September 3, 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 (left chambers at 6:45 for Rescue Squad), Brian White, Martha Haight, David Solander, and Bill Fister.

Also present were Leon Felch, City Assessor, Jordan Belec, DPW Supervisor, Karma Tessmer, City Clerk, Bill Marklein of UPEA, and Eric Szymanski of CUPPAD (left chambers at 6:45 PM).

There was no public participation.

            Deputy Aaron Ihander provided the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department report.  He left the meeting at 6:02 PM.

            The Assessor’s report was provided by Assessor Felch. 

             There was no Building Inspector/Code Official report.

             Motion made by Council member Haight to adopt the agenda as presented.  Council member White seconded.  Motion carried.

             Motion made by Council member Haight to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2026 regular meeting and August 13, 2026 special meeting.  Council member Parrett seconded.  Motion carried. 

            A report regarding the Department of Public Works was presented by Supervisor Belec.  City water samples have been submitted to the State.  The trencher has been sold for $4,655.00.  Street patching is complete.  WWTP transfer switch installed but the generator is offline due to bad circuit board.

            Motion made by Council member Haight to approve the bills for payment (General Fund Disbursements totaling $200,784.35 for checks #27825 through #27893 and EFTs 322 (E) – 324 (E), and 1425 (E) – 1433 (E)).  Council member Fredrickson seconded.  Motion carried.

Updates on the Rural Development projects were provided by Bill Marklein of UPEA.  Loans have closed and Notices to Proceed sent to contractors.  Except for the slip lining contract, the other two will be delayed until next year due to weather and/or material lead time.  Cost increases are expected on both.  RUS paperwork is pending attorney signature.

The 40101D Grant bid specifications and engineering is being worked on by UPEA.  They will submit a proposal when complete. 

            The Congressionally Directed Spending Grant remains pending.   

            Eric Szymanski of CUPPAD presented drafts of the Recreation Survey and 5 Year Recreation Plan.  The plan will be updated for further discussion.

Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to accept Peninsula Concrete quote for curb and sidewalk repairs in the amount of $8,220.00.  Council member Parrett seconded.  Motion carried. 

Motion made by Council member White to accept Cole & Cole Forest Products LLC quote for tree removal at Erickson Park.  Council member Fredrickson seconded.  Motion carried.  Full cost will be determined on amount removed.

Motion made by Council member White to accept committee appointments as presented by the Mayor.  Council member Solander seconded.  Motion carried.  A full list can be seen at City Hall.

A quote from Shepro’s Auto Repair LLC was discussed for repairs to the 2003 2500 truck.  No action was taken.

Motion made by Council member Haight to accept Phillippo Insurance quote for Property and Liability insurance in the amount of $29,381.00.  Council member Parrett seconded.  Motion carried.  Terrorism Insurance coverage was opted out.

Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to accept Midway Rentals and Sales quote for a forklift purchase in the amount of $16,595.00.  Council member White seconded.  Motion carried.

Motion made by Council member Parrett to approve Resolution 2026-09 Welfare Benefit Plan Approval.  Council member White seconded.  Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.

The Robert Street railroad crossing was discussed.  The MDOT approached the City regarding the safety of the crossing.  It was proposed to put in LED stop signs.  The City will install the lighted signs with costs covered by State funds.

            Committee reports were given as follows:

             Fire:  Assistant Chief White reported no calls in August.  The department roster stands at 30 members.  An equipment grant remains pending with FEMA.

             Streets:  No report given.

            Parks:  A committee meeting will be scheduled for later this month regarding the Recreation Plan and grant pursuit.

             Utility:  A State and Local Cybersecurity Gant was discussed.  It will be reviewed when the grant period opens.  The Master Water Plan must be updated per EGLE.  DPW and UPEA are working on submitting the necessary paperwork.

             Personnel:  No report given.

Finance:  No report given.

             Insurance:  No report given.

             Zoning:  No report given.

             Technology:  No report given.

             Industrial Park:  No report given.

            There was no correspondence.

             Comments were received.

             Council member White moved for adjournment at 7:07 PM. 

             The next regular City council meeting will be held on October 1, 2026.

Respectfully Submitted,  

                                                                                                                                                       

Karma Tessmer, City Clerk