I go through multiple layers of
[2:02] management. This is not to throw people
[2:05] under the bus because everybody was nice
[2:06] to me but nothing gets done. Examples
[2:10] would be
[2:12] um the airport manager. Uh I met with
[2:16] Ken
[2:18] and the former city manager. If all
[2:20] three of those leadership roles fail,
[2:23] what are we supposed to do as citizens
[2:25] to get help?
[2:29] Do do we have a protocol for that?
[2:34] I can tell you that after I went through
[2:36] the top layers of command
[2:39] and this is not a situation where I'm
[2:42] supporting any one person is I remember
[2:44] my dad having problems. He used to re
[2:46] reach out to like John Bran to get
[2:48] things done. I reached out to the mayor
[2:50] and explain the situation and he did
[2:52] express interest in helping. So there
[2:55] was a meeting with the airport manager,
[2:58] the mayor and the city manager. Um, and
[3:02] I can tell you that that person, the
[3:04] mayor, was the only one that followed up
[3:05] to see if things were getting done. I
[3:07] had to keep telling them no.
[3:10] >> Um, the land lease that I started to try
[3:13] to obtain, I'm on my 13th month trying
[3:16] to get one from the city of Stures.
[3:18] So, the issue, the dysfunctionality is
[3:21] whoever's going to run the various
[3:23] departments needs to assign people to do
[3:26] things. Ken would meet with me, was very
[3:28] nice and compassionate when I had issues
[3:30] with different situations, but I don't
[3:32] think Ken was in a position where he
[3:33] could actually help me even though he
[3:35] was nice and met with me.
[3:38] So,
[3:40] how do we run our business in the town
[3:42] is the concern that I have. um the
[3:45] dysfunctionality that I have witnessed
[3:48] and the um horrific experience I had
[3:52] with the assessor department which was
[3:53] only going to cost me more money because
[3:54] something was coming on cap made me put
[3:57] a half a million dollar expansion on
[3:59] hold indefinitely until either people
[4:02] get cleaned out or management decides
[4:05] hey we don't want to run our city like
[4:06] this anymore we want to be nice to our
[4:09] taxpaying citizens we want to grow
[4:11] business and we want to get things on.
[4:15] Um,
[4:20] so where I need help is I need to get a
[4:22] land lease.
[4:24] The airport manager can't get it done.
[4:28] It's not Ken's responsibility. He just
[4:30] met with me. I started to meet with
[4:32] Andrew. We had a general game plan in
[4:34] place, but he didn't execute either.
[4:37] The simplest process for the commission
[4:39] to think about is to let my attorney,
[4:42] Bodman Law Firm, meet with the city
[4:44] attorney. The city attorneys used to do
[4:46] airport land leases. Let the two
[4:48] attorneys work it out.
[4:51] Bring it to the commission for final
[4:52] approval. Then we might be able to take
[4:54] a step forward.
[4:56] Most people don't understand how
[4:57] airports work or the land leases. It
[4:59] doesn't make make you dumb or
[5:01] incompetent. But that guy knows how to
[5:03] do it and so does my attorney.
[5:06] And then instead of waiting another 13
[5:08] months to get it done, okay, we get
[5:10] something done in two weeks.
[5:16] » Do land leases typically need to come to
[5:17] us in the first place, TJ, am I missing
[5:20] something?
[5:20] >> They are approved by the city
[5:21] commission.
[5:22] >> Okay.
[5:22] >> Because this Mr. Bartell's correct. So
[5:25] the way it works is and under the the
[5:29] law
[5:31] the [clears throat] city has to own the
[5:32] property meaning the dirt in the land in
[5:36] which those buildings sit on. Um a lot
[5:39] of those out there um Mr. Barthel's
[5:41] correct he actually built in per you
[5:44] know their company built and improved
[5:46] those um buildings and they pay a land
[5:50] lease. So they lease the dirt underneath
[5:51] and then they're taxed for the
[5:52] improvements that they make. I mean
[5:54] there's restrictions and in the lease it
[5:56] and it requires that it be aviation
[5:59] related public you know it's inferred
[6:02] that a lot of those will be um for
[6:04] public benefit public um you know it
[6:06] meets those criteria but yes the once
[6:09] the leases are done it's like any other
[6:11] lease in which the city has an interest
[6:12] the commission ultimately has to approve
[6:14] them or give the city manager
[6:16] authorization to execute the lease
[6:19] >> and I'm second question I'm sure
[6:23] to his last question. I'm sure you both
[6:28] will get together at some level and get
[6:32] down a path of approval.
[6:36] I don't know what next steps are. I
[6:37] guess that's the elephant in the room
[6:39] question. A third question. Uh
[6:43] or maybe an observation.
[6:47] Uh I I'm not sure what you mean about
[6:50] property transfer.
[6:52] uh deeds as far as a property transfer
[6:56] as far as I know would go through the
[6:59] register of deeds. But are you talking
[7:01] about the followup forms
[7:03] >> with Dale?
[7:04] >> You're talking about the forms that go
[7:06] along with the sale
[7:07] >> that go to the
[7:08] >> transferring the the ownership of the
[7:10] property so that the tax role entity
[7:14] that gets assigned to that property for
[7:16] the taxes and responsibility can get
[7:18] changed.
[7:19] It's different than buying a house just
[7:21] because
[7:22] >> no one owns the land except for the
[7:24] city. So what's okay changing hands is
[7:28] the
[7:28] >> personal property tax
[7:29] >> is the uh yeah it's a building on lease
[7:31] land is how we it's defined and so okay
[7:35] >> there's ownership but it's different
[7:37] than selling a house.
[7:38] >> Okay.
[7:39] >> So you don't go through a registered
[7:40] deeds and title and all that stuff.
[7:42] >> Okay. I didn't I didn't know what you
[7:44] were referring to exactly but
[7:45] >> strictly meet with the assessor say hey
[7:47] the property has changed. fill out a
[7:48] form and try to get things accomplished.
[7:51] That took over a year to get done.
[7:54] >> How?
[7:54] >> Give you an idea.
[7:56] >> How is that possible?
[7:57] >> I mean, I know Dale to be responsive
[8:00] quickly. So, I don't know what the
[8:02] missing link is. Dale, I've never seen
[8:04] an assessor go to
[8:07] uh his or her his or her bodies that
[8:09] they represent like Dale does. Uh I've
[8:12] never seen it. So I I don't know the
[8:13] miss
[8:14] >> I can just tell you my experience and I
[8:15] have spent 20,000 so far on attorney
[8:17] fees trying to get property titles
[8:21] changed as well as getting a land lease.
[8:24] What we don't want to do is hash out all
[8:26] the little things. What we could do down
[8:28] the road maybe is meet again we want to
[8:30] go into it further go into a certain
[8:32] topic and come up with a plan to become
[8:34] better.
[8:36] So, so John, just to clarify, we you we
[8:40] you you had scheduled the meeting with
[8:42] uh Andrew and I on February 11th,
[8:46] and after that meeting concluded, Andrew
[8:48] said he needed two weeks and it would be
[8:50] resolved. And then I've been checking up
[8:52] on you
[8:56] » seems like
[8:56] >> Yeah, it was never resolved. And the
[8:59] airport manager, I met with him in July,
[9:01] a year ago,
[9:03] >> and it doesn't get done. I think Tom is
[9:06] a good human. I think the city has too
[9:08] much on his plate, meaning he can't be
[9:11] an airport manager and then run the
[9:13] whole municipality maintenance. And I
[9:16] don't even know what his title is
[9:17] exactly, but I'm not throwing him in
[9:19] under the bus. But we don't have enough
[9:21] help to conduct business in an efficient
[9:24] way.
[9:26] And I'm saying we because I'm not
[9:27] pointing people out and saying you're
[9:29] bad. I'm just telling you we're
[9:30] dysfunctional. When you run a business,
[9:32] you got to figure [clears throat] out
[9:32] what's wrong and fix it. And here's an
[9:34] example. Another example. Our airport
[9:36] needs help.
[9:38] Does anybody here know how much money we
[9:40] received in grants in February of 2025?
[9:45] >> Safety does.
[9:47] >> Zero.
[9:49] >> $378,000
[9:52] from the MD to improve our airport.
[9:57] $150,000 to rehabilitate six tea
[10:00] hangers.
[10:03] Now, when we rehabilitate those six tea
[10:05] hangers, then the city can get revenue
[10:06] off those tea hangers because you can
[10:08] put airplanes in them and rent them.
[10:11] We received $92,000 for a 17 ft finish
[10:14] mower and snowblower attachment. I do
[10:16] not know if we got those or not. We
[10:18] might have. The hangers have not been
[10:21] fixed.
[10:22] We received $90,000 for a new fuel farm
[10:25] credit card processing
[10:28] equipment,
[10:29] which would allow the city to sell more
[10:31] fuel. They make about a buck a gallon.
[10:34] Sometimes the credit card machine
[10:35] doesn't work because of the technology
[10:37] and the ground wires.
[10:40] And we receive $46,000 for surface and
[10:44] pavement joint ceiling because we have
[10:46] 4.5 in cracks at the airport and a
[10:49] beacon upgrade, which is the light that
[10:51] flashes in the evenings or the dark so
[10:53] you can find the airport. The beacon's
[10:55] been out two years.
[10:58] We have done none of that maintenance.
[10:59] So my question as a taxpayer is why.
[11:04] So if Tom's not getting it done, again,
[11:06] not throwing him under the bus, who is
[11:08] responsible for Tom or to give him help
[11:11] to get this done? Because all we got to
[11:13] do is get two quotes, I believe, do the
[11:16] work and then turn in the paperwork to
[11:17] the state and we get reimbursed. It's
[11:19] free money.
[11:21] $378,000
[11:24] doesn't make any sense to me. So I need
[11:28] help with that. How do we fix that?
[11:32] The last thing or my idea and then I'll
[11:35] be finished is I have formed a KUR
[11:38] municipal airport association. That
[11:40] association is going to be made up of
[11:41] business owners, pilots, aircraft
[11:44] owners, hanger owners, and people use
[11:46] the airport.
[11:48] My idea, if the city commission would be
[11:50] receptive to it, is to give us once a
[11:52] month time at the work session so we
[11:55] could report to you what the issues are
[11:58] still outstanding. Or I can get members
[12:00] of my association, the team to help the
[12:03] city facilitate and get things done.
[12:05] Meaning if someone we need to get two
[12:07] quotes to fill cracks to get rid of
[12:09] weeds that are two foot tall out there
[12:12] with the city's commission's approval.
[12:14] We could say okay that person from the
[12:16] association is going to go get the two
[12:18] quotes under this direction and this
[12:20] format and then we bring it to you and
[12:22] then the commission can say yes we'll do
[12:23] this bid or that bid and we actually get
[12:25] something done. We just don't have
[12:27] enough people in charge that
[12:30] manage things well.
[12:34] Um,
[12:37] that's all I have for right now. I mean,
[12:38] I could go on and on and on. If anybody
[12:40] wants to meet with me personally or go
[12:42] out to the airport, I'd be happy to show
[12:43] them. But do you have any questions for
[12:45] me tonight?
[12:48] >> Yes, sir.
[12:48] >> I have one. Thanks for being here
[12:50] tonight, John.
[12:51] >> Um, the land lease, you said it's been
[12:54] 13 months you've been trying to do. Is
[12:56] that is that because of is that any way
[12:59] related to
[13:01] a building that's on it currently?
[13:04] >> Yeah. So
[13:04] >> because there needs to be things done
[13:06] with that before a lease can be
[13:07] processed here.
[13:08] >> So we have had a land lease for years
[13:10] because we've been operating on it here
[13:12] >> for our north building, our north
[13:14] hanger.
[13:16] >> The problem with that land lease is both
[13:18] my parents are now deceased.
[13:20] So that land lease should reflect who is
[13:23] owner of the personal property.
[13:26] The leases are standardized,
[13:28] so there's not a lot to fix on them or
[13:31] change because you have to treat
[13:33] everybody the same due to due to
[13:34] accepting federal and state money.
[13:38] So,
[13:41] if the city management at the time, all
[13:43] the different people I've worked with
[13:44] would have said to TJ and given him
[13:46] direction to work with my attorney,
[13:48] those two guys would have had that done
[13:50] in about a day. And then they would have
[13:53] brought it to the city commission. They
[13:55] would review it with you. Here is what
[13:56] the proposal is or what we're going to
[13:58] do. Here's a new entity. Do you approve
[14:00] or disapprove?
[14:01] >> So, we're just talking about a lease
[14:03] >> transfer from your parents to you,
[14:06] >> right? But I have to change some things
[14:08] in that lease
[14:11] slightly.
[14:12] We're going to change the footprint a
[14:14] little bit because the footprint we have
[14:15] had for years was based on the cur curse
[14:18] company. They owned the building before
[14:20] us. In the old days with working with
[14:22] the airport, the city really didn't care
[14:24] too much about the airport. So, they
[14:27] would just pass on the lease and
[14:28] whatever curse was renting, you rent, so
[14:31] on and so forth. The rule is 10 foot
[14:33] outside the building.
[14:36] And I'm I'm leasing much more than that.
[14:38] So, I'm requesting a little bit smaller
[14:40] footprint so that my lease is consistent
[14:43] with the other leases on the airport.
[14:46] But, I mean, that's a fivem minute
[14:48] change. The only other thing I'm looking
[14:50] at doing is getting my land lease set
[14:53] up. So when I do my operating agreement
[14:56] down the road, which is a separate
[14:59] document, right? So, I'm in the business
[15:00] of providing services. There's an out
[15:03] there's agreement that the city allows
[15:04] me to do that so that when I retire or
[15:08] at some point if my son takes over the
[15:10] business or employees take over the
[15:12] business that we have the ability to
[15:13] either transfer that lease or have some
[15:16] leeway where we just want to rent the
[15:18] building to somebody else other than
[15:19] myself. So right now the land lease the
[15:22] way it works is I own the personal
[15:25] property personally
[15:27] and then I subleasase to Bartell
[15:29] aviation and the com and the city has
[15:31] approved that because it's really one
[15:33] and the same. But let's say you wanted
[15:35] to buy my business but I'm not my
[15:38] buildings and I want to let you lease my
[15:41] building
[15:42] >> and run the business.
[15:44] There's no provisions to allow me to do
[15:46] that at this time. So, we're trying to
[15:48] make it so that down the road, if we
[15:50] take the effort and time to get all this
[15:51] done, that it's a simple process for the
[15:54] commission to approve down the road. And
[15:56] I'm not trying to do anything that
[15:57] favors me.
[15:59] Just want to get it done and so simple
[16:00] and fair.
[16:02] >> Is the one thing is the one thing that's
[16:03] holding it up that changing of the lot?
[16:06] >> No, it's just lack of execution by your
[16:08] management.
[16:09] >> I mean, is that is that a hanging sticky
[16:11] point in it?
[16:12] >> There's no sticky point.
[16:14] And I've got emails I can share with you
[16:16] with Andrew and he's already approved
[16:17] the the the size. He just wanted time to
[16:20] measure it to make sure it was accurate
[16:23] or close. Um,
[16:26] no, it's just lack of execution by your
[16:28] city manager and uh your airport
[16:30] manager.
[16:32] >> Well, I'm only hearing one. I mean, I'm
[16:33] hearing one side which is yours. I
[16:35] haven't heard anything else. So, I'm
[16:36] like I've still got a lot of questions,
[16:38] but I don't I don't I don't really
[16:40] understand. It seems like it should be
[16:42] simple for what it
[16:43] >> should be simple. And in Tom's defense,
[16:45] who is your airport manager,
[16:48] it's out of his wheelhouse to be
[16:49] involved in a land lease.
[16:52] It's that guy's job.
[16:55] >> And then he says, "Yes, this is ethical,
[16:59] doesn't violate anything that would hurt
[17:01] the city," and explains it to you, and
[17:03] then you approve it. It's really
[17:04] straightforward and simple. It's just we
[17:06] don't have the right people
[17:09] moving things forward. Simple yes or no
[17:11] TJ will suffice, but have you been
[17:15] approached with any things yet? Yes,
[17:18] >> I'm aware. So, it started different. It
[17:20] started as a tax assessor issue on the
[17:22] transfer. It did turn into a lease
[17:25] modification.
[17:26] I don't get involved with the leases
[17:28] till after the city department generally
[17:29] send it to me for review. So I don't
[17:31] review them until because I generally
[17:34] wait for the city departments to put
[17:36] their input in on all things and then I
[17:39] review them because what I don't want to
[17:40] do is review something and then have the
[17:43] city go well wait a minute there's other
[17:45] issues that need to be put here. So
[17:47] generally I once all input is there I
[17:50] then do the final review on behalf of
[17:52] the city.
[17:53] >> You don't do lease modification. those
[17:55] two words. Does that anything to do with
[17:56] the changing of the is that
[17:58] >> I'm not saying that I don't do those,
[18:00] but all of the modification languages in
[18:02] the city department will still have to
[18:05] be ready for me to review them. Um, and
[18:08] so
[18:11] I can agree to disagree with some of the
[18:12] things in in in terminology that's been
[18:15] used. Um but yes, I don't think that
[18:17] it's a complicated process to transfer
[18:20] ownership um or to transfer the named
[18:23] entity on one of those leases from one
[18:25] party. That's happens all the time.
[18:27] These leases are generally cannot be
[18:30] more than 50 years. Most of the time
[18:32] they're 20. Um they're they're long-term
[18:35] leases and something happens in the
[18:37] interim. I think that's what John's
[18:38] alluding to. This lease started back
[18:40] when his dad took it from Kersh Company
[18:42] and they just assigned the lease from
[18:43] Kersh Company to Bartel. And so whatever
[18:46] was in the original, it just continues
[18:48] like making a copy of a copy at times.
[18:50] It becomes antiquated and maybe not
[18:52] necessarily reflecting what is actually
[18:55] on the premise right now. So if there's
[18:57] been expansions that were done over time
[18:59] and not
[19:01] put to paper or reductions, it's it's
[19:03] not maybe reflecting in the actual lease
[19:05] in which um John's talking about. So, I would agree that a fresh look at any
[19:11] of those when you're trying to do
[19:12] secession planning as a business owner
[19:14] is important. Um, but again, I think all
[19:19] of these are very fact specific. Every
[19:20] single lease out there is a little bit
[19:22] different as far as what the use is.
[19:24] They're uniform leases because they have
[19:27] to be. So, the thing we have to be
[19:29] careful of as the city is I can't take a
[19:32] lease that the Bartell Aviation puts
[19:34] forth if it's
[19:38] different and key provisions from all
[19:40] other leases out there. Now they have
[19:41] some unique advantage or different lease
[19:44] and I don't believe that you know from
[19:46] my brief discussions I don't think
[19:47] that's what the requests are but that
[19:49] does have to be looked at. So in these
[19:52] leases some of them are old and so the
[19:54] language is a little bit uh
[19:57] >> older and and again we have to look at
[20:00] all those things. So
[20:00] >> so just not as simple as his attorney
[20:02] getting with you and getting it done.
[20:04] you you need certain things from staff
[20:07] before you can do what you need to do.
[20:08] And does staff work with another
[20:10] attorney on that part of stuff?
[20:11] >> No.
[20:12] >> Okay.
[20:12] >> No. So, [snorts] generally staff when
[20:15] they're ready and say, "We're we're
[20:16] good. Um, this is our concerns. Here are
[20:19] the issues we may have or here are the
[20:21] things that we may have. I can take a
[20:23] look at those and incorporate those into
[20:25] my review." My uh my attorney had
[20:28] prepared the lease. Andrew has reviewed
[20:31] it and then there were some questions
[20:33] that he had and he had he said that he
[20:35] had to review it with council to make
[20:37] sure it's okay. He [clears throat]
[20:40] thought it was okay in principle, but he
[20:42] wanted that final approval.
[20:44] I [clears throat] don't think Andrew
[20:46] asked TJ or any other attorney that the
[20:48] city may work with for that guidance.
[20:52] So, if the commission I don't want to
[20:54] step on TJ either, but if the commission
[20:56] would grant approval for TJ to work with
[20:59] my attorney to finish up the lease, it's
[21:02] 95% there.
[21:05] I'm sure he can say in the if there's
[21:06] something in that lease in the city, he
[21:08] can say, you know, this is not in our
[21:10] interest. We don't want to do this or I
[21:11] advise against that. But there's nothing
[21:13] in that lease that gives anybody a
[21:14] competitive advantage. That's what he's
[21:16] talking about. So, when Kuscornney was
[21:18] here, I had to fix all the leases then.
[21:21] They were all different. One guy paid
[21:23] three cents a square foot. Another guy
[21:24] paid nine cents because he was outside
[21:26] of town. I fixed all that stuff years
[21:27] ago. Reason I fixed that is that if you
[21:30] got caught with that, the federal
[21:33] government and state government could
[21:34] make the city pay back every nickel they
[21:36] got in federal and state funds because
[21:38] it's discriminatory or giving AFBO a
[21:41] competitive advantage over another one.
[21:42] That's what TJ's explaining to you.
[21:44] There's nothing in that lease that does
[21:46] that. That would be more of an operating
[21:48] agreement situation because the land
[21:52] lease rates are already set.
[21:56] » So that's what I need help with. If the
[21:58] city would allow him to work with my
[21:59] attorney, I think we can get it done
[22:00] pretty quickly.
[22:01] >> So, okay, go ahead.
[22:05] >> Just want to make sure that I I'm
[22:07] understanding all of this. First thing
[22:08] is because of this, we have a loss of
[22:11] development
[22:12] >> 100%. I don't feel comfortable.
[22:14] >> Okay. The uh the other thing is there
[22:17] were numerous grants that you had
[22:18] mentioned minus the equipment
[22:21] >> which we may have already got.
[22:22] >> Are any of those done finished?
[22:24] >> No, those grants
[22:26] >> they they have not
[22:27] >> none of those you mentioned.
[22:28] >> They have never been done.
[22:29] >> Okay.
[22:30] >> Just a second. And then one of those
[22:32] actually you're saying would be an
[22:34] increase of revenue for gas for fuel
[22:37] >> if we were to do the credit processor.
[22:40] >> Well the credit card we have one but a
[22:42] lot of times it's down. It doesn't work.
[22:43] Therefore, you couldn't sell fuel on a
[22:45] credit card.
[22:46] >> Okay.
[22:47] >> And then we have six tea hangers that
[22:49] need to be rehabilitated and we have
[22:50] money assigned to those, which means the
[22:53] city, if they rented all six, they could
[22:55] get more revenue.
[22:56] >> You didn't mention it, but a couple
[22:57] months ago it came to our attention that
[22:59] jet fuel was a problem, but I understand
[23:01] that's been taken care of.
[23:02] >> I believe that's been resolved.
[23:03] >> Jet fuel.
[23:04] >> Yep. That's been resolved.
[23:05] >> And then the other thing is um you
[23:07] mentioned about one of those projects
[23:09] with the beacon light we haven't had for
[23:11] two years. My question, maybe it's
[23:13] unfair to ask any of you here, but I'm
[23:16] curious, not having that, has that been
[23:19] a problem for any of our businesses or in any way, shape, or form?
[23:23] >> I don't know if it'd be a problem for a
[23:25] business because it's nightflying, but
[23:26] that beacon would identify the airport.
[23:29] So, the only savior that we have had is at last
[23:34] >> because that building lights up. that
[23:35] bill,
[23:37] but I I have put a call into the
[23:39] Michigan Aeronomics Commission um the
[23:43] head person and my plan was to discuss
[23:46] the issues that we have here that we
[23:48] discussed tonight and see if they also
[23:51] could put pressure to help us get it
[23:54] fixed.
[23:56] I'm guessing that they won't be real
[23:57] happy when they find out that we've had
[23:59] money for a beacon and hasn't been fixed
[24:01] for two years.
[24:03] We had similar problems with runway
[24:04] lights that wear out for a long time.
[24:08] >> Wouldn't a beacon be required?
[24:11] >> Yes,
[24:12] >> it is. Okay.
[24:15] >> So, what's the what do we know what the
[24:16] hold up for the beacon is?
[24:18] >> Yes.
[24:20] [clears throat]
[24:20] >> Um
[24:25] during remember Dodge
[24:28] Department of Government Efficiency.
[24:31] >> Yeah. Right after that, there was a hold
[24:34] put on all federal and state grants,
[24:37] especially federal. Michigan Aeronautics
[24:40] receives most of its monies from
[24:44] the FAA.
[24:46] Right after the Department of Government
[24:48] Efficiency identified all of the
[24:51] different funding sources, they put a
[24:53] freeze on everything.
[24:56] Earlier this week, we were just notified that money has just now become
[25:04] available.
[25:07] According to Tom is that he was notified
[25:11] that we can proceed with all of those
[25:14] grant projects that were frozen because
[25:17] of funds that were frozen to us.
[25:23] » Thank you.
[25:24] >> Okay. I know I know there's I know
[25:27] Gayen, you requested the meeting. And I
[25:29] know you you you you want to stop talk
[25:32] as well, but it's 5:30 and I don't want
[25:34] to take away from you, John.
[25:36] >> We can't
[25:37] >> because I'm respectful of that, but I
[25:38] just want to make sure Gayen has a
[25:40] chance to speak. Okay.
[25:42] >> Yeah.
[25:43] >> So, are we Who's going to follow up with
[25:46] Mr. John Bartell?
[25:48] >> I can't Terry. Okay. All right. So, our
[25:51] new interim city manager will be in
[25:53] contact with
[25:54] >> What we'll do, this is my card.
[26:00] What we'll do
[26:03] >> put in place your attorney, have him
[26:05] call TJ. Any other details that we want
[26:08] to go f further with? Then you and I can
[26:11] sit down and talk about it. Um,
[26:15] again, TJ is the person. He doesn't need
[26:20] my permission for your attorney to talk
[26:23] to one another.
[26:24] >> That's very helpful. I appreciate you
[26:25] very much. That's where we stand.
[26:28] >> Thank you.
[26:29] John. Appreciate you. Uh I
[26:31] like your uh opening comment in which
[26:33] you were not here to beat anybody up,
[26:36] but if anything we can do to help,
[26:38] that's what we're here for. Thank you.
[26:41] >> Just just to clarify, so the the grants
[26:44] were awarded, but the cash was simply
[26:46] not received.
[26:47] >> It wasn't. That's correct. The grants
[26:49] were awarded, but the the funds were
[26:51] frozen,
[26:52] >> which are two different things.
[26:54] >> Yes.
[26:54] >> Yeah. because I recall Tom had presented
[26:56] a while ago about grant money that but I
[27:00] guess I didn't realize that it had been
[27:03] not allowed to be used.
[27:07] » Oh gosh, it probably was probably close
[27:10] to a year ago.
[27:11] >> Spring of last year.
[27:14] >> Um, does that money have a sunset and
[27:17] when it needs to be used that far as
[27:19] well?
[27:20] >> Oh, I'm sure it does. Most grants you
[27:22] have to have a glo a grant closeout
[27:26] period where Michigan Aeronautics has to
[27:28] come in review audit what we've done to
[27:31] make sure that we use the money in
[27:34] accordance with what they said we were
[27:36] supposed to do with it.
[27:37] >> But if they give you like two years to
[27:39] do projects [music] and we're wasted a
[27:41] year by this being shut down, is that
[27:43] clock start or does it pause as well?
[27:46] >> I'm not quite certain, but I know that
[27:48] Tom's ready to go on a lot of this
[27:50] stuff.
[27:54] Thank you.
[27:57] >> I am Gayen Giggley. Uh I'm on the
[28:00] airport advisory comm uh board and uh we
[28:04] love our airport. We love our city.
[28:06] Thank you all for being here. And like
[28:09] John said, we're not here to beat
[28:11] anybody up. We're just here to
[28:12] enlighten, to show you what's going on
[28:15] so that you're aware of what's happening
[28:17] at the airport so that we can
[28:18] proactively
[28:20] get together and make things happen and
[28:22] make it work for everyone and and make
[28:24] the city successful as a whole. And
[28:28] again, Tom uh when Andrew took the city
[28:32] manager position, he put Tom in. Tom
[28:34] went to work. He he had to learn on the
[28:38] fly because he didn't know anything
[28:39] about airports. And I commend him for
[28:41] putting the time and effort in and
[28:43] learning the stuff that he needed to do.
[28:46] And then as time progressed, uh, he got,
[28:49] as with everyone that does a good job,
[28:51] they keep getting more and more put onto
[28:53] them. And what I seen was Tom just kept
[28:56] getting overloaded with more and more
[28:58] responsibilities and less time put at
[29:01] the airport. So, it's nothing to do with
[29:03] Tom and his fault. It's just he's
[29:05] overworked and couldn't put the time and
[29:07] effort in to uh get the things done that
[29:10] needed to be done at the airport. We
[29:12] feel um in my case, I wanted to build a
[29:17] facility at the airport. I spent about a
[29:20] year and a half uh trying to get a
[29:23] building put up there and it was just
[29:25] one barrier after the other and uh and
[29:28] then there was no clear path forward.
[29:32] Finally got to the point trying to get a
[29:34] permit uh submitted everything that
[29:37] wasn't good enough. Fulfilled all the
[29:39] requests that wasn't good enough. Uh it
[29:42] was just one thing after the next and
[29:43] just more and more put on. Uh so it was
[29:46] very
[29:48] uh
[29:49] unorganized as far as how to proceed.
[29:52] And um I tried to get a builder to build
[29:55] here. Unfortunately,
[29:58] I had to contact three builders because
[30:00] two builders wouldn't build in the city
[30:01] of Sturgeis because they won't work with
[30:03] the building department here in the
[30:04] city. That's sad because how do you grow
[30:08] in the city and how do you build
[30:10] structures? How do you get more tax
[30:12] revenue? How do you do that if you don't
[30:14] have a progrowth building department?
[30:17] So, there's a lot of barriers there. I
[30:19] could go into a lot of details there,
[30:22] but it was basically a year and a half
[30:24] and nothing happened. I canceled the
[30:26] project because there was too much
[30:28] uncertainty and I didn't want to proceed
[30:30] anymore and the cost was just getting
[30:33] out of hand because the engineering I
[30:36] did get wasn't good enough. It don't
[30:37] look good enough. I want more
[30:39] engineering. I want this. I want that.
[30:41] And it just it got out of hand. So, I
[30:43] canceled the project. So, I did submit a
[30:46] foyer request on May 26th. Um,
[30:50] unfortunately the city has not responded
[30:52] to that request other than Andrew said
[30:55] he's working on it and that's the only
[30:57] thing that I got back from the city.
[31:00] According to the state, it's 10 days
[31:04] to respond to a foyer request and then
[31:07] with at least the avenue forward on how
[31:09] we proceed there. But I'm just trying to
[31:12] get a little bit more information on the
[31:14] building department and how it operates
[31:16] and some of the concerns there. So maybe
[31:19] we can work together and fix that
[31:21] building department so that we can grow
[31:24] the city. I know of at least four
[31:26] different building projects that were
[31:28] cancelled on the airport. Four, my
[31:31] project alone in the next 30 years would
[31:34] have created $200 to $250,000 worth of
[31:37] lease revenue and personal property tax
[31:39] for the city. That's just mine. So,
[31:41] we're talking well over a million of
[31:44] dollars worth of city revenue that's
[31:46] lost because they can't build. So, there
[31:49] is a problem there. We need to fix it.
[31:51] I'm happy to work with anybody, answer
[31:53] any questions on that and how we can
[31:56] proceed. I'm not new to building. I
[31:58] developed over 25,000 square feet on the
[32:01] Hastings airport since 2011.
[32:04] And it's very simple process. You submit
[32:07] your plans. You go in a week later. we
[32:09] had our permits and we build the
[32:10] building. It's not like that here in
[32:12] Sturgis and a lot of the builders will
[32:14] tell you the same thing. So that we need
[32:17] to fix that so that we can grow, we can
[32:20] expand, we can build more buildings and
[32:22] together we can make our community
[32:24] better. That's what it's about. And I
[32:27] thank Frank for sitting down with me
[32:29] back when this was all going down. He
[32:30] heard some of my concerns.
[32:33] um he's willing to sit down with
[32:35] citizens and listen to them and
[32:38] everybody's been nice throughout the
[32:41] process. Uh it's just we can't get
[32:44] anything done. So it's frustrating in
[32:46] that regard. But
[32:50] I'm willing to work with you guys and if
[32:52] you have any questions
[32:54] free to answer them.
[32:56] >> Any questions for Gab?
[32:58] is you're pro you're not
[33:01] >> yeah no I'm not I'm not going to build
[33:02] here with the uncertainties of the
[33:04] building department and the demands and
[33:07] the and the uncertainties meaning if I
[33:10] start this project there's going to be
[33:12] even additional demands it could even
[33:14] happen in fact the last time I spoke
[33:17] here and was cut short I got emails and flooded with people that
[33:26] experienced the same thing And in fact,
[33:29] one of the architects engineers that you
[33:31] know very well emailed me and said he'll
[33:33] never do business in the city of
[33:34] Sturgeis because his projects even
[33:37] though they're engineering everything
[33:38] can change in the middle of the project.
[33:41] Building department will come out and
[33:43] say no, we want this re-engineered that
[33:45] done and cost tens of thousands of
[33:47] dollars more for the project than when
[33:50] it was officially when it was uh permit
[33:53] was given to begin with. So they'll
[33:55] never do work here again. There's
[33:57] multiple builders that'll never do work
[33:59] in Sturgis until it's fixed. So, we got
[34:02] to fix it. Um, so that we can grow.
[34:07] And it's not I think it's maybe some
[34:09] insecurities on the building department
[34:11] side or something. I don't know what it
[34:13] is, but you have to make a pathway
[34:16] that's easy for the It's not about they
[34:19] hide behind the codes and all the other
[34:21] stuff, but it's not about building to
[34:23] the code. Everybody wants to build to
[34:25] the code. We want to build safe
[34:26] building. Everybody's going to do that.
[34:28] It's all the other things that are that
[34:31] are the gray areas that they have
[34:33] discretion over that they can make it
[34:35] very painful or or easy to work with.
[34:40] So that's where we're at.
[34:42] >> Did you say though I think you're
[34:44] forgetting on top of commissioner would
[34:46] like to hear
[34:48] you presented your plans.
[34:52] building department came back and said
[34:53] you need to pitch these things. We did
[34:56] that changed the engineering submitted
[34:58] again and then he wanted to change
[35:00] things again.
[35:01] >> Yeah,
[35:02] >> that's the uncertainty. So when you
[35:03] fulfill all the request and then there's
[35:06] a whole blanket more of request. So then
[35:08] you sit down and they come up with other
[35:10] ideas. It's almost like so for instance
[35:13] the uh site plan. So we we spend tens of
[35:17] thousands of dollars on a new ALP which
[35:19] is their airport layout plan. We use uh
[35:22] engineering firm to do that. But Tom
[35:25] submitted the documents to the FAA for
[35:27] the height, elevation, the lighting, and
[35:29] all of that. We had a we had a basically
[35:31] a site plan, but that wasn't good
[35:33] enough. You're going to have to spend
[35:35] four or 5,000 on an engineered site plan
[35:38] because I want to see this, this, and this when it was fine for
[35:43] anything else. But so the first list of
[35:45] 12 things that I had to come up with, I
[35:47] did all of those, sat down. Then there
[35:49] was another list that wasn't good
[35:51] enough. So we had to come up with
[35:53] another five to seven things. So it's
[35:55] just never ending and there's no clear
[35:57] path and it's just the cost to build a
[36:02] basically a pole barn in the city of
[36:04] Sturgis is too high. You can't do it.
[36:09] So it's just
[36:11] frustrating in that regards. So unless
[36:14] something hap changes, I'd be happy to
[36:16] build here. Uh I'd like to build here.
[36:19] My home's here. Everything's here, but I
[36:21] don't have to build. It's just something
[36:22] that I wanted to do in the city and I
[36:25] wanted to expand. I love the airport.
[36:27] Um, there's a lot of people at the
[36:29] airport that want to expand the airport.
[36:31] We want to build more hangers. We want
[36:33] to create more tax revenue for the city.
[36:37] We want it to grow and be a beacon in
[36:39] the city. It's the gateway to our city.
[36:41] Businesses, usually business owners or
[36:44] larger businesses will have aircraft as
[36:46] they fly different places. So this is
[36:48] the gateway to our city. We have to have
[36:50] a functional airport that is
[36:54] usable and that uh people want to come
[36:57] to.
[36:58] So any questions for Gay?
[37:06] » Thank thanks for your time,
[37:08] >> Mr. Mayor. Um permission to approach
[37:11] podium. Sure.
[37:13] Thank you.
[37:22] As you know, I've been here for three
[37:24] weeks.
[37:25] Um, I want to answer u some of the
[37:29] concerns that were brought up tonight.
[37:34] There's no doubt about it that
[37:37] government can be somewhat frustrated.
[37:40] But I want to point out something else.
[37:42] Remember
[37:44] when we drive through our community,
[37:47] we have above average
[37:51] housing stock.
[37:53] We have above average building
[37:55] appearance and success. In other words,
[37:59] Sturgis is a wonderful place to work and
[38:03] to do business in.
[38:08] An airport is very complicated from the
[38:11] standpoint
[38:12] that we have to follow strict Michigan
[38:15] Aeronautics
[38:17] uh code and we have to follow FAA code.
[38:21] Okay, that means that our the land in
[38:26] which a building is built on has to be
[38:29] owned by the city.
[38:34] That being the case, we've did a review,
[38:38] a staff review of the history of
[38:41] everything that was just set, all the meetings, all the permits, all
[38:47] the applications that went through
[38:51] somewhere in the conversation. I think
[38:53] it was lost. The reason why we have
[38:58] strict building codes is because this
[39:01] city, this body has adopted a building
[39:06] code
[39:08] which we adhere to. We pay Will and his
[39:12] team to administer that and they do an
[39:16] excellent job at that. Excellent. Why?
[39:20] Just drive around Sturgis. Take a look
[39:23] at our housing stock. Take a look at our
[39:24] businesses. Take a look at the airport.
[39:29] Now, we're not dissuading anybody from
[39:32] doing business here. We want them to do
[39:35] business here.
[39:38] However,
[39:40] we do have strict standards. We own the
[39:43] land.
[39:45] They own the buildings. However,
[39:48] there could be a possibility that maybe
[39:50] the solution is is that we build a
[39:53] building and lease it back to them. Why?
[39:58] Because just like all of us, we have
[39:59] limited time on this earth and it makes
[40:02] it easier to resell or release a
[40:06] building.
[40:08] Some people wouldn't be in favor of
[40:09] that. Maybe there's another solution is
[40:12] that they build a building and lease it
[40:14] back to us.
[40:16] So, I mean there's different approaches
[40:19] to take here that we need to explore,
[40:23] but I just want to and I'm not going to
[40:26] use I don't want to use the word defend
[40:29] because that probably puts us in a
[40:30] defensive mode.
[40:33] Tom and Will and the rest of the staff
[40:36] do an excellent job
[40:38] of taking care of this city.
[40:42] Now again somewhere in the conversation
[40:45] their interpretation
[40:46] is that it's easier to do business in
[40:49] Hastings. Well, we're not Hastings.
[40:53] We have a building code that we will
[40:55] follow
[40:57] and a procedure that we will follow.
[41:00] And that is the right way to do things.
[41:04] And my belief is that Tom and Will and
[41:07] his and our team here have done an
[41:10] excellent job.
[41:13] Perhaps maybe that conversations and
[41:15] those conversations should be held with
[41:17] me
[41:19] since my next step is the nursing home.
[41:23] But nonetheless, I have the experience
[41:26] maybe to sit down and figure out what's
[41:29] going on. But we do have an expectation
[41:32] of things being built in a proper
[41:36] manner. And to do anything different is
[41:39] irresponsible on our part. And I think
[41:42] going forward again, if you drive down
[41:46] Centerville,
[41:49] look at all the businesses that are open
[41:51] right now. So we must be doing something
[41:54] right. There's a reason why some
[41:56] contractors don't want to work here.
[41:59] I know because I've dealt with some of
[42:02] those contractors and some of those
[42:03] contractors, I wouldn't want them
[42:06] working on anything here.
[42:09] That being said, with all respect to all
[42:12] of our audience here tonight, we do want
[42:15] to communicate. We do want them to
[42:17] invest here, but it has to be done in
[42:19] accordance with what our standards are.
[42:23] the standards that this body set going
[42:26] forward.
[42:29] I'm not trying to be stern. I'm just
[42:31] trying to be mature and thoughtful and
[42:35] also want to know that it is a serious
[42:39] business and making sure that the public
[42:42] is safe and airports are nothing that
[42:46] you can just skimp on.
[42:49] That being said, I welcome any questions
[42:51] or comments you might have for me.
[42:54] >> Any questions for
[42:56] >> And I was an airport manager, too.
[43:02] » Any questions from the audience for
[43:04] Doug?
[43:06] You'll be working with these gentlemen.
[43:08] Then Doug to
[43:10] >> Yes, I will.
[43:10] >> Resolve the concerns and move forward.
[43:13] Yes, sir. Okay.
[43:14] >> One question I have is I'm going to
[43:16] agree with you that Tom is excellent. He
[43:19] needs help. He needs some assistance
[43:22] and then he can do a lot more things
[43:25] because he is very passionate about that
[43:26] airport. I think he's got too much
[43:28] money. Respect.
[43:29] >> In three weeks that I've been here,
[43:31] we've already taken steps to do some
[43:33] reorganization and to take and rebalance
[43:36] some of the workload that everybody has.
[43:39] We're not going to stop. I just read an
[43:42] article today though. You know what it's
[43:44] like. Everybody knows what it's like to
[43:46] hire people to these cases.
[43:49] There is a shortage of actual physical
[43:51] [snorts] bodies. Then on top of that,
[43:54] there's an actual shortage of physical
[43:57] capable and willing bodies coming.
[44:01] That's what we're struggling with the
[44:04] association [cough]
[44:07] as it progresses.
[44:09] I'd like to meet with you and then I can
[44:13] guarantee you we can get you some people
[44:14] that will volunteer their time to help
[44:16] the city to move in a positive direction
[44:19] >> and I think Tom is moving us in a
[44:22] positive direction. I think Will is and
[44:25] his team is moving us in a thoughtful
[44:27] >> I believe that 100%.
[44:30] >> So it needs help
[44:32] >> and we're doing everything we can to
[44:34] balance it out. Later on in the meeting,
[44:36] I'll be talking about another issue
[44:39] concerning public safety. So, thank you
[44:43] for your time.
[44:44] >> Are you gonna give your card to Gayen?
[44:47] >> Yes, I will.
[44:47] >> Okay.
[44:48] >> One question I have on the formation of
[44:50] a committee or board or what would you
[44:53] call it? The
[44:54] >> association.
[44:55] Um is there is no issue
[44:59] doing something like this.
[45:00] >> It has nothing to do with the city.
[45:01] >> Okay. I mean, it's like it's a group of
[45:03] interested people that that are
[45:05] interested.
[45:05] >> I mean, when it comes to you,
[45:07] >> us res.
[45:09] >> No, it it would be no different than if
[45:11] your neighborhood decided we're going to
[45:13] have a community, you know, they want to
[45:15] come in and report, you know, ward one,
[45:18] this is what we see out there. You know,
[45:20] we're just reporting into the
[45:21] commission.
[45:22] >> But it sounds like we would be giving
[45:23] them direction on projects and things
[45:25] like this that they would be doing the
[45:28] leg work on where our city staff would
[45:29] normally be doing. We're just offering
[45:31] to help if you need the help and you
[45:32] can't find the people and pay them like
[45:35] the less that a forges
[45:36] >> right
[45:37] >> two foot tall for grass.
[45:39] >> Well,
[45:41] as you know, some of that was grants and
[45:44] when you're dealing with the federal
[45:45] government, there's a bidding procedure
[45:47] that we have to follow. There are
[45:50] procurement procedures that we have to
[45:52] observe. And like on the pract
[45:56] I believe that was part of the grant
[45:57] program that we got, was it not?
[46:00] >> That means that we have to make sure
[46:02] that we have the people with the right
[46:05] credentials
[46:06] and the right skills that
[46:09] can do that. Just can't call it asphalt
[46:12] deals. They have to be sort of
[46:16] >> I would say under your direction. We
[46:17] have people that are learning for free.
[46:19] Never mind. And my question is on you
[46:21] mentioned something about you know
[46:22] having somebody on that association go
[46:24] get quotes for things and stuff like
[46:25] that. That's what I'm talking
[46:26] >> what I would what I would say is I think
[46:28] that they could talk and then in
[46:30] conjunction with the airport board work
[46:31] on doing that there there's a path
[46:32] forward with taking volunteer help.
[46:35] Obviously we would have to be careful to
[46:37] make sure
[46:37] >> it sounds like a great idea. I just want
[46:39] to make sure that procedurally policy
[46:40] wise
[46:41] >> there's always a pathway forward if
[46:42] people want to volunteer and help. I
[46:44] mean, we have an airport board, but
[46:46] there's nothing stopping a group of
[46:48] citizens that have a common interest to
[46:50] come and say, "Hey, here here's what
[46:53] we'd like to see." Again, this they have
[46:54] no authority on behalf of the city just
[46:56] because they present things to the city.
[46:58] There there are certain processes and
[46:59] procedures that the city must follow
[47:01] based on charter and statute. Um, as
[47:03] well as here the dual role both Michigan
[47:06] Air and the FAA. Um,
[47:09] however,
[47:11] I don't see it as being a negative to
[47:13] the city. I just think we have to make
[47:15] sure that if it gets to that point,
[47:17] we're very cognizant of what limitations
[47:20] we can ask volunteers that are not part
[47:22] of the city and how do we incorporate
[47:24] those recommendations. So, I like the
[47:26] idea.
[47:26] >> We just want to help.
[47:28] >> I love the idea
[47:29] >> and we appreciate that.
[47:30] >> Really 100% want to help.
[47:32] >> We appreciate that.
[47:34] Just going to have to be patient with
[47:36] this a little bit longer.
[47:39] >> Any other comments on the airport?
[47:45] » Okay, good. Thank you.
[47:48] >> I thought there was one more gentleman.
[47:49] >> Is there one more?
[47:50] >> Yeah.
[47:51] >> Oh, okay.
[47:54] >> Did he have Doug's card?
[48:01] Okay. Any
[48:06] questions for Doug before we we end the
[48:08] airport discussion.
[48:12] All right. Thank you, Gayla. And thank
[48:13] you, John, and coming out and speaking.
[48:15] And Marty, good to see you.
[48:19] All right. Thanks, guys. Thank you all.
[48:30] He said he could beat this.
[48:33] >> He said he he's like, "Oh, six. I'm
[48:35] good." And then he gets up in jacket
[48:36] quarter, too. I saw that. Yeah.
[48:59] » Facebook.
[49:05] » Well, the agenda
[49:08] we
[49:13] Okay. No. And you may not
[49:35] a whole bunch.
[49:42] But I'll make sure
[49:48] » somebody sing something to the
[49:51] collective of all of us.
[49:53] >> Sorry.
[49:54] >> Are they saying we have a cough?
[49:58] >> I guess [laughter]
[50:00] we all know
[50:04] after the onions
[50:06] she's going to fix it. I don't think I
[50:08] have the first one now. The second one
[50:10] probably
[50:11] >> probably
[50:31] part time job.
[50:56] I can't
[50:59] >> I can'tes
[51:01] a lot of people.
[51:05] Thank you.
[51:06] >> Thank you
[51:09] with electronic navigation.
[51:19] » I don't know.
[51:20] >> I thought
[51:22] I
[51:25] totally messed up.
[51:26] >> Now last thing I want to do
[51:29] when you close. No,
[51:31] >> I thought
[51:46] you
[52:08] » [clears throat]
[52:09] >> I can't
[52:18] have to share with you
[52:24] so mad.
[52:41] No, mine doesn't either.
[52:48] » Mine doesn't.
[52:54] » Does yours
[52:57] I downloaded mine earlier.
[53:10] » Oh, I'm good.
[53:12] >> Hit the wrong button.
[53:15] Good.
[53:27] » [snorts]
[53:33] » Let me ask you.
[53:49] » [snorts]
[54:01] » No,
[54:05] I can't do that.
[54:18] Okay.
[54:24] » Yep.
[54:34] Yes.
[54:41] » So anyway,
[55:01] I'm interested.
[55:20] » [laughter]
[55:22] » I tried. Yeah, that's what it was.
[55:25] >> Thank you for
[55:36] she can come sit right up here. It's the
[55:38] press table.
[55:42] All right, we'll call this meeting to
[55:43] order. If you can please stand for the
[55:45] pledge of
[55:45] >> allegiance
[55:48] to the flag of the United States of
[55:51] America and to the republic for which it
[55:54] stands. One nation under God,
[55:57] indivisible, with liberty and justice
[55:59] for all.
[56:10] Commissioner Miller, would you lead us
[56:12] in prayer? Sure.
[56:14] Heavenly Father, thank you for this day.
[56:16] Thank you for the beauty of what we've
[56:19] had. Um the rain, the sunshine. Thank
[56:22] you for what we have here in Sturgis,
[56:24] Michigan, for the blessings that we
[56:26] have. Help us to utilize it well, to
[56:29] take care of it for the benefit of all
[56:31] who live here.
[56:33] And may we do excellent work on the
[56:36] resident's behalf for the good of our
[56:39] future, the good of those who live here
[56:41] now, and the good of those who will live
[56:43] here in years to come. Bless the
[56:46] proceedings of tonight's meeting. And
[56:49] may we always keep in mind um working
[56:53] with each other, working on things for
[56:56] the greater good in Jesus name. Amen.
[56:59] >> Amen.
[57:02] Roll call. City clear.
[57:04] >> Commissioner Burr
[57:05] >> here.
[57:06] >> Commissioner Boring
[57:07] >> here.
[57:07] >> Commissioner Wiki
[57:08] >> here.
[57:08] >> Commissioner Smith
[57:09] >> here.
[57:10] >> Commissioner ABS
[57:10] >> here.
[57:11] >> Commissioner Miller
[57:12] >> here.
[57:12] >> Vice Mayor Mullins
[57:13] >> present.
[57:13] >> Mayor Perez
[57:14] >> here.
[57:16] >> All right. Moving on with the agenda
[57:18] under proclamations and presentations.
[57:20] There's none tonight.
[57:24] We'll move on to uh to the visitor
[57:26] section. And if there's a visitor here
[57:27] who'd like to make a public comment for
[57:29] items not listed on the agenda, please
[57:32] approach the podium. You have two
[57:33] minutes to speak.
[57:35] [snorts]
[57:37] >> Thanks, Mayor. Welcome.
[57:38] >> Hi, Barry Cox.
[57:39] >> Tonight 1421 South Marab Street,
[57:42] Sturgis.
[57:44] As uh most of you in this room know, I
[57:47] retired from the city of Sturgis on June
[57:49] 19th of this year. However, this event
[57:52] uh was overshadowed by a much more
[57:54] significant significant community event
[57:56] that occurred uh which was the closure
[57:59] of Sturgis Hospital. Uh like many of you
[58:02] uh I was born at Sturgis Hospital and I
[58:04] am disappointed at its closure. So why
[58:07] do I bring this up tonight two months
[58:08] later? Well, one obviously you have an
[58:11] agenda item that I'm very interested in
[58:14] uh regarding the hospital and the bonds
[58:16] this evening. That'll come later. Uh
[58:18] two, in review of uh utility shut off
[58:21] rules that were approved by commission
[58:23] September of 25, uh they indicate that
[58:26] these are only for residential
[58:27] properties for residential utilities,
[58:30] not commercials, not industrials, not
[58:33] government entities. Just wondering why
[58:36] that's the case.
[58:38] Uh second item is I really wish it would
[58:40] have been here for the airport
[58:41] discussion tonight but didn't find the
[58:43] agenda anywhere uh on the city's
[58:46] communication networks uh
[58:48] electronically. So u missed that portion
[58:51] unfortunately. Um,
[58:54] thirdly, I want to thank and I want to
[58:56] wish J uh Jamie
[58:58] Immer, last name's tough, all the best
[59:02] uh with her new endeavor and thank her
[59:04] for a wonderful job at the Sturdish
[59:06] Young Center for the Arts. Lastly,
[59:08] because this is an important discussion,
[59:10] please make sure that the microphone is
[59:13] right where you're talking. Thank you.
[59:15] >> Thank you, Barry.
[59:19] Is there another any other visitor like
[59:21] to speak and address the commission for
[59:24] items not listed on the agenda? You got
[59:25] two minutes, please state your name and
[59:28] address.
[59:29] >> Hello, I'm Trina Boils. Uh, I'm the
[59:32] owner of Folultz Bakery on 220 West or
[59:35] 220 West Chicago Street.
[59:36] >> Welcome.
[59:37] >> Um, hi. I have brought some agendas
[59:40] because I know I only have two minutes.
[59:42] Um, so I brought enough I think for
[59:44] everybody to review. So me and my
[59:46] husband are here today because we would
[59:47] like you to review our concerns about
[59:49] the tree. I know that it's been an
[59:52] ongoing discussion. At least that's what
[59:54] I hear. But I'm here today because when
[59:56] we've discussed it with other people, we
[59:59] kind of get the that's not going to
[1:00:01] happen. Well, I'm here today because we
[1:00:04] want to stay in Surgis. Um I love
[1:00:06] Sergis. I was a nurse practitioner here
[1:00:08] at Sturgis and I led this community and
[1:00:10] it's one of the reasons we chose the
[1:00:12] community not just because of that but
[1:00:14] because we had so much felt so much
[1:00:16] support from our Sturgis
[1:00:19] um members who brought us in Carrie and
[1:00:22] Eric Erica and Will they were very
[1:00:25] instrumental on our decision to be here
[1:00:27] because we could really go anywhere um
[1:00:30] but we want to be in Surges. So since
[1:00:32] we've been here, you expect a business
[1:00:34] and new business after the first month
[1:00:36] and after the whole like oh everybody
[1:00:39] wants to see you. You expect your after
[1:00:41] the other months do you decline 20 to
[1:00:44] 30% for a business but we have they're
[1:00:47] up more than 50%. So we need your help.
[1:00:50] Um I have brought in this proposal there
[1:00:54] is proposals from us like suggestions of
[1:00:56] what we can do to make our signage more
[1:00:59] visible. We feel like as a taxpayer in
[1:01:02] Sturgis, Michigan and choosing to come
[1:01:04] here that we should have a right to have
[1:01:06] our sign visualized just as much as
[1:01:08] anybody else. So, I'm not asking you to
[1:01:11] rip down every tree in Sturgis. I know
[1:01:13] that there's reasons. I know you want
[1:01:14] the aesthetics of St. Just to stay the
[1:01:16] way it is, but I think that you have to
[1:01:18] look at losing business versus the cost
[1:01:21] of a tree. So, it's it's causing us to
[1:01:25] consider losing a business, which is
[1:01:26] going to make me lose my contract as
[1:01:28] well. So I'll be in violation of my
[1:01:30] renting contract. [clears throat] Um so
[1:01:33] I have some of my I even put some facts
[1:01:37] compared to our Lrange folks how we've
[1:01:39] kind of stayed study. So the argument
[1:01:41] could be that it it's economy. Well I
[1:01:43] don't believe that's all of it. Do I
[1:01:46] think that we have some things that we
[1:01:47] need to change too because the surges
[1:01:48] community asked for different things
[1:01:50] here than what we do in the graange but
[1:01:52] we're so close together the numbers
[1:01:54] shouldn't be that different. Okay. So
[1:01:57] anyhow I have this here. We would like
[1:01:58] you to please not just throw it in the
[1:02:00] trash to actually look at it and um
[1:02:03] maybe contact us on how we can solve
[1:02:05] this and come up with a better solution
[1:02:07] for us.
[1:02:08] >> Okay. I would assume Doug, you'd follow
[1:02:10] up with it.
[1:02:11] >> Yep.
[1:02:11] >> Okay.
[1:02:12] >> Thank you.
[1:02:15] [snorts]
[1:02:15] >> Is there any other visitor that like to
[1:02:17] make a public comment for items not
[1:02:19] listed on the agenda?
[1:02:21] >> Please state your name and address. We
[1:02:22] got two
[1:02:23] >> 1221 Tulip Drive. I was just inquiring
[1:02:25] about the sidewalk on the corner of Nawa
[1:02:28] and or yeah, Nawa and Congress been
[1:02:30] blocked since the storm. I was just
[1:02:32] wondering how long it was going to take
[1:02:34] to clear that sidewalk and make it
[1:02:37] pedestrian safe and usable.
[1:02:40] >> Okay.
[1:02:42] All right. But Congress and NA. Okay.
[1:02:47] Thank you.
[1:02:50] There any other visitor like to make a
[1:02:51] public comment for items on not listed
[1:02:55] on the agenda?
[1:02:57] Okay.
[1:02:59] Next on the agenda is the approval of
[1:03:02] the agenda.
[1:03:05] >> So move.
[1:03:05] >> So we have a motion.
[1:03:09] >> Second.
[1:03:10] >> And we have support. All in favor?
[1:03:12] >> Opposed? So move.
[1:03:15] >> Next on the agenda is the approval of
[1:03:17] the consent agenda.
[1:03:18] >> So moved. So I have a motion,
[1:03:21] >> second and support. All in favor?
[1:03:23] >> I opposed. So moved.
[1:03:28] >> Next on the agenda is unfinished
[1:03:29] business and we have none tonight.
[1:03:33] So we'll move on straight to new
[1:03:34] business.
[1:03:36] Our first item on the agenda for new
[1:03:38] business is the Sturgis Hospital $3
[1:03:41] million usage resolution. Miss Satie
[1:03:44] Griff.
[1:03:45] >> Good evening, commissioners. Um the city
[1:03:48] of Sturgis building authority currently
[1:03:50] holds general obligation bonds related
[1:03:52] to the Sturgis hospital project. Um the
[1:03:55] outstanding principle on those tax
[1:03:57] exempt bonds is 5,445,000.
[1:04:01] as we discussed through the budget
[1:04:02] process and we've been advised from um
[1:04:05] our financial advisors and bond council
[1:04:09] um that we recommend utilizing 3 million
[1:04:13] of the funds that we have to call a
[1:04:15] portion of those outstanding and
[1:04:17] existing bonds. This would reduce our
[1:04:19] principal balance down to 2,455,000
[1:04:24] um while still maintaining our current
[1:04:25] maturity date of two of 2034.
[1:04:29] So, what this does is um brings down our
[1:04:33] annual debt service obligation um to
[1:04:36] roughly 295,000 on average over the
[1:04:39] remainder um of those bonds. So, it it
[1:04:42] gives us increased cash flow from the
[1:04:44] general fund as we discussed through the budget process. Um and we'd still um
[1:04:49] use the state marijuana funds um as
[1:04:52] dedicated funds to paying down that
[1:04:54] annual um debt service obligation. So
[1:04:57] included in your packet is a resolution
[1:05:00] um requesting the redemption of um the
[1:05:03] bonds. This would need to go through the
[1:05:06] um building authority for approval as
[1:05:09] well. But um first step is through
[1:05:11] commission.
[1:05:13] >> Question once you if
[1:05:17] >> we pay this off the average would be uh
[1:05:20] $295,000
[1:05:22] for our annual obligation. Currently
[1:05:24] it's 700 and roughly 700,000
[1:05:27] >> $700,000. So I that wasn't stated in
[1:05:30] there. I just want to make sure
[1:05:31] everybody knew what it is currently.
[1:05:32] >> And then the other economic piece of it
[1:05:35] is, you know, we have that three million
[1:05:36] sitting and and earning just under 4%
[1:05:40] and our bonds are, you know, a little
[1:05:43] bit higher than that. So things have
[1:05:44] turned where interest rates have gone
[1:05:46] down and that's why we weren't utilizing
[1:05:48] it because we were earning more interest
[1:05:50] um on those funds. But things have
[1:05:52] turned where it makes more sense to
[1:05:54] utilize the 3 million currently
[1:05:58] >> and basically a $400,000
[1:06:01] less
[1:06:02] >> correct on our general fund contribution
[1:06:05] to it.
[1:06:05] >> Yeah.
[1:06:06] >> Which is just about what we've gotten
[1:06:09] the last few years for marijuana
[1:06:12] number.
[1:06:12] >> Yep. So what we budgeted um we we were
[1:06:15] transferring you know 300,000 in 2027
[1:06:18] and I think we were budgeting a little
[1:06:20] bit more from the state marijuana fund.
[1:06:22] So, um,
[1:06:24] >> so I guess the only conversation piece I
[1:06:26] would have is if it's now 295 and we
[1:06:28] have four whatever from marijuana. I
[1:06:31] mean, if this goes through the way
[1:06:33] you're proposing it,
[1:06:35] >> uh, the additional 100,000 if things
[1:06:38] stay that the way they are,
[1:06:41] >> um, would we need a discussion on any of
[1:06:44] that?
[1:06:45] Yeah, we could um discuss whether we
[1:06:48] want to um use all the funds and
[1:06:50] transfer them over and and pay
[1:06:53] additional or
[1:06:55] >> that be all principal at that point.
[1:06:57] >> Um I believe we could I'd have to verify
[1:07:00] that but or build up and and you know
[1:07:03] call anything additional early. Um, so
[1:07:06] yes, we could make that decision of
[1:07:08] whether transferring the full amount or,
[1:07:10] you know, based on our our conversation
[1:07:12] with the budget of the general fund. I
[1:07:15] think, you know, in fiscal 27, it didn't
[1:07:17] make sense to to move the full.
[1:07:19] >> So maybe next year's budget
[1:07:21] conversation.
[1:07:21] >> Yeah. Yeah. looking at what what we
[1:07:24] project coming in from marijuana funds,
[1:07:26] you know, as things change or facilities
[1:07:28] change within, you know, the area that
[1:07:31] those fundings can change and make a
[1:07:33] decision each year of how much we would
[1:07:35] like to transfer over.
[1:07:38] >> A lot better.
[1:07:38] >> That could help that downfall that we
[1:07:41] were seeing. Yeah. Yeah.
[1:07:44] So that new type that 295 is that what
[1:07:46] the interest acred on that too or is
[1:07:49] that 295 plus the interest
[1:07:53] is the 295 the the payment and
[1:07:55] >> the total total
[1:07:56] >> that's the total.
[1:07:57] >> So will that change as does the interest
[1:07:59] rate drop as as it go
[1:08:02] >> a little bit there is in the the um back
[1:08:05] of the resolution what um Ken has on the
[1:08:08] screen um it's pretty flat you can see
[1:08:12] that you know, it doesn't change wildly,
[1:08:15] right? So, that's why it was averaging
[1:08:17] that that 295. But,
[1:08:20] >> yeah, my computer wasn't working, so
[1:08:22] >> No, you're good.
[1:08:22] >> I didn't see that chart. So, all right.
[1:08:25] >> Thank you. [clears throat]
[1:08:27] >> So, just to recap, because I know we
[1:08:29] have a lot of visitors here. They're
[1:08:31] normal. Uh, and and so this $3 million
[1:08:34] was from the sale of the pro of the uh
[1:08:38] buildings. No, it
[1:08:40] >> the $3 million was given to the city uh
[1:08:44] in consideration for um relieving
[1:08:49] the hospital and asker corporation from
[1:08:53] any obligation on the bonds. Okay.
[1:08:55] >> So, we took full responsibility of the
[1:08:58] bonds. We were always backed them. We
[1:08:59] always backed the bonds. We were always
[1:09:01] going to be obligated to pay those by
[1:09:05] releasing all of our leans against that.
[1:09:08] Um they gave us three million.
[1:09:11] >> Three million. Okay. Right. Okay. Just
[1:09:13] want to make sure that's stated so that
[1:09:14] it's not uh doesn't appear that it's
[1:09:17] something else. Any questions for S?
