Kuk receives high marks as city manager

STURGIS - Confidence in Sturgis City Manager Andrew Kuk was reflected Wednesday in the results of his annual performance evaluation.

Mayor Frank Perez said Kuk received a positive review of his work as city manager during a recent closed session. The city manager's performance evaluation is a constructive review of the city manager’s performance during a given time, using 33 questions to determine the strength of Kuk's work. Each question has five possible measurements, from rarely meeting expectations to performing above and beyond.

City officials who spoke agreed Kuk goes above and beyond in his duties.

"Andrew has done a phenomenal job," Perez said.

Vice Mayor Aaron Miller said that managers like Kuk "are extremely rare."

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"His commitment to the city of Sturgis is unwavering," Miller said, adding that Kuk's approach to his job is "unrivaled."

"We're very lucky to have you," Miller said to Kuk.

Perez said Kuk's commitment to public service was reflected in his desire for a smaller salary than what was proposed.

"Andrew's salary was not one he agreed to," Perez said. "He accepted a whole lot less. He told us, 'I am not going to ask more than normal.' That says a lot about our city manager and his character."

Kuk thanked the commission and staff for their kind words.

Before his current role, Kuk served as assistant city manager. He was promoted to interim city manager in December 2022 when then-manager Michael Hughes accepted a new opportunity in the private sector. He was hired as the permanent city manager in April 2023.

In other business, the city commission approved the use of Oaklawn Park for the annual Homegrown Music and Arts Festival, set for for Saturday, Aug. 10.

The commission also voted to opt in to a settlement agreement against Kroger over its role in the opioid epidemic.

The estimate from the Michigan Attorney General shows that based on the agreement with Kroger, the city would receive about $12,160.23 over 11 years.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Kuk receives high marks as city manager