June 4, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
Mayor John Starzynski called the regular meeting of the Stephenson City Council to order at 6:00 PM. Present were Council members Dale Parrett, Howard Fredrickson, Brian White, and David Solander. Council member Martha Haight was excused. Also present were Leon Felch, City Assessor, Jordan Belec, DPW Supervisor, Karma Tessmer, City Clerk.
Mayor Starzynski opened the meeting with a moment of silence for Ronald Zahorik, Council member, who had passed away in May.
Comments regarding the Halloween Truck or Treat were discussed with Scott Sundberg. The event will be held on Halloween between the hours of 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Road closure will be determined for safety reasons.
Deputy Aaron Ihander provided the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department report. He left the meeting at 6:11 PM.
The Assessor’s report was provided by Assessor Felch. Summer tax files will be sent to the Treasurer next week.
There was no Building Inspector/Code Official report.
Motion made by Council member White to adopt the agenda as presented. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Parrett to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2026 regular meeting and May 19, 2026 special meeting. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried.
A report regarding the Department of Public Works was presented by Supervisor Belec. General maintenance continues as needed. A walk through with EGLE was done at the water department. Seasonal help for the wastewater plant began on June 1, 2026.
Motion made by Council member Parrett to approve the bills for payment (General Fund Disbursements totaling $109,913.11 for checks #27637 through #27687 and EFTs 313 (E) – 315 (E), and 1396 (E) – 1404 (E)). Council member Solander seconded. Motion carried.
| CELLCOM UP MI PCS | 161.91 | MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE | 887.00 | |
| MERS | 5,000.00 | SOLANDER ELECTRIC | 10,000.00 | |
| MICH PUBLIC POWER AGENCY | 247.21 | CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS | 100.00 | |
| EFFICIENCY UNITED | 2,350.58 | UPPER MI ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. | 966.97 | |
| JORDAN BELEC | 40.00 | VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY FUND | 350.00 | |
| LARA MI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION | 640.00 | WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE | 32.10 | |
| MISCAUNO TAX ASSESSING LLC | 638.75 | DTE ENERGY | 831.62 | |
| STEVE SCHMIDT | 40.00 | GRAINGER | 356.65 | |
| ANDY’S ACTION BUSINESS SOLUTIONS | 49.99 | KRIST OIL COMPANY | 147.87 | |
| DONNA BAUMLER | 50.00 | MENOMINEE COUNTY JOURNAL | 457.15 | |
| CIVICPLUS LLC | 2,856.00 | NORTHGATE EQUIPMENT & SALES | 147.36 | |
| CLOVERLAND DISTRIBUTING LLC | 189.01 | NU-WAY CLEANERS | 35.55 | |
| DELTA DISPOSAL | 315.49 | GINA SAROW | 91.25 | |
| GRAINGER | 52.94 | SUSSEX TOOL AND SUPPLY | 433.36 | |
| HAWKINS INC | 132.64 | WAUSAU CHEMICALS | 645.80 | |
| LAWSON PRODUCTS INC | 118.72 | WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE | 51,429.16 | |
| NICOLET NATIONAL BANK | 507.27 | POSTMASTER | 274.50 | |
| PAIDL’S DO IT BEST HARDWARE | 658.45 | CLOVERLAND DISTRIBUTING LLC | 263.51 | |
| RIESTERER & SCHNELL, INC. | 81.00 | GRAINGER | 140.37 | |
| HAVELKA CONSTRUCTION | 396.00 | STEPHENSON MARKETING CO-OP | 456.67 | |
| LAWSON PRODUCTS INC | 291.16 | PAYROLL AND TAXES | 27,049.10 |
Updates on the Rural Development projects were provided by via email Bill Marklein of UPEA. The audit has been submitted to the State and bonding is progressing so a closing date can be established.
The 40101D Grant application remains pending.
No update was provided regarding Country Mile Document Destruction Recycling.
The Congressionally Directed Spending Grant remains pending. The request for the water system has moved forward in the process. The request for the wastewater system is unable to move forward.
Motion made by Council member White to accept the Mid County Rescue Squad agreement for services in the amount of $8,438.00 for dates July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Council member Solander seconded. Motion carried. Council member Fredrickson abstained due to being a Squad member.
The Finance Committee met on June 1, 2026 to review the current budget for budget amendments before fiscal year end. No amendments are needed.
Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to approve committee appointments as presented by the Mayor. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried. Appointments can be viewed at City Hall.
Motion made by Council member White to donate $200.00 to the Daggett July 4th celebration. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to accept Klee Logging and Tree Service quote for tree removal in the amount of $14,000.00. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried. Other quotes received were from Dombrowski Tree in the amount of $16,000.00 and Millers Tree Service LLC in the amount of $42,000.00.
Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to postpone the Water System Improvements Bond Ordinance until finalized. Council member White seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Parrett to adopt Wastewater System Improvements Bond Ordinance #152. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried.
Mayor Starzynski opened discussion with the development of a Recreation Plan. Eric Szymanski from CUPPAD was present to discuss the costs and process for implementation. It will be added to the July agenda for consideration. In order to apply for certain grants a plan must be in place. Flea markets were also discussed with the first Saturday of the month beginning June through September being given for dates. Mayor Starzynski met with Cole and Cole Forest Products LLC regarding dead ash tree removal in Erickson Park. They can remove the trees over next winter and remit to the City between $130.00 – $150.00 per cord. If they remove the debris, it will cost the City $200.00 per hour.
Committee reports were given as follows:
Fire: Assistant Chief White reported 2 calls in May. A grant was received from the Hannahville Indian Community in the amount of $4,523.00 for equipment repairs on one of the trucks. Engine 3 repairs will begin soon. National Night Out is scheduled for August 4th at Erickson Park.
Streets: Line painting is being done in the downtown area. Crack sealing is also being looked at with the County Road Commission. Estimated costs are between $2,500.00 to $3,000.00 per day.
Parks: No report given.
Utility: No report given.
Personnel: No report given.
Finance: No report given.
Insurance: No report given.
Zoning: Two building permits were issued.
Technology: No report given.
Industrial Park: No report given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
Council member White moved for adjournment at 6:44 PM.
The next regular City council meeting will be held on July 2, 2026.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk