By Dennis Volkert
City of Sturgis soon will embark on setting goals for 2024.
Recently, city manager Andrew Kuk provided Sturgis Sentinel will a recap of notable projects from 2023.
It was a transitional year, Kuk said, involving turnover on the city commission.
In March, Kuk was named city manager. He had work as assistant city manager for 15 years, and had served the interim role after former manager Mike Hughes departed.
Also in March, Travis Klinger announced his resignation as a commissioner, effective April 26. Emmanuel Nieves was selected by the board for that seat in May. In fall of ’23, Brandon Kinsey resigned, and served through October. Alan Albarran was named as successor for that seat in Precinct 2.
In November, the board appointed Frank Perez as mayor. Jeff Mullins held that position isince 2021.
Kuk noted several major projects that were undertaken or completed in 2023, including the Franks Avenue-East Lafayette roundabout; upgrade on West Congress Street and other road improvements; and a splash pad and updated parking area at Thurston Woods Park.
“The splash pad is of course a community project that would not have been possible without widespread support and donations from key community stakeholders,” Kuk said. “We look forward to opening it up this year to the families of the Sturgis area.”
The topic that had most major impact on decision-making was the situation with Sturgis Hospital, Kuk said.
“We are pleased to bring our end of the situation to a conclusion and pleased that the outcome has resulted in new opportunity to keep and hopefully expand our critical local health care system into the future,” he said.
In 2024, city officials look forward to the completion of the Watershed project in downtown Sturgis. That is expected to bring new dining and housing options to the community.
City officials also hope to complete the North Franks Avenue extension between Doyle Community Center and the roundabout , and a proposal to improve condition of parking lots in the downtown area.
“Beyond that, we are excited to welcome new businesses to Sturgis and continue efforts for growth and development in the community.”
In addition to Kuk’s recap and assessment, vice mayor Aaron Miller offered a “wish list” for 2024. It includes continued progress on paving and resurfacing of streets.
“Largely thanks to the millage that city residents voted to renew in 2022, that’s going to continue and those dollars are being put to work and will keep getting put to work,” Miller told the Sentinel.
Another goal for 2024, and beyond, is housing, Miller said.
Initiatives in recent years have come to fruition, he said, including success of a subdivision in the Merribe Street area.
The city has had a good partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program both for constructing new homes on cleared lots and renovating housing acquired by the city or the organization directly, Miller said.
“Apartments have also been popping up downtown, thanks to the work of local developers who care about Sturgis,” Miller said. “My wish is for all those good things to blossom more and create more opportunities around the corner.”