EV Chargers, Road Projects Highlight Sturgis Commission Meeting

The Sturgis City Commission met for its final regular business meeting of the month on Wednesday, February 25, approving more than $175,000 related to road projects, directing city staff to move forward with an electric vehicle charging station, and finalizing financing for a new electric department bucket truck.

Commissioners began with a Professional Services Agreement Amendment related to upcoming road construction projects. The amendment allows Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering, Inc. to handle portions of the work that were originally expected to be completed in-house. However, the city’s Engineering Department has since lost a technician, creating the need for outside assistance. Commissioners approved $53,530 for the agreement. 

While discussing the agreement, City Engineer Barry Cox outlined how staff determine which road projects to prioritize. He and City Manager Andrew Kuk said the city is hopeful about potential new state funding avenues for future road repairs — an issue several commissioners emphasized during discussion.

“We’re balancing priorities on major road projects, the types of mill and resurface projects that are included in street programs, and other road treatments throughout the year,” Kuk said. “We’re hopeful with some of the changes in the state budget we may be seeing more dollars for road projects at the major and local level with Act 51 dollars. We may have the opportunity to enhance projects going forward, but at this point that’s going to be a commission prioritization.”

Cox added that the city has shifted its strategy in recent years.

“We’ve pretty much been sliding away from the idea of reconstructing local streets as much as we can, trying to focus that effort on major streets,” he said.

Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously.

Commissioners then considered design and bidding services for the reconstruction of South Lakeview Avenue, a project planned in the FY 2026-27 budget. The design and bidding portion — the only phase under consideration at this time — will cost $121,300. The project runs from U.S.-12 (East Chicago Road) to Mechanic Street, covering just under 2,000 feet. The project was identified in the city’s 10-Year Street Improvement Program. 

The design cost came in below the originally budgeted $132,000. 

The commission approved the design and bidding services 6-1, with Commissioner Richard Bir casting the lone no vote. Commissioners Harrington, Abbs, Boring, Wickey, Smith, Miller, Vice Mayor Mullins and Mayor Perez voted in favor.

Commissioners also reached consensus to direct city staff to move forward with an electric vehicle charging station using leftover funds from a 2024 Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant. The city completed its downtown improvements under budget, leaving approximately $151,207 in remaining funds. According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure was the only remaining eligible use for the excess funds. 

The proposal includes installation of up to two dual-port Level 2 ChargePoint stations in Parking Lot 11 across from City Hall and the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Commissioners said the location is intended to encourage visitors to charge their vehicles while supporting downtown businesses within walking distance of the lot.

Commissioners also approved financing for the purchase of an AT48 small bucket truck for the electric department. The commission had previously authorized the purchase at an amount not to exceed $225,000. The final purchase price came in at $208,116 and will be paid through the city’s Motor Vehicle Fund. 

Commissioner Richard Bir cast the lone no vote on the financing resolution, with Commissioners Harrington, Abbs, Boring, Wickey, Smith, Miller, Vice Mayor Mullins and Mayor Perez voting in favor.

The next Sturgis City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.