[1:09:19] >> Just we we still would have to reissue
[1:09:22] for a different bond if it's a private
[1:09:24] not
[1:09:25] >> if if there was a triggering event
[1:09:27] turnover to the private sector.
[1:09:28] >> Yes. If if the the building sale
[1:09:31] >> if it was for a forprofit. That's what I
[1:09:33] said. So if if the hospital were to
[1:09:37] change to a nonprofit, then we would not
[1:09:39] have to. So there there are certain
[1:09:41] triggering events and there are a lot of
[1:09:43] non-triggering events and so we can keep
[1:09:45] these. It's possible they will never
[1:09:48] need to be refunded. Possible. So we'll
[1:09:50] see.
[1:09:53] » Any other questions?
[1:09:56] >> Okay.
[1:09:57] >> Mr. I move that the Sturgeis City
[1:09:59] Commission adopt the resolution
[1:10:00] [clears throat] requesting the
[1:10:01] redemption of the city of Sturgeis
[1:10:03] building authority refunding bonds.
[1:10:06] >> So we have a motion.
[1:10:07] >> Support and support. All in favor?
[1:10:09] >> I opposed. So move.
[1:10:12] >> Thank you. Sadi.
[1:10:14] Next on the agenda is the uh annual
[1:10:16] utility rate uh approval. Uh Mr. Doug.
[1:10:20] >> Yes. Mr. Mayor and commissioners. In
[1:10:22] your agenda packet tonight is the
[1:10:26] explanation of an annual utility rate
[1:10:29] increase. This is something that we do
[1:10:32] on an annual basis as a municipality is
[1:10:35] review the rates. That would include
[1:10:38] electric, water, and sewer. As you can
[1:10:41] see, we're asking for a slight increase
[1:10:44] in the electric. Part of that has to do
[1:10:48] with the power cost recovery factor that
[1:10:52] is includes fuel and us as you know
[1:10:56] electricity es and flows. We buy
[1:11:00] periodically electricity from other
[1:11:03] providers. And so what we have to do is
[1:11:07] when we meter and then we subtract out
[1:11:10] what we buy from other municipalities,
[1:11:13] we end up having to pay that increase.
[1:11:17] So we're seeking about a two two cent uh
[1:11:21] increase in the per kilowatt hour. Um we
[1:11:25] believe that that's a responsible thing
[1:11:26] to do. Underwater and wastewater. You'll
[1:11:30] see that 2% in wastewater is uh we're
[1:11:35] seeking and then a 6.9. A lot of that
[1:11:38] has to do with the lead and copper rule
[1:11:41] and us replacing those lines. Um that
[1:11:45] has become quite a costly venture for
[1:11:48] all municipalities in the state. So we
[1:11:51] see this as modest increases given the
[1:11:54] fact that the state of Michigan is
[1:11:56] mandating us to perform this work. So I
[1:12:01] willing to answer any questions or
[1:12:03] comments you have and would ask your
[1:12:05] honorable body for approval on this
[1:12:08] recommendation.
[1:12:10] Any questions for Doug?
[1:12:18] » Mr. Mayor, I move that the Sturgeis City
[1:12:21] Commission
[1:12:23] approve the electric rate
[1:12:26] for buildings beginning October 1st,
[1:12:28] 2026 and through October 1st, 2027 is
[1:12:32] presented.
[1:12:33] >> So, we have a motion.
[1:12:35] >> Second.
[1:12:36] >> Support. All in favor?
[1:12:38] >> I opposed.
[1:12:39] >> I so moved. May I move that the Sturgeis
[1:12:42] City Commission may approve the
[1:12:44] wastewater and water rates for buildings
[1:12:46] beginning on October 1st, 2026 is
[1:12:49] presented.
[1:12:50] >> So we have a motion.
[1:12:51] >> Second in support. All in favor?
[1:12:54] >> I oppos.
[1:12:55] >> Nay.
[1:12:56] >> So move.
[1:13:03] Next on the agenda is the budget public
[1:13:05] hearing. Mr. Doug Terry.
[1:13:07] >> Yes. Yes. Mr. Mayor and commissioners.
[1:13:10] In your agenda packet again is the um
[1:13:15] budget recap of what has been worked on
[1:13:18] by staff and this commission over the
[1:13:23] last few months.
[1:13:24] >> Mr. Cherry, I just uh
[1:13:25] >> so we'll go ahead and we'll go ahead and
[1:13:26] open the public hearing.
[1:13:27] >> Okay. Thanks.
[1:13:30] >> And again, this is a public hearing
[1:13:32] where uh we welcome the input of our
[1:13:35] citizens. Um but again, this is a recap.
[1:13:39] Um, I have to give kudos to Andrew uh
[1:13:43] Cook for and Sadi for their hard work.
[1:13:46] They met with the department heads um
[1:13:49] over the last six months and uh have
[1:13:52] diligently worked on this. The budget
[1:13:55] message is excellent that Andrew and
[1:13:57] Sadi put together. I welcome any
[1:14:00] questions that I might be able to
[1:14:02] answer, but perhaps Sidi could answer
[1:14:04] any that you might have. Um we see this
[1:14:07] as a responsible budget. Last year we
[1:14:10] had to go into fund balance of about a
[1:14:14] half a million dollars. This year uh we
[1:14:17] reduce that um down to 341,000.
[1:14:22] That's explained in the agenda packet.
[1:14:25] So we see this as a responsible
[1:14:27] approach. Um later on in the evening
[1:14:30] we'll under my report we'll talk about
[1:14:32] some staffing concerns that I have but
[1:14:35] again this is a very good budget that
[1:14:38] was put together by staff along with the
[1:14:41] budget committee. So
[1:14:43] >> any questions for uh Mr. Doug from the
[1:14:47] commission
[1:14:48] >> before I open it to the public?
[1:14:52] I think it's worth asking so everybody
[1:14:53] knows um we discussed it obviously
[1:14:56] during many budget work sessions
[1:15:00] Doug or Sadi or both of you what what's
[1:15:02] our total dollar all-in cost that is
[1:15:06] known today
[1:15:08] as far as storm cleanup gross and that
[1:15:10] would be across multiple departments. Do
[1:15:13] we know a a number as of today
[1:15:16] >> without including internal labor cost?
[1:15:20] Um I think we were at when I looked last
[1:15:23] um 1,ion5
[1:15:26] >> 1,ion5,000.
[1:15:27] >> Yep.
[1:15:28] >> And that's not complete.
[1:15:30] >> Oh, sure.
[1:15:31] >> No, that's not complete.
[1:15:32] >> But that's just known as of today.
[1:15:33] >> Yes.
[1:15:34] >> Strictly external.
[1:15:35] >> There are there are labor costs though
[1:15:37] that would technically
[1:15:39] >> have been contributed to
[1:15:40] >> add on to the cost.
[1:15:42] >> Correct. Okay. Yeah, that I think that
[1:15:44] does round out most of our mutual aid um
[1:15:48] billings in there.
[1:15:49] >> Thank you. I I think it's important for
[1:15:52] everybody to know. And then uh a second
[1:15:56] question would be um
[1:16:00] similar timeline sadly uh but related to
[1:16:03] the hospital closure that Barry
[1:16:04] mentioned earlier.
[1:16:07] We've had several changes and tweaks in
[1:16:09] there, but I guess from from budget
[1:16:12] standpoint at the outset,
[1:16:15] what's our what's our number as far as
[1:16:18] added expense that we've associated with
[1:16:21] the closure of the hospital? And that
[1:16:22] would be additional staffing and any
[1:16:26] other pivot changes that we weren't
[1:16:28] going to make at the outside of the
[1:16:30] budget, but then chose to make
[1:16:33] in the process.
[1:16:35] I don't have a specific number for you,
[1:16:37] but I can highlight some of the things
[1:16:38] that were impacted by that. So, we um
[1:16:42] ultimately decreased revenue um in the
[1:16:44] ambulance fund, I believe, by roughly a
[1:16:47] 100,000 um that we anticipated from
[1:16:50] transfers. So, typically we were picking
[1:16:52] up transfers out of Sturgis Hospital
[1:16:54] >> that we're not going to be able to do
[1:16:56] because of it.
[1:16:57] >> Correct. Um we will see increased fuel
[1:16:59] costs um just again from that transport
[1:17:03] time. Um we have um eliminated the fire
[1:17:08] marshall um position and put that back
[1:17:11] as a um full-time ambulance and and fire
[1:17:16] personnel and added additional staffing
[1:17:19] related to that to reduce um overtime
[1:17:22] and keep um staff levels accordingly
[1:17:27] balanced. um just due to those long lead
[1:17:30] times of transfers and getting them to
[1:17:33] the hospital.
[1:17:36] >> But as far as that lost revenue and then
[1:17:38] the additional staffing, do you know a
[1:17:40] ballpark number? And I'm sorry I'm
[1:17:42] asking you on the spot, but
[1:17:45] >> I don't want to misrepresent a number,
[1:17:47] but I can look and see if I can get you
[1:17:49] a number by the end of the the meeting
[1:17:51] when we come back around.
[1:17:52] >> Thank you, Satie. And I I just I say
[1:17:55] that just because it's important to
[1:17:56] highlight that
[1:17:58] through two circumstances outside our
[1:18:01] control. That's correct. Uh within eight
[1:18:04] days of each other, um there's been a
[1:18:06] lot piled on inside this budget process
[1:18:08] that has been abnormal outside what a
[1:18:11] normal would normal year would be.
[1:18:14] >> So just to help our citizens
[1:18:18] um understand a municipal budget is a
[1:18:21] management tool subject to change like
[1:18:25] we've had with this the uh storm damage.
[1:18:30] There's unanticipated
[1:18:32] things that we're going to encounter
[1:18:34] over the next year. Who knows, we might
[1:18:36] have another storm or another situation
[1:18:39] that might occur.
[1:18:41] So, we know that we amend the budget at
[1:18:44] least twice. Once in the middle and then
[1:18:47] toward the end of the fiscal year to
[1:18:49] realign those cost items to reflect what
[1:18:53] we actually spent. That's why we need to
[1:18:56] be flexible in the way that we approach
[1:19:00] our budget.
[1:19:03] Again, during my report, I'm going to
[1:19:05] talk about a little bit about um
[1:19:06] anticipated staffing going forward
[1:19:10] um and some effects of the hospital. So,
[1:19:12] [clears throat]
[1:19:13] um that's only two scenarios. We don't
[1:19:17] know what holds true in the future. And
[1:19:19] again, this is a management tool and it
[1:19:22] has to be flexible.
[1:19:27] One more to add to that.
[1:19:29] >> We've mentioned it in the past, like you
[1:19:30] said in others, but I think it's
[1:19:32] important as we joke on our increase on
[1:19:35] water.
[1:19:36] >> The We talked about the lead lines. Keep
[1:19:39] bringing that up. If we were to do that
[1:19:42] ourselves,
[1:19:43] I think it's like 3,700 I think we were
[1:19:45] estimating. Is that right? We were to
[1:19:47] take care of the lead ourselves. We've
[1:19:49] identified 1,500. We probably have what,
[1:19:52] another 1,300 or so to do. I can't
[1:19:54] remember the exact numbers, but do the
[1:19:57] math. That's if we are to do it
[1:19:59] ourselves. That number is as big as the
[1:20:02] hospital.
[1:20:03] And therefore, we're increasing. Like I
[1:20:06] said, our water's increasing. That's a
[1:20:08] big number.
[1:20:10] So, I don't want to forget that either.
[1:20:12] That's over 10 years, but still a big
[1:20:15] number.
[1:20:16] So Satie, just to understand your your number, the 1.15, uh, that's
[1:20:22] just mutual aid. That's not our
[1:20:24] overtime. That's not our staff over
[1:20:25] time. That's not any of that.
[1:20:27] >> That's not staff. It it's it's mutual
[1:20:29] aid. It's anything that got damaged.
[1:20:32] It's also we had crews in here cutting
[1:20:34] trees, moving um brush, moving logs,
[1:20:38] taking it to compost site. We had people
[1:20:41] into the compost site helping clean that
[1:20:43] up. So those were the the highlights of
[1:20:46] the the major costs. Yeah.
[1:20:48] >> Okay.
[1:20:51] » Any other questions from the commission
[1:20:53] before I open up to the public?
[1:20:56] >> No. Any comments from the public?
[1:21:02] » Thank you, mayor. Um so that's 5 a.5
[1:21:04] million. Kathy, Commissioner ABS.
[1:21:07] >> Biggest is the high school?
[1:21:08] >> Uh yeah, for 1500, which is pretty close
[1:21:10] to where we're at, not 13. So, sorry to
[1:21:13] disappoint.
[1:21:14] >> I thought we already had some done. So,
[1:21:17] >> it' really be great to be at 1300. Um
[1:21:19] the uh the the approval for uh item 10A
[1:21:23] for the 3 million. So, is that part of
[1:21:26] this current budget?
[1:21:27] >> That's correct.
[1:21:29] >> Yes.
