Standish council votes to pursue lease of Sterling Area Health Center parking; mayor abstains for conflict

The Standish City Council voted Dec. 9 to pursue a year‑to‑year lease of parking parcels owned by Sterling Area Health Center to provide additional downtown event parking. City staff said the lot—currently gravel and recently cleared of buildings by the clinic—offers substantial capacity and that the city would absorb liability under its insurance policy if a lease is reached. The proposed terms discussed included a possible lease payment of $3,000 per year, Department of Public Works snow removal (with DDA assistance possible), and a clause terminating the lease if the clinic chooses to build on or sell the property; the DDA would have the first option to make an offer in such a case.

Councilor Lincoln moved and Councilor Fleszar supported a motion to pursue the lease and to bring formal lease documents back for council consideration. The roll-call vote recorded YEAS from Chris Niernberg, Link, Spencer, Fleszar and Lincoln; there were no NAYS, Councilor Myers was absent, and Mayor Kevin King recorded an abstention citing a conflict of interest. The motion carried, authorizing staff to initiate negotiations with the clinic and return proposed lease terms to council for approval.