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Sturgis commission deadlocks twice after Mullins calls for Perez’s resignation and censure; commissioner later alleges legal violations
In a phone interview with Watershed Voice on Thursday, April 23, City Commissioner Aaron Miller made stronger allegations against Mayor Frank Perez, claiming Perez had broken the law while in office. Miller argued Perez was the person best positioned to publicly disclose the details, and did not identify specific statutes he believed had been violated.
“There is plenty that I cannot share because it is protected, as advised by our legal counsel,” Miller said. “There’s a lot that I would love to get out in the open, because sunshine is the best disinfectant.”
Watershed Voice requested comment from Perez regarding allegations made during Wednesday’s meeting and Miller’s remarks to Watershed on Thursday. A response was not received by publication time.
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Sturgis city manager Andrew Kuk resigns amid contentious commission meeting
Andrew Kuk has resigned as Sturgis city manager, with the city commission voting Wednesday night to accept his resignation amid a contentious meeting that also featured failed attempts to discipline Mayor Frank Perez.
Following a closed session listed on the agenda for an attorney opinion and a periodic personnel evaluation at the employee’s request, commissioners returned to open session. Kuk then issued a statement announcing his resignation, and the commission voted 6-2 to accept it. Commissioner Marvin Smith was absent.
Three Rivers gives tentative support to second farmers market, pending next steps
DDA board members spoke during the meeting, admitting they were underprepared and moved too quickly, putting the city in a position to deny the request. However, they said they plan to develop a more thorough plan to present to city staff.
“I do think that we did get a little ahead of ourselves,” DDA board member Jason Ballew said, explaining that the DDA will come back with a full work plan outlining how the market would function. Ballew also asked the commission not to make any formal decisions Tuesday night.
Sturgis Area Community Foundation launches search for next executive director
According to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, the incoming executive director will oversee strategic planning, donor and community relationships, and efforts focused on economic opportunity, well-being and inclusive community development.
SACF serves Sturgis and surrounding communities in St. Joseph County through grants, scholarships and partnerships supporting nonprofits, students and community initiatives. The organization said it manages more than $50 million in assets.
Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
The Sturgis City Commission will meet tonight, Wednesday, April 22, for its second regular business meeting of the month. Commissioners are set to discuss a Doyle Center roof project anticipated to cost $696,000, accept a bid on a $73,500 Nottawa Street 69kV transmission line, establish a hydro dam engineer, and approve Sturgis Fest dates and city support requests.
City Controller Sadie Griffin will also present the commission with the city’s annual audit, covering the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. The audit found the city’s total net position rose to about $127.6 million, an increase of roughly $9.5 million from the previous year.
Flock cameras dominate Kalamazoo public comment as commission approves housing items
Supporters described the cameras as a public safety tool that can help solve crimes and locate suspects. Opponents argued the system raises civil liberties concerns, and could contribute to broader surveillance networks with limited public oversight.
Roughly 15 residents spoke in favor of continuing the program, while about 10 residents spoke against it.
While public attention centered on Flock cameras, the commission also approved several agenda items involving housing, infrastructure, and economic development.
Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission
The Three Rivers City Commission will meet Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m. in City Hall for a regular business meeting. Commissioners will have the opportunity to give input on a proposed second farmers market in Three Rivers that city staff rejected, consider amendments to city code removing inflammatory language characterizing massage therapists as sex workers and labeling homosexual behavior as “deviant,” and review a series of budget amendments reflecting differences between projected and actual revenues and expenditures.
Watershed Voice livestreams all Three Rivers City Commission meetings on its Facebook page and uploads them to YouTube after.
