July 2, 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, Martha Haight, and David Solander. Also present were Leon Felch, City Assessor, Jordan Belec, DPW Supervisor, Karma Tessmer, City Clerk.
Comments regarding the Mid-County Antique Power Club lawn mower pulls where received from Mike Zemba. He would like to have access to a larger water supply than provided outside the pavilion. He left the meeting at 6:02 PM.
Deputy Kyle Piatt provided the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department report. He left the meeting at 6:06 PM.
The Assessor’s report was provided by Assessor Felch. He left the meeting at 6:09 PM.
There was no Building Inspector/Code Official report.
Motion made by Council member White to adopt the agenda as presented. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Haight to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2026 regular meeting and June 25, 2026 special meeting. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
A report regarding the Department of Public Works was presented by Supervisor Belec. General maintenance continues as needed on streets, parks, and equipment.
Motion made by Council member Haight to approve the bills for payment (General Fund Disbursements totaling $106,432.94 for checks #27688 through #27751 and EFTs 316 (E) – 318 (E), and 1405 (E) – 1413 (E)). Council member Solander seconded. Motion carried.
Updates on the Rural Development projects were provided by via email Bill Marklein of UPEA. Bond ordinances have been published. They have received questions/concerns from contractors as to pre-work planning and start times.
The 40101D Grant application remains pending.
No update was provided regarding Country Mile Document Destruction Recycling.
The Congressionally Directed Spending Grant remains pending.
Council consensus was to look further into a Recreation Plan before moving forward with the costs involved.
Motion made by Council member Haight to appoint Bill Fister to the vacant council member position. Council member Solander seconded. A roll call vote carried by those in favor: Solander, Haight, Parrett, Fredrickson. Those opposed: White.
Motion made by Council member Haight to approve Resolution 2026-07 for Waste Water System Improvements Payment Draw in the amount of $98,691.36. Council member White seconded. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion made by Council member White to approve Resolution 2026-08 for Water System Improvements Payment Draw in the amount of $46,450.03. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
Motion made by Council member White to approve WWTP repairs due to water damage to sump pump, water heater, and water softener with estimate of $10,500.00. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
There were no items for discussion.
Committee reports were given as follows:
Fire: Assistant Chief White reported 3 calls in June. Engine 3 repairs are nearly complete. National Night Out is scheduled for August 4th at Erickson Park.
Streets: Patching is pending scheduling.
Parks: No report given.
Utility: A review of the WWTP water damage was given. A valve malfunction caused basement flooding. Estimates will be obtained on equipment in addition to the approved items above. EGLE is requiring a hydraulic analysis for the water system.
Personnel: No report given.
Finance: No report given.
Insurance: No report given.
Zoning: Three building permits were issued.
Technology: Two computers will be priced as budgeted.
Industrial Park: No report given.
A card from the Ron Zahorik family was read.
Comments were received.
Council member White moved for adjournment at 6:52 PM.
The next regular City council meeting will be held on August 6, 2026.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk