CITY OF SOUTHGATE
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
March 4, 2026
122 Electric Ave
Call to Order: Mayor Hamberg called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm
The following answered roll call: Council Members: Okura, Melville, Messmer, Curry, Hartman, and Whitehead were present. Also present: City Clerk Barton, Police Chief Christmann, Public Works Foreman Bowman, City Attorney Stewart, Finance Director/Treasure Edgley, and Assistant Fire Chief Muench.
Public Comments: Stephanie Huhn with Bramel & Ackley presented the audit for 6/30/25. There was a motion to accept the audit. Motion/Second: Messmer/Curry. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Approval of meeting minutes 2/18/26. Motion/Second: Melville/Okura. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Public Works: Council Member Melville said Public Works Dept. is patching streets where needed. Shaler can’t be repaired until the weather improves. Public Works Foreman Arvil Bowman had no report.
Public Safety: Council Member Messmer had no report. Police Chief Christmann gave a year end report for 2025. He said that the new police officer Matthew Barnett will be going to the police academy next week. Assistant Fire Chief Muench said the vehicles needed $40,000 in repairs. The Fire Dept. will get a list to Council Member Whitehead for items needed to be repaired at the firehouse. Scott Zimmerman was introduced as the new Fire Dept. President.
Code Enforcement: Council Member Curry said there were 8 new cases, 50 open cases and $2,200 in fines issued. There is a Code Enforcement Board meeting on April 16.
Community Relations & Recreation: Council Member Okura said the next Park & Tree Board meeting is Mar. 9, St. Therese Mother’s Club Social is Mar. 13 & 14. Arbor Day celebration is Apr 24.
Public Buildings: Council Member Whitehead said the railing behind the City building has been repaired. The new sign in the foyer at the community center was installed.
Finance and Administration: Council Member Hartman reviewed the payables. There was a motion to approve the January financials. Motion/Second: Hartman/Okura. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Finance Director Edgley said the City has six months of operations in reserves. January financials reflect 58% through budget. City Clerk Barton had no report.
City Attorney Stewart had no report, but read the following:
Ordinance 26-01 Amend Ch. 152 to update IMPC and National Fire code. There was a motion to approve. Motion/Second: Melville/Curry. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
Ordinance 26-02 Adopt regulation of operations for Community Center. There was a motion to approve. Motion/Second: Melville/Messmer. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0
Resolution 26-03 Authorize Mayor to sign interlocal agreement with SWAT. There was a motion to approve. Motion/Second: Curry/Okura. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0
Old Business: Council Member Curry asked about the Public Works Laborer position. Mayor Hamberg said there is a candidate going through the process now. We may have someone by next council meeting.
New Business: No other new business.
Payment of Vouchers: Check vouchers #36055-36082 were presented for Council’s review.
Mayor & Council Comments: none.
Announcements: none.
Adjournment: There being no further business, Motion to adjourn. Motion/Second: Melville/Whitehead. Approved by vote: Aye 6 Nay 0.
James Hamberg, Mayor
Brandi Barton, City Clerk