Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission

The Sturgis City Commission will meet Wednesday, February 25, for its second regular business meeting of the month. Commissioners will consider street construction items, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, financing for a new city truck, and updates to employee policies.

One item relates to the city’s 2025 Streets Reconstruction project, approved September 24, 2025, with Rieth-Riley Construction Company, Inc. When originally approved, city staff believed the project could be handled with in-house oversight. Since then, the Engineering Department has lost a technician and has not yet filled the position. 

As a result, the city is seeking approval of Professional Services Agreement Amendment #7a with Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering, Inc., for $53,530 to “manage requests for information, field orders, pay applications and onsite project representation,” according to the commission packet.

Commissioners will also consider design and bidding services for the reconstruction of South Lakeview Avenue, a project planned in the FY 2026-27 budget. The reconstruction would span from U.S.-12 (East Chicago Road) to Mechanic Street, covering just under 2,000 feet. 

South Lakeview Avenue has been rated in poor condition for the past 10 years and was identified in the city’s 10-Year Street Improvement Program. The project includes full reconstruction and widening from 25 feet to 34 feet to match adjacent sections and allow for bike lanes. It would also include installation of a new 12-inch water main between Mechanic and East Congress streets, replacement of lead service lines, storm sewer upgrades and ADA sidewalk improvements. 

Design and bidding services are proposed at $121,300, compared to $132,000 budgeted in FY 2025-26. Estimated construction costs are $2,021,211. Commissioners are being asked to approve only the design and bidding services at this meeting. Both costs would be paid from the Fund 204 Street & Sidewalk Improvement Fund. 

Additionally, the commission will revisit electric vehicle charging stations initially removed from the city’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP 1.0) grant project due to placement and budget concerns. The city received a $942,500 RAP grant in 2024 and completed downtown improvements under budget, leaving $151,207.62 in remaining funds. 

According to staff, electric vehicle charging infrastructure is the only remaining eligible use for the leftover funds. The proposal would install 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. The project must be completed by June 30, 2026 and would require final compliance confirmation from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. 

Commissioners will also consider financing for the purchase of an AT48 small bucket truck. The commission approved the purchase in May 2025 for an amount not to exceed $225,000. The final purchase price is $208,116. 

Staff is recommending a seven-year installment purchase agreement through Southern Michigan Bank & Trust at a 3.25% interest rate, resulting in $24,956 in total interest over the life of the agreement. 

Residents may comment on agenda items as they are taken up during the meeting. Public comment on non-agenda items is scheduled earlier in the meeting before new business begins.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.