Sturgis commission approves routine items, splits on mowing contracts
Commissioner Richard Bir, who said he worked as a city landscaper for 20 years, questioned why the city needs to contract out any of the work — something he said was not done during his tenure. Bir said he was one of two full-time employees at the time and had no trouble maintaining city properties.
He questioned why the current staff — two full-time employees and a third primarily administrative position — requires outside help.
Director of Public Services Thomas Sikorski said the city has added properties over time, increasing workload and the need for additional manpower. He also said the department has struggled to attract seasonal workers, particularly college-age applicants who have typically filled those roles.
The Sturgis City Commission met April 8 for its regular business meeting, moving quickly through a largely routine agenda with all but one item passing unanimously.
The lone item to draw dissent was a set of contracts for mowing, trimming, and leaf removal at city properties, which are split between private contractors and city staff.
Commissioner Richard Bir, who said he worked as a city landscaper for 20 years, questioned why the city needs to contract out any of the work — something he said was not done during his tenure. Bir said he was one of two full-time employees at the time and had no trouble maintaining city properties. He questioned why the current staff — two full-time employees and a third primarily administrative position — requires outside help.
Director of Public Services Thomas Sikorski said the city has added properties over time, increasing workload and the need for additional manpower. He also said the department has struggled to attract seasonal workers, particularly college-age applicants who have typically filled those roles.
Mayor Frank Perez said he would also prefer to see the work done in-house, but acknowledged the challenges.
“As challenging as it might be, I see that you’re at least trying,” Perez said.
The contracts were approved through three separate motions. The first two — covering mowing, trimming, and general maintenance — passed 6-1, with Bir opposed.
The third motion, covering as-needed leaf pickup, passed 5-2, with Bir and Commissioner Marvin Smith opposed.
The rest of the agenda items passed unanimously with little discussion. Commissioners approved a $134,440 contract for window and door replacements at the Public Safety Building — well below the $300,000 budgeted for the project.
They also authorized the use of remaining bond funds to move forward with a roughly $367,400 project to install a water main loop at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, aimed at improving reliability and eliminating a long-standing dead-end main.
Additionally, commissioners approved an easement for an ADA-accessible ramp at a Prairie Avenue property. The existing ramp extends into the public right-of-way and does not meet current accessibility standards.
The commission then moved into closed session for more than 90 minutes. Upon returning, commissioners approved moving forward “with the purchase agreement as presented.” Details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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