Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase

The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday evening for a second consecutive week, with commissioners set to approve a recycling contract, hold a first reading of a proposed marihuana ordinance amendment, and vote on the purchase of a new $1.4 million fire truck.

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

The decision follows a previous commission vote weighing whether to commit to a one- or three-year recycling contract. Commissioners voted 6–3 to direct City Manager Andrew Kuk to negotiate a three-year agreement, with Commissioners Cathi Abbs, Richard Bir, Dan Boring, Linda Harrington, Aaron Miller, and newly appointed Vice Mayor Jeff Mullins voting in favor, and Commissioners Justin Wickey, Marvin Smith, and Mayor Frank Perez opposed.

Under the proposed agreement, the city would pay $6 per month per residential unit for recycling services, beginning January 1. The contract defines a residential unit as any single-family or multi-family dwelling that generates recyclable materials. The agreement initially covers approximately 3,250 residential units, with the city guaranteeing payment for a minimum of 3,000 units.

Beginning January 1, 2027, and each January thereafter during the term of the agreement, the monthly rate would automatically increase by the greater of 3.5% or the consumer price index.

The yearly increase differs slightly from Borden’s initial July bid, which included lower annual increases but led the commission to discontinue curbside recycling at that time due to cost concerns. Following that decision, residents contacted commissioners and spoke during public comment at subsequent meetings urging the city to reinstate the service. City staff later brought revised options back to the commission, resulting in the proposed three-year agreement.

Commissioners will also consider a first reading of a proposed marihuana ordinance amendment. According to the agenda packet, the amendment is intended to clarify and expand the ability of a business holding a license or permit to relocate to a different property within the city, subject to specific conditions.

City staff note that the amendment is meant to address challenges in providing a clear relocation process in a rapidly evolving industry. The proposal would not increase the number of marihuana licenses permitted within the city, according to the packet.

In addition, commissioners will vote on the purchase of a new fire truck to replace a 2008 KME pumper that remains in service but is no longer used in the same capacity.

The commission is being asked to approve the purchase of a 2027 Rosenbauer pumper/tanker equipped with a SAM system from Emergency Vehicles Plus in the amount of $1,383,903. According to city staff, the new apparatus would improve operational reliability, support staffing needs through automated pumping technology, and allow the department to consolidate older equipment to free up station parking space.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at 130 N. Nottawa St. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.