[1:21:29] >> Okay. So, and we're the fund balance is
[1:21:32] only still being reduced by $300,000.
[1:21:37] Okay.
[1:21:40] Any
[1:21:42] other comments from comments from the
[1:21:44] public?
[1:21:46] Okay, we'll go ahead and close the
[1:21:48] public hearing.
[1:21:54] What's the wish of the commission?
[1:21:58] >> Mr. Mayor, I'll move that the Sturgeis
[1:21:59] City Commission adopt the 26 27 annual
[1:22:03] city of Sturgeis budget summary and
[1:22:05] appropriation resolution and approve the
[1:22:07] city of Sturgeis fee schedule as
[1:22:09] presented. So we have a motion second
[1:22:12] and support. All in favor?
[1:22:15] >> Opposed?
[1:22:16] >> So move.
[1:22:22] Next on the agenda is the uh Doyle roof
[1:22:24] bonds. Uh Miss Sabra, welcome back.
[1:22:27] >> Thank you again. Um so included in your
[1:22:30] packet is a bond authorizing resolution
[1:22:32] for the issuance of capital improvement
[1:22:34] bonds for the Doyle Roof project. Um
[1:22:37] this would authorize the city to issue
[1:22:39] bonds not to exceed 800,000. Um
[1:22:43] previously um we had issued a notice of
[1:22:46] intent um back in May with a 45day
[1:22:49] referendum period. Um this referendum
[1:22:52] period has passed and we've received no
[1:22:54] petitions um that were filed. Um the
[1:22:57] term of the bonds would be 15 years um
[1:23:00] with the interest rate not to exceed 6%.
[1:23:04] Um again um
[1:23:08] final required issue amount may be
[1:23:10] adjusted um but cannot exceed the
[1:23:13] maximum of the 800,000 which was in the
[1:23:15] notice of intent. Um
[1:23:19] back on May 13th, the commission
[1:23:21] approved the low bidder um Newberry
[1:23:24] Square construction out of Ship Shawana
[1:23:26] in the amount of $729,728
[1:23:31] with a $20,000 contingency budget
[1:23:35] included in that. um the cost of the the
[1:23:39] bond um from financial advisory
[1:23:42] services, bond services and rating
[1:23:44] agency fees would be eligible for
[1:23:47] payment from the bond proceeds as well.
[1:23:49] Um we have submitted a um grant to the
[1:23:54] Sturgeis Area Community Foundation and
[1:23:57] hopefully we will find out tomorrow if
[1:23:58] we've received a grant towards the Doyle
[1:24:01] roof which would then um ultimately
[1:24:03] reduce our bonding need. But
[1:24:05] unfortunately they are meeting um today
[1:24:08] as well. So we will give you an update
[1:24:10] um on the what we hear from that. But um
[1:24:14] this would move us forward in the
[1:24:15] process of getting those bonds started
[1:24:18] and approved.
[1:24:20] >> Say was there an idea of what that grant
[1:24:22] could be up to?
[1:24:23] >> We we submitted for um a $200,000 okay
[1:24:27] grant but um that could vary based on
[1:24:30] what they would award us. Okay.
[1:24:33] Any
[1:24:36] other questions for state?
[1:24:43] » Oh, I guess the only other question I
[1:24:45] the work when was it supposed to start?
[1:24:48] >> Um, once we
[1:24:49] >> just when
[1:24:50] >> had the funds. Yep. So, we we can also
[1:24:52] reimburse ourselves from a period so we
[1:24:54] can get started soon.
[1:24:59] » Okay.
[1:25:01] >> Mr. Mayor, I move that the Sturis City
[1:25:03] Commission adopt the bond authorizing
[1:25:05] resolution as presented.
[1:25:07] >> So, we have a motion.
[1:25:09] >> Second
[1:25:10] >> and support. All in favor?
[1:25:12] >> I opposed. So, move.
[1:25:16] Next on the agenda is planning
[1:25:18] commission appointment. Mr. Ken Rhodess.
[1:25:21] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. uh planning
[1:25:24] commission obviously one of our most
[1:25:26] important boards and want to make sure
[1:25:27] that we've got a full uh board so that
[1:25:29] we can have a quorum when needed. Um
[1:25:32] Jersey Anderson has submitted a uh um
[1:25:36] application which is in front of you. Um
[1:25:39] and uh she was here at one meeting.
[1:25:42] She's actually talked to the community
[1:25:43] development department. So she
[1:25:44] understands uh what is involved in the
[1:25:47] planning uh uh commission and uh she's
[1:25:51] recommended for approval. So or
[1:25:53] appointment I should say. Happy to
[1:25:56] answer any questions. This the only one
[1:25:57] we have on file currently. I can also
[1:25:59] say on that note uh there's a gentleman
[1:26:01] in the audience right now that
[1:26:03] apparently has expressed some interest
[1:26:04] uh in serving on some boards. So, no.
[1:26:07] >> He uh he may get an application and get
[1:26:09] more than he bargained for.
[1:26:11] >> We can give it to him today if he really
[1:26:12] wants it.
[1:26:13] >> Yeah. So,
[1:26:14] >> Ken, is that will this round out the
[1:26:16] planning commission as full now with
[1:26:18] this appointment?
[1:26:20] >> I don't know.
[1:26:21] >> I think we're close. I we may still need
[1:26:25] one, but I I've got to check that. But,
[1:26:27] uh definitely this will help. Uh um
[1:26:30] >> is this one of the boards where city
[1:26:31] residents are required or the members
[1:26:33] are required to Yeah.
[1:26:36] Okay. I was I was wondering about that.
[1:26:38] Not to not to delve into details, but
[1:26:40] >> actually you can be an owner of property
[1:26:44] in the city
[1:26:45] >> and be on the bike.
[1:26:47] >> I don't I'd have to check on how many
[1:26:49] you can have but just one
[1:26:51] >> because Mike Kaywood was in that case
[1:26:53] where he wasn't a resident of here but
[1:26:56] >> he was a resident when he got on.
[1:26:58] >> Okay.
[1:26:59] >> Right.
[1:27:00] >> And you have to own property. So,
[1:27:01] >> but has an ownership interest in
[1:27:03] property that's in
[1:27:04] >> and we had a situation where we had
[1:27:06] gentlemen that were on they were
[1:27:08] appointed once their term expired then
[1:27:11] they may not have been able to be
[1:27:13] reappointed. Uh so we can only appoint
[1:27:16] so you do have to live in the city.
[1:27:18] >> So you're grandfathering and you're not
[1:27:19] required to leave if your situation
[1:27:21] changes.
[1:27:24] >> So Barry, were you shaking your head
[1:27:25] because you do want an application? Is
[1:27:26] that is that
[1:27:28] >> he may have difficulty as a conflict of
[1:27:31] appointment soon. So, I don't want to
[1:27:34] appoint people that may not be able to
[1:27:36] continue their appointment
[1:27:38] >> for long.
[1:27:38] >> All right.
[1:27:42] Any questions for Ken,
[1:27:45] >> Mr.
[1:27:46] I'm I'm going to jump in real quick. So,
[1:27:49] >> under the planning commission and
[1:27:50] planning enabling act, technically the
[1:27:52] mayor should move to appoint and then if
[1:27:55] you would move to support um the
[1:27:57] approval of the appointment. So,
[1:28:00] >> yeah. Under 2441. Yes. And in our
[1:28:03] commission technically, it's kind of a
[1:28:05] nuance where the mayor appoints and then
[1:28:07] the commission affirms. That's kind of
[1:28:08] like the nomination and then the
[1:28:10] confirmation by the board.
[1:28:11] >> Is that the only board that
[1:28:12] >> that's the only one that applies to? So,
[1:28:14] anyways.
[1:28:17] » Okay. So, I mayor Frank Perez move that
[1:28:20] the city sturgeon city commission
[1:28:21] appoint Jersey Anderson to the planning
[1:28:24] uh to the Sturgis planning commission.
[1:28:26] So you move your point and then K.
[1:28:27] >> I'll second.
[1:28:28] >> Second.
[1:28:29] >> Okay.
[1:28:29] >> All in favor?
[1:28:30] >> I I opposed. So move.
[1:28:33] >> Thank you. T I was not aware of that.
[1:28:36] >> Not a problem.
[1:28:37] >> All right.
[1:28:38] >> Is that in our charter or is that a
[1:28:40] state law?
[1:28:41] >> It's in the state statute for the
[1:28:42] planning enabling act. It's also in our
[1:28:44] uh code of um under section 2441 for the
[1:28:48] uh city planning board created which
[1:28:50] tracks the statute.
[1:28:52] >> Okay. Thank you. That's the only motion
[1:28:54] I've made since I've been mayor.
[1:28:56] [laughter]
[1:28:57] >> So, we pay you big bucks.
[1:28:59] >> All right. Next on the agenda is
[1:29:01] commissioner and staff comments. So,
[1:29:02] we'll move on with that. Start with Miss
[1:29:04] 80.
[1:29:05] >> So, I do have some numbers for you. Um,
[1:29:09] from the ambulance fund side, we added
[1:29:12] um an additional 110,000 of expense due
[1:29:16] to staffing. Um, we had uh 68,000 of
[1:29:20] essentially loss revenue. Um, and then
[1:29:23] we um added $150,000 contribution from
[1:29:27] the general fund compared to where we
[1:29:29] were at. So those would be the the
[1:29:31] numbers that affected the the ambulance
[1:29:33] fund specifically.
[1:29:36] >> Thank you.
[1:29:36] >> Yeah, that's all I have.
[1:29:38] >> Okay, Mr. Ross.
[1:29:40] >> Yep. Uh, we had a really good election.
[1:29:42] Everything went very well. It's a
[1:29:44] different different election world these
[1:29:47] days. We had 637 absentee ballots and
[1:29:50] 715 people at the polls themselves. So
[1:29:52] it's almost half half. I can't tell you
[1:29:54] I'll find out tomorrow how many uh
[1:29:57] people voted uh at the early voting site
[1:29:59] which is open for 9 days. So in essence
[1:30:01] there are three
[1:30:03] parallel elections happening right now.
[1:30:05] Um so um so we'll do it again in
[1:30:08] November. Uh if you have not heard but
[1:30:11] this will pertain to uh the city
[1:30:14] commission the um state passed uh a law
[1:30:18] because if you recall our organizational
[1:30:20] meeting falls uh before they can certify
[1:30:24] the election. So that was addressed um
[1:30:27] and so um commissioners I believe it's
[1:30:31] the first
[1:30:33] Monday after in December but at the
[1:30:36] beginning of December. So whereas we had
[1:30:38] an organizational meeting uh right after
[1:30:41] the election uh that won't take place
[1:30:44] until
[1:30:45] um uh December. So uh commissioners that
[1:30:50] will not be on the commission going
[1:30:54] forward would still serve the two uh two
[1:30:56] meetings in November and then new
[1:30:59] commissioners will um will come on board
[1:31:02] in December and we'll have our
[1:31:03] organizational meeting then. So
[1:31:05] >> that first December uh
[1:31:07] >> yeah so I think it TJ is working out the
[1:31:11] details but it should be
[1:31:12] >> the first Monday of December unless of
[1:31:15] course it's probably December 1st when
[1:31:16] it may be December 8th or something like
[1:31:18] that. So we'll we'll get that figured
[1:31:20] out so that we can get those dates out
[1:31:21] to you.
[1:31:22] >> Okay.
[1:31:22] >> So yes sir.
[1:31:24] >> Okay.
[1:31:25] Since our charter says that we have to
[1:31:27] have it that money
[1:31:29] >> Yeah.
[1:31:30] >> So we have to change it anyway.
[1:31:33] Can we get that moved to like six
[1:31:35] o'clock instead of 8:00?
[1:31:37] >> Yeah. So, so, so that I will take that
[1:31:39] in consideration. What I'm looking at,
[1:31:42] >> what we're dealing with is an issue of
[1:31:45] preeemption. So, the state has
[1:31:47] essentially preempted our charter by
[1:31:49] mandating
[1:31:50] um that this meeting is going to have to
[1:31:52] be moved because of the way that they're
[1:31:54] certifying the election and allowing
[1:31:55] those elected officials to take place.
[1:31:57] So, I'm working on that. We're not the
[1:31:58] only municipality that is dealing with
[1:32:00] charter provisions that conflict with
[1:32:02] this new state law. Um, but I think that
[1:32:06] I I Ken and I were talking before. So,
[1:32:08] it's every other year. It will still be
[1:32:13] in November because there will be no
[1:32:15] commission commissioners up for
[1:32:16] election. It'll just be simply you
[1:32:18] organizing it, which will still be the
[1:32:19] first Monday following the election at
[1:32:21] 8:00. on the years in which a commission
[1:32:24] gets installed. Um I think that there's
[1:32:27] since it's preempted in that respect,
[1:32:28] there'll be plenty of latitude there for
[1:32:30] timing.
[1:32:32] >> Okay. But our our charter I think you're
[1:32:35] asking if our charter is being changed,
[1:32:36] but our charter is not being changed
[1:32:38] state law just I'm just saying since we
[1:32:41] have to violate the charter anyway
[1:32:44] according to state law.
[1:32:44] >> We're not violating.
[1:32:45] >> They're not violating. [laughter] They
[1:32:46] are they are preempted. We're not
[1:32:49] violating. If it's preempted, it's not a
[1:32:51] violation. So, I want to be clear, it's
[1:32:53] not a violation. Um, and there are
[1:32:55] plenty of areas in the charter that are
[1:32:56] preempted by state law, but um, well,
[1:32:59] and actually, I will point out
[1:33:01] Commissioner Smith two years ago had
[1:33:03] presented which a common sense
[1:33:05] resolution that would have fixed the
[1:33:06] issue had the state adopted the language
[1:33:09] in which you put forth, but they decided
[1:33:12] to go completely different direction,
[1:33:13] just kick everything uh, three weeks
[1:33:15] down the road. So,
[1:33:18] >> but we can change the charter by a vote
[1:33:20] of the people.
[1:33:22] >> You certainly can.
[1:33:25] change.
[1:33:26] >> We can put that on our next election.
[1:33:28] [laughter]
[1:33:28] >> Um, next agenda item.
[1:33:33] >> But yeah, so
[1:33:34] >> Oh, wait. Violation of the charter. It's
[1:33:36] just a screen option issue.
[1:33:39] >> That's it.
[1:33:40] >> Anything else, Mr. Sey anything from
[1:33:42] staff? Uh, Mr. Will?
[1:33:44] >> Yeah.
[1:33:50] Thanks commissioners.
[1:33:52] >> So tonight you guys adopted a fee
[1:33:54] schedule for the upcoming budget year
[1:33:56] and as part of that there was a couple
[1:33:58] of rental or property maintenance fee
[1:34:00] increases. One was rental registrations.
[1:34:03] So that was increased and then we also
[1:34:05] added uh premier properties would be
[1:34:08] paying half of the inspection fees. So
[1:34:11] over the next probably 30 or 60 days,
[1:34:13] I'll be bringing back policy change that
[1:34:15] would require the uh premier properties
[1:34:18] to pay the half as part of the policy to
[1:34:21] catch up with what the fee schedule
[1:34:22] would be. I know in the past we've
[1:34:24] talked about the property maintenance
[1:34:26] policy that we have in place and I think
[1:34:28] there was some concerns from this board
[1:34:30] and I want to know if there's anything
[1:34:31] that you guys want us to be addressing
[1:34:34] as part of this policy change that uh we
[1:34:37] should be looking at from a staff level.
[1:34:39] So when we bring it back, we can try to
[1:34:41] keep this thing moving forward at least
[1:34:43] to clean up the language that we have.
[1:34:46] So I know that there was discussion a
[1:34:48] while ago and it kind of went went on
[1:34:51] the side and now I want to bring it back
[1:34:54] to make sure we can finish this up. I
[1:34:55] have a few changes that just from
[1:34:57] processes on our end, but nothing drastic other than just uh
[1:35:02] completing with the fee schedule changes
[1:35:03] that were just approved.
[1:35:06] >> Yeah. Will the fee fee change fee
[1:35:09] schedule change? But did the um
[1:35:13] property um the inspections
[1:35:18] time in between change at all for any
[1:35:20] premier versus other? That would be part
[1:35:22] of the policy discussion that we would
[1:35:25] have because if I bring it back, my my
[1:35:28] thought process would be on the current
[1:35:30] policy without extending the premier
[1:35:32] properties, they would the premier
[1:35:34] properties would pay half of the
[1:35:35] inspection fee. But if they want to go
[1:35:38] longer term, then the premier properties
[1:35:40] would pay all of the inspection fee,
[1:35:42] >> but they would go a longer term.
[1:35:44] >> Okay.
[1:35:44] >> So, there's like a couple different
[1:35:45] things. I I think we have positives and
[1:35:48] negatives for both. Yeah.
[1:35:49] >> For both sides. What are you thinking
[1:35:51] about?
[1:35:51] >> You uh do do you think it's best we have
[1:35:53] a work session before the meeting if you
[1:35:55] were to bring something?
[1:35:57] >> I'm all
[1:35:57] >> No,
[1:35:59] >> I think it's I think what we're bringing
[1:36:01] is pretty simple to to discuss.
[1:36:04] >> Um but we can it's a it's a I we'll
[1:36:07] leave it Doug Terry after he and I talk
[1:36:09] about the policy changes, he can make
[1:36:11] the decision.
[1:36:12] >> All right.
[1:36:13] But if you guys have anything else that
[1:36:14] you you think about, reach out to Doug
[1:36:16] or city manager and uh be happy to
[1:36:21] present that.
[1:36:22] >> Okay. Thank you.
[1:36:23] >> Thank you.
[1:36:25] >> Erica, you got anything, Dan?
[1:36:29] >> Anything from our men in blue?
[1:36:32] Anything from the media?
[1:36:35] >> TJ,
[1:36:36] >> nothing more tonight.
[1:36:37] >> Doug,
[1:36:37] >> I have a few things. Uh first of all,
[1:36:40] Mr. mayor. Um, I want to give our
[1:36:42] sincere thanks to Jamie Iimer who gave
[1:36:47] us a lot of years of service at uh the
[1:36:50] Civic Center. Um, as of today, we
[1:36:53] started advertising for her replacement
[1:36:56] and hope to have somebody in place
[1:36:58] within a month. Um, we'll see. um public
[1:37:03] staffing, public safety staffing. Uh in
[1:37:07] regards to ambulance, as you know, we're
[1:37:09] capped out with uh both police and fire.
[1:37:13] Um my orders to U Ryan was that um when
[1:37:19] we see talent, let's grab on to it. um
[1:37:24] knowing that we're going to have some
[1:37:25] retirements coming up. Um I'm concerned
[1:37:29] that um with the hospital closure that
[1:37:33] we're going to be tied up um quite a bit
[1:37:36] with our ambulance. So I want to make
[1:37:38] sure that we're our citizens can be
[1:37:40] assured that their safety is first
[1:37:44] priority. So hopefully he'll be able to.
[1:37:47] Again, it's just like anywhere. We're
[1:37:50] having this problem with a shortage of
[1:37:54] qualified people trying to recruit. Um,
[1:37:57] that's the marketplace right now. And
[1:37:59] we're a competitive community. We're a
[1:38:02] beautiful community. So, we're trying I
[1:38:04] didn't want to sound like Donald Trump
[1:38:06] there. Um we're we're going to do
[1:38:10] everything we can to attract so that
[1:38:12] there's no
[1:38:15] shortage of qualified staff going
[1:38:18] forward.
[1:38:19] Um
[1:38:22] development uh we do have as uh Will tell you uh we do have interested
[1:38:29] people looking at building housing in
[1:38:32] our community. there seems to be a
[1:38:34] shortage um right now. Um Sturgis is
[1:38:38] probably one of the more attractive
[1:38:40] communities uh in our state. So we want
[1:38:43] to uh work with them. That's we have
[1:38:46] that going on. Storm cleanup um
[1:38:50] continues. Um, through Tom's efforts, we
[1:38:53] will be working with our arborist and
[1:38:56] with our contractors to try and excel
[1:39:01] those big pieces of wood that a lot of
[1:39:04] our residents cannot handle physically.
[1:39:08] We want to get in there and help them as
[1:39:11] much as we can. This doesn't occur all
[1:39:13] the time, but it is a problem. We can't
[1:39:16] ask people to do something that they
[1:39:18] can't [clears throat] physically do.
[1:39:21] to just so we want to do everything we
[1:39:23] can to help them. Uh that being said, um
[1:39:28] it's been a busy month and uh we don't
[1:39:31] see it letting up. So [laughter]
[1:39:34] that's all I have.
[1:39:35] >> All right, Commissioner,
[1:39:38] >> nothing. Thank you.
[1:39:39] >> Commissioner Bourne,
[1:39:40] >> not tonight.
[1:39:41] >> Commissioner Wiki,
[1:39:42] >> nothing tonight.
[1:39:43] >> Commissioner Miller.
[1:39:45] on uh Clerk Road's topic of elections.
[1:39:49] Uh while I've been trained as an
[1:39:51] elections inspector twice, I finally got
[1:39:53] to serve and uh can't do that here. So I
[1:39:56] served in Leonidis Township and so that
[1:40:00] sadly meant that I was one of those
[1:40:02] absentee ballots. That's one downside.
[1:40:04] Um but I definitely learned a great
[1:40:08] deal. I got to see how things work in
[1:40:10] another municipality
[1:40:12] and uh it was altogether an enlightening
[1:40:15] experience and we have a wonderful
[1:40:16] election system.
[1:40:19] >> Thank you, Commissioner B.
[1:40:21] >> Nothing tonight. Thank you,
[1:40:23] >> Commissioner Smith.
[1:40:25] >> Um, couple things.
[1:40:28] One, I know it's not our problem. I
[1:40:32] think it's uh the phone companies GTS or
[1:40:36] G's whatever
[1:40:39] on the corner of
[1:40:42] East Maine in Nawa they got a broken
[1:40:45] pole there in front of Camurns and
[1:40:47] there's a tree stump sticking up in the
[1:40:50] air that the cables just kind of laying
[1:40:52] off over top of. Can we do anything
[1:40:55] about their inaction to fix that?
[1:40:58] >> We you will take a look at it.
[1:41:00] If if it's a totem pole, um, we'll take
[1:41:03] care of.
[1:41:04] >> Okay.
[1:41:04] >> I know where you're talking.
[1:41:06] >> Yeah. And the second thing is tomorrow
[1:41:09] is National Feet Minion Day.
[1:41:13] >> So, Vinnie, if anybody wants to
[1:41:16] volunteer to go out, get a nice like
[1:41:18] 2inch thick porter house, drill it up
[1:41:20] good, and just cut the little part off,
[1:41:23] keep it, and bring me the rest.
[1:41:25] [laughter] Would be much appreciated.
[1:41:28] Thank you.
[1:41:30] Um, thank you, Vice Mayor.
[1:41:32] >> Uh, nothing
[1:41:34] exciting like Commissioner Smith, but
[1:41:36] uh, good discussions tonight. Um, the
[1:41:39] airport thing I learned a lot on. So,
[1:41:41] hopefully that that stuff will get
[1:41:42] resolved quickly for some of these
[1:41:44] people if it's as if it's truly is easy
[1:41:46] what they say it is. I don't know all
[1:41:48] the details. You guys do. So, hopefully
[1:41:50] it can be resolved quickly. Um, I will
[1:41:53] say this. If we could spread love and
[1:41:54] love as quickly as we spread hate and
[1:41:56] negativity, what an amazing world we
[1:41:59] live in. Let's all be kind to one
[1:42:01] another.
[1:42:03] Great. So, fellow commissioners and uh
[1:42:06] citizens, I just want to take this
[1:42:07] opportunity to address events that have
[1:42:10] taken place over the last over this past
[1:42:12] summer. Uh, as you all know, we faced a
[1:42:15] severe thunderstorm that just ripped our
[1:42:16] city, especially in the ways of trees. I
[1:42:20] really want to thank our DPS staff, our
[1:42:23] electric staff, parks and cemetery
[1:42:24] staff, and the rest of our staff who
[1:42:26] work diligent diligently to assist our
[1:42:28] citizens in the cleanup of properties
[1:42:31] and streets. Uh second of all, it's been
[1:42:34] challenging for commissioners with the
[1:42:35] most recent change in city and city
[1:42:37] manager. I I think that all of us should
[1:42:40] reflect that we serve the citizens of
[1:42:43] Sturgis and are blessed to have the
[1:42:44] opportunity to serve our citizens going
[1:42:47] forward. I see excellent opportunities
[1:42:48] for both the commission and our citizens
[1:42:51] as we as we grow our city. Again, I want
[1:42:54] to thank our citizens for having the
[1:42:56] patience to understand that government
[1:42:58] can be very complex. We appreciate
[1:43:01] everyone's patience while cleaning while
[1:43:03] the cleaning efforts continue. And I
[1:43:05] want to thank our city staff uh for
[1:43:07] their knowledge and dedicated work as
[1:43:09] they carry us forward. It's not easy uh responding to uh the mess that we
[1:43:16] had. Uh
[1:43:18] and I know there's uh uh some folks that
[1:43:20] uh uh say we should do it faster, but I I can tell you this, our staff has
[1:43:25] been awesome in the way they've
[1:43:28] addressed our city, and it looks a lot
[1:43:30] better today than what it did a couple
[1:43:32] weeks ago. So [clears throat] big huge
[1:43:35] shout out to our staff and and all those
[1:43:37] involved in uh making our city uh what
[1:43:40] it is. And with that, I hope each and
[1:43:43] every one of you have a great rest of
[1:43:45] your work week meeting agreement. Thank
[1:43:47] you.
[1:43:50] >> Can you meet these applications?
[1:43:52] >> No. Well, I'll take it. Okay. until it