STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Council on Monday night, on consideration by their legal staff, held a reconsideration of Resolution 2024-32, which passed by a narrow 4 to 3 vote in April.
The resolution addresses city government transition following a vote in April that eliminated the city manager form of government.
City staff recommended a reconsideration of the resolution due to the close vote in April. Staff says although a majority of the quorum voted in favor, a majority of the aldermen did not.
Councilor Kevin Forrester was concerned about the resolution, albeit it will only be temporary.
After more than an hour of testimony, the resolution once again passed on a slim 4 to 3 vote, with Councilor Forrester joining Aaron Jordan and Tony Dargatz voting no. Due to the fact one council seat was empty due to Angela Wilkerson serving as mayor, this time the majority of the body passed the issue.
Sturgis City Attorney Mark Marshall explained this resolution is needed to keep city government flowing during a transition to a strong mayor form of government that may or may not include a city administrator.
Councilor Kevin Forrester had wanted to push the resolution to after the new council was seated. However, Marshall advised the council it needed to be voted on under old business by the outgoing council.
In fact, newly sworn in council member Ruth Kopp attempted to bring back the resolution under new business, but was told by City Attorney Mark Marshall and Mayor Angela Wilkerson the issue could not be brought back for discussion following its successful passage under old business. The action brought a requested executive session by councilor Jim Thompson. After another hour of executive session, the council emerged and moved on with new business.
