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 following 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.

Kuk’s resignation takes effect July 24, and he will continue serving as city manager until then, according to a city news release. 

Kuk said in the release that the decision followed “considerable reflection” on his personal situation and the goals of the commission.

“Personally, this separation allows me the opportunity to make some needed changes and pursue other family priorities,” Kuk said. He added that improving work-life balance and focusing on health were among those priorities.

Kuk also said he believes every city commission should have a city manager who shares its vision and desired management style.

“I think this change will facilitate that,” he said.

No additional reasons for Kuk’s resignation were publicly provided Wednesday night.

Kuk has served as city manager since April 2023 after previously serving nearly 15 years in city administrative roles, including assistant city manager, assistant to the city manager, and interim city manager. He first joined the city as an intern while attending Western Michigan University.

Commissioners split on resignation vote

Commissioners Aaron Miller and Jeff Mullins voted against accepting Kuk’s resignation.

Before the vote, Miller read a prepared statement saying he could not support the agreement, calling it a “miscarriage of justice,” and saying it did not adequately explain the reason for Kuk’s departure.

Miller also criticized Perez’s leadership, saying he no longer had trust in the mayor and could not support the agreement because it represented “injustice.”

Miller’s remarks came after earlier disputes in the same meeting, when commissioners deadlocked on separate efforts to censure Perez and remove him from the internally selected mayoral role while leaving him on the commission.

Miller says issues were connected

In a phone interview Thursday with Watershed Voice, Miller said he believes the tensions surrounding Perez and Kuk’s resignation were related.

“We are highly frustrated about how Andrew’s [departure happened],” Miller said. “They’re absolutely connected issues. It’s not coincidence.” 

Miller said he could not publicly comment on some matters because of legal guidance regarding information discussed in closed session, but argued the public had not received a full explanation for Kuk’s resignation. Miller added the only person who could and should provide that explanation is Mayor Frank Perez. 

Watershed Voice requested comment from Mayor Perez regarding Miller’s remarks but did not receive a response before publication.

Debate over public statement

After the resignation vote, Mullins said commissioners had been given a media release and preferred that any statement come from the commission as a whole rather than solely from the mayor.

The statement was subsequently revised to be attributed to the commission.

What happens next?

The city said it will begin searching for a new city manager and anticipates having someone in place later this year. 

In the release, the commission thanked Kuk for his service and said it would remain focused on finding the city’s next leader.

“We thank Andrew for his time with the City,” the statement said. “We now need to stay focused on the positive and find the next leader to best continue to grow and develop the City of Sturgis.”

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.