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Mayor John Starzynski called the Budget Hearing for fiscal year 2025/2026 to order at 5:45 PM. Present were council members Martha Haight, Dale Parrett, David Solander, Brian White, and Ron Zahorik. Council member Howard Fredrickson was excused. Also present were DPW Supervisor Jordan Belec and City Clerk Karma Tessmer. There was no public participation.
The budget for fiscal year 2025/2026 was reviewed.
Council member White moved to close the budget hearing. Council member Solander seconded. Motion carried.
The budget hearing ended at 6:00 PM.

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, Martha Haight, Ronald Zahorik, and Brian White. Council member Howard Fredrickson was excused. Also present were Jordan Belec, DPW Supervisor, Leon Felch, City Assessor, and Karma Tessmer, City Clerk.
Lindsay Kozikowski was present on behalf of the American Legion. She updated Council on July 4th plans. She will work with the City on advertising the day and is also working on flyers. Scott Sundberg was present on behalf the Sharks Football program. They are planning a car wash fundraiser and asked if it could be held at City Hall/DPW. Council agreed to let them use the parking lot. The event will be May 31st from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Lexi Hagan, Executive Director of the Menominee Business Development Corporation, was also present. She wanted to introduce herself and let the City know she is available as an economic opportunity resource if needed.
Deputy Evan Lamb provided the Menominee County Sheriff’s Report.
City Assessor Felch provided the Assessor Report. He updated Council on assessed and taxable increases for the City for 2025.
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 Zahorik to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2025 regular meeting. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
A report regarding the Department of Public Works was presented by Supervisor Belec. The crew continues to work on brush removal, valve turning, and park openings. Well number 2 repairs are pending due to equipment delivery status.
Motion made by Council member Haight to approve the bills for payment (General Fund Disbursements totaling $111,807.33 for checks #26834 through #26890 and EFTs 273 (E) – 277 (E), and 1275 (E) – 1282 (E)). Council member White seconded. Motion carried.

AIRGAS USA, LLC 1,574.61

MML UNEMPLOYMENT FUND 24.36
AL MACCO 222.66 MUNICIPAL

EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM 7,951.00
ASTREA 99.95

NICOLET NATIONAL BANK 688.43
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN 4,187.43

NORTH CENTRAL LABORATORIES 591.62
BS & A SOFTWARE 1,489.00

NU-WAY CLEANERS 35.55
CELLCOM UP MI PCS 160.68

PAIDL’S DO IT BEST HARDWARE 86.94
CIVICPLUS LLC 2,237.50

POSTMASTER 326.00
CLOVERLAND DISTRIBUTING LLC 150.65

SCHAFF, JASMINE 141.18
DELTA DISPOSAL 90.00

SHAWN’S GARGE DOORS & OPENERS 1,775.00
DTE ENERGY 1,168.81

STATE OF MICHIGAN 5,346.35
GREEN IGNITE 720.00

STEPHENSON MARKETING CO-OP 384.98
JEN BASTIEN 36.05

STEVE SCHMIDT 40.00
JORDAN BELEC 40.00

THE STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY 9.44
KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 162.78

UP INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC. 11,856.73
KRIST OIL COMPANY 682.66

UPPER MI ENERGY RESOURCES CORP. 966.97
LUFT’S ADVERTISER 507.82

VSP 89.28
MENOMINEE COUNTY JOURNAL 284.20

WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE 44,710.05
MICH PUBLIC POWER AGENCY 188.19

WM CORPORATE SERVICES, INC. 238.77
MISCAUNO TAX ASSESSING LLC 638.75

PAYROLL AND TAXES 21,902.94

Josh Harju of UPEA provided updates, via email, on the Rural Development and Water Softening projects. He received the Pilot Study quote from Naser and is working on formalizing details that need to be submitted to EGLE for the water softening project. Technical specifications have been received from Dixon Engineering for the RD water tower project. State engineering approvals have been granted for both projects. Projects now move to loan approval before advertising for bids.
Council member Parrett continues plans for the Fourth of July Celebration. As the fireworks will be held on July 5th, it was decided to move the celebration from the 4th to the 5th. The Legion agrees with the change. Council member Parrett will contact the band. The City will handle advertising in the Menominee County Journal.
The 40101D grant application has been submitted and is pending.
The application for the Congressionally Directed Spending Request has been submitted and is pending.
The Menominee County Road Commission will be performing chip sealing in the City. The project is scheduled to start mid-July. Railroad Street from Samuel to River Road and River Road east to City limits, will be sealed. As they are classified as All Season Roads 80% of the cost will be covered by State funds.
Public Act 229 Energy Waste Reduction was reviewed. The City has until July 1st to opt in to the State’s administration program. Annual program and administration costs are estimated at $29,247.00 for the first year. The recommendation of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association is to opt in to the State’s administration program. The City does not have the resources nor expertise to administer the program on their own. Overall participation in PA229 is not optional.
Motion made by Council member Haight to adopt the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 proposed budget. Council member Zahorik seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member White to approve the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Millage Tax Rate. Council member Solander seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Zahorik to adopt Resolution 2025-03 City of Stephenson 2025/2026 General Appropriations Act. Council member Parrett seconded. Motion carried.
Motion made by Council member Parrett to adopt Resolution 2025-04 MDOT Category B Road Funding Request. Council member White seconded. Motion carried. Funds would be used for the rehabilitation of Homestead Street.
Motion made by Council member White to contribute $350.00 to the Veterans Memorial Day Fund. Council member Zahorik seconded. Motion carried.
There were no items for discussion.
Committee reports were given as follows:
Fire: Assistant Chief Brian White reported that their department meeting is next week. Goggles will be purchased with the remainder of the FEMA grant proceeds.
Streets: Street patching is pending on asphalt plant opening and Carlson Asphalt scheduling.
Parks: Mulch cost for playground area came in at $2,500.00 from Machalk’s. Council member Parrett will look at possibly using sand.
Utility: Motion made by Council member Parrett to relocate Everard Road power lines underground. Council member White seconded. Motion carried. The cost for tree removal/trimming came in at $8,000.00. Running lines underground will cost approximately $10,000.00. Underground lines will eliminate future trimming and repairs due to damage caused by trees.
Personnel: No report given.
Finance: Work to begin on budget amendments for the current fiscal year. Amendments must be approved before July 1st.
Insurance: The Worker’s Compensation renewal is being worked on.
Zoning: One fence permit has been issued.
Technology: Motion made by Council member Zahorik to accept Menza & Zak quote in the amount of $900.00 for exhaust fan installation in the server room. Council member Haight seconded. Motion carried.
Industrial Park: Mark Kleiman of Kleiman Forest Products has offered to do the wood chipping for the City at no charge.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.

Council member White moved for adjournment at 6:54 PM.

The next regular City council meeting will be held on June 5, 2025.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

Council Minutes Summary
The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $124,455.58 were approved.
Motion carried to accept Ayres Associates bid for 2025 bridge inspections in the amount of $2,750.00.
Motion carried to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
Motion carried to accept Carlson Asphalt quote in the amount of $8,985.00 for street patching. Highline Internet will be invoiced $2,045.00 of that amount for street damage from installation work last year.
Motion carried to purchase a lawn vacuum in the amount of $1,699.99 from Paidl’s Hardware.
Committee reports were given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held May 1, 2025. The Budget Hearing will be held prior at 5:45 PM.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $116,184.20 were approved.
Motion carried to accept a three-year contract with Menominee County and the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services at the cost of $20,000.00 per year.
Motion carried to support the Easter Egg Hunt with a $200.00 contribution.
Committee reports were given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held April 3, 2025.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $106,093.27 were approved.
Motion carried to accept Precision Technology Services LLC quote for City Hall security upgrades in the amount of $6,749.28.
Motion carried to apply for a 40101D grant for electrical system upgrades.
Motion carried to support UPSET with a $100.00 contribution.
Motion carried to opt in to PA95.
Committee reports were given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held March 6, 2025.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $89,049.79 were approved.
Motion carried to accept an alternate member for the Board of Review as presented by the Mayor.
Motion carried to adopt the Meeting Rules and Procedures.
Motion carried to adopt Resolution Number 2025-01 Golf Cart Use on City Streets.
Motion carried to opt out of the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act.
Committee reports were given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held February 6, 2025.
Committee reports were given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held January 2, 2025.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $98,168.91 were approved.
Motion carried to extend the tax exemption status of the American Legion to the former SAPS elementary school building.
Motion carried to accept committee and board appointments as presented by the Mayor.
Motion carried to accept 2025 Council Meeting Schedule.
Motion carried to accept the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Audit.
Motion carried to opt out of Public Act 95.
Motion carried to accept the Delta Disposal quote for waste removal services.
Committee reports were given.
There was no correspondence.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held January 2, 2025.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $128,625.65 were approved.
Motion carried to adopt Resolution #2024-06 Fire Department Deficit Elimination Plan.
Committee reports were given.
Correspondence was read.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held December 5, 2024.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $138,567.04 were approved.
Motion carried to accept Dixon Engineering & Inspection Services proposal for water tower inspection in the amount of $4,775.00.
Committee reports were given.
Correspondence was read.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held November 7, 2024.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $116,856.94 were approved.
Motion carried not to accept the proposal provided by Alpha Omega Utility Services.
Motion carried to accept the MDOT River Road Bridge Contract Modification.
Motion carried to support the National See Tracks? Think Train Week Proclamation.
Motion carried to contribute $1,500.00 to the Fall Festival.
Motion carried to set Halloween Trick or Treat hours from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on October 31st.
Motion carried to contribute $400.00 Community Promotion funds from the Fourth of July Fund to the Mid-County Horseshoe League for pit improvements at Firemen’s Park.
Motion carried to accept Phillippo Insurance proposal for Property and Liability Insurance in the amount of $25,521.00.
Committee reports were given.
Comments were received.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held October 3, 2024.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk

The regular council meeting convened at 6:00 PM.
A report was given by the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department.
A report was given by the City Assessor.
A report was given by the Department of Public Works.
Bills totaling $196,633.48 were approved.
Motion carried to adopt Resolution Number 2024-05 Deficit Elimination Plan for the Fire Department.
Motion carried to accept Carlson Asphalt LLC proposal for patching in the amount of $9,455.00.
Committee reports were given.
The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM.
The next regular City Council meeting will be held September 5, 2024.

Copies of City Council proceedings are available at City Hall during regular business hours.

Respectfully Submitted
Karma Tessmer, City Clerk