August 6, 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 (arrived at 6:04 PM), 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 John Kakuk of SNB&T.
There was no public participation.
Deputy Aaron Ihander provided the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department report. He left the meeting at 6:03 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 Fredrickson to approve the minutes of the July 2, 2026 regular meeting. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
A report regarding the Department of Public Works was presented by Supervisor Belec. Routine maintenance continues. Mill Street bridge cement work was done. Crack sealing completed by the Road Commission. The WWTP was inspected by EGLE and repairs have been made to the sump pump and chlorine fence.
Motion made by Council member Haight to approve the bills for payment (General Fund Disbursements totaling $199,256.85 for checks #27752 through #27824 and EFTs 319 (E) – 321 (E), and 1414 (E) – 1424 (E)). Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried.
Updates on the Rural Development projects were provided by Bill Marklein of UPEA. A preconstruction meeting was held at City Hall on July 22, 2026. The USDA has set the loan closing date at August 26, 2026. Contractors have been asked to submit schedules and shop drawings.
The 40101D Grant has been awarded. The project total is $404,870.40 with grant funds totaling $269,913.60. Remaining funds of $134,956.80 will be paid by the City. The project scope is to replace 42 aging/damaged utility poles and reconductor 144 spans of distribution line. The City will work with UPEA coordinating job specs and bidding.
No update was provided regarding Country Mile Document Destruction Recycling. Council consensus was to remove this item from the agenda at this time.
The Congressionally Directed Spending Grant remains pending.
Motion made by Council member Parrett to update the City Recreation Plan. Council member Haight seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Parrett adopt an updated Cross Connection Control Plan. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried. The plan is an EGLE requirement.
Motion made by Council member White to increase residential/commercial septic hauling rate to $0.10 per gallon. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried. DPW will establish a rate for industrial hauling. Prices go into effect September 1, 2026.
Motion made by Council member Parrett to accept Precision Technology Services LLC quote in the amount of $3,177.90 to upgrade WWTP alarm system. Council member Haight seconded. Motion carried.
The Stephenson Bakery building was brought up for discussion. A notice of violation has been delivered to Don Dessart. He has been given 90 days to address/repair the building condition. The former Gary’s IGA building was also discussed. John Kakuk of SNB&T discussed a parcel reconfiguration they have requested in order to sell the property. He left chambers at 6:43 PM.
Committee reports were given as follows:
Fire: Assistant Chief White reported 3 calls in July. A grant request with FEMA is pending for SCBA equipment for multiple departments.
Streets: Patching is pending scheduling. The Neighborhood Roads Fund was reviewed. Local distribution will not be made until the program reaches $240,000,000.00. Current total is $90,751,926.
Parks: No report given.
Utility: WPS provided notice that a new federally-mandated charge will be applied to the power the City purchases. The amount was not given but will begin with the July billing.
Personnel: Council consensus is to continue Oren Marcoe’s employment until Fall.
Finance: No report given.
Insurance: Phillippo Insurance Agency is working on the Property and Liability renewal.
Zoning: Two building permits were issued.
Technology: Two computers have been received. The credit card payment processing through BS&A is now live.
Industrial Park: No report given.
Correspondence was read.
Comments were received.
Council member Fredrickson moved for adjournment at 7:00 PM.
The next regular City council meeting will be held on September 3, 2026.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk