Meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission
The Sturgis City Commission will discuss a draft ordinance for continuing recycling services. Under the proposal, participation would be mandatory for all single-family homes, with the city or a contracted provider handling curbside collection. The fee amount would be set annually by the commission based on program costs and reviewed each year by city staff.
Sturgis City Commission will meet for its regular business meeting on Wednesday, October 8 at 6 p.m. at 130 N. Nottowa St.
The commission will discuss a draft ordinance for continuing recycling services and other items.
Recycling services
Commissioners will revisit how to fund and structure the city’s curbside recycling program before the current contract expires December 31. The commission is expected to discuss a draft ordinance that would formally establish a citywide recycling program funded through a user fee charged to property owners.
Under the proposal, participation would be mandatory for all single-family homes, with the city or a contracted provider handling curbside collection. The fee amount would be set annually by the commission based on program costs and reviewed each year by city staff. The ordinance allows for civil fines of $100–$500 for violations and would expire annually unless renewed or tied to a multi-year contract.
The city could continue services with its current hauler, end curbside recycling, or pursue a short-term contract while finalizing the new system. Commissioners discussed similar options at their September 24 meeting, and this is the formal next step following those discussions. Based on discussions during the last meeting and this ordinance, it is unclear whether there will be an opportunity for Sturgis residents to vote on recycling services.
Other agenda items
The commission will also consider a property transfer request from Metalloid Corporation to bring a parcel on White Street into city limits, approve a $590,000 bid to replace a wastewater treatment clarifier, and review proposals for fire department flooring upgrades and a Sturges-Young Center orchestra pit cover. An appointment to the Housing Commission is also scheduled.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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