Minutes (