August 7, 2025 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, David Solander, Ronald Zahorik, Howard Fredrickson, Martha Haight, and Brian White. Also present were Jordan Belec, DPW Supervisor, Leon Felch, City Assessor, and Karma Tessmer, City Clerk.
Tyler Klitzke was present for public participation. He expressed concerns about parking on his street. He departed Council chambers at 6:09 PM.
Deputy Aaron Ihander provided the Menominee County Sheriff’s Report. He left Council chambers at 6:14 PM. City Assessor Felch provided the Assessor Report. The Board of Review met in July.
There was no Building Inspector/Code Official report.
Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to adopt the agenda as presented. Council member Haight seconded.
Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Zahorik to approve the minutes of the July 2, 2025 regular meeting. Council member Fredrickson seconded. Motion carried.
A report regarding the Department of Public Works was presented by Supervisor Belec. Routine maintenance continues in the parks. State water samples have been ordered. A quality assurance/quality control meeting was held regarding preventative maintenance of City bridges.
Motion made by Council member Zahorik to approve the bills for payment (General Fund Disbursements totaling
$142,643.62 for checks #27027 through #27103 and EFTs 284 (E) – 286 (E), and 1303 (E) – 1311 (E)). Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
Josh Harju of UPEA provided updates, via email, on the Rural Development and Water Softening projects and the Category B application for Homestead Street. The Rural Development projects are out for bids. The Water Softening project is pending with EGLE. No update on the Category B application for Homestead Street.
The 40101D Grant application is pending with the Department of Energy.
The Menominee County Road Commission will be finishing the chip sealing project next week. Lines will be painted after completion but no date for that has been determined.
Lenca Surveying LLC will be surveying the Industrial Park property the week of August 18th. Mayor Starzynski will contact Brad Younk to obtain the electrical load requirements for recycling equipment.
The Department of Public Works continues to work with EGLE in order to remedy issues at the WWTP. EGLE performed a site visit on August 7th. They approved of the work done to date. UPEA has also been on site.
Motion made by Council member Zahorik to introduce Ordinance 151 to adopt an updated City code. Council member Haight seconded. Motion carried. A public hearing will be held at 5:45 PM prior to the next regular council meeting on September 4th.
Motion made by Council member White to support the National See Tracks? Think Train Week Proclamation.
Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Zahorik to accept Rye Collision LLC quote for City truck repair in the amount of
$3,591.69. Council member White seconded. Motion carried. Spaudes Auto Body provided a quote in the amount of
$7,134.38.
Motion made by Council member Fredrickson to approve Highline permit notices for directional boring for CCI Systems installation. Council member Haight seconded. Motion carried.
There were no items for discussion. Committee reports were given as follows: Fire: No report given.
Streets: Street Administrator Parrett would like to have a committee meeting in order to review City streets. Parks: No Fall Festival will be held this year.
Utility: WWTP was addressed under old business. Electric service for the new Rescue Squad building will be energized August 8th.
Personnel: No report given.
Finance: Audit material for the 2024/2025 audit has been submitted. Insurance: The Property and Liability renewal is being worked on. Zoning: One carport permit was issued in July.
Technology: Astrea replaced the server room modem. The exhaust fan has been wired up in the server room. Industrial Park: No report given.
Correspondence was read. Comments were received.
Council member Haight moved for adjournment at 7:04 PM.
The next regular City council meeting will be held on September 4, 2025.
A public hearing will be held at 5:45 PM prior to the regular meeting to receive comments on Ordinance 151.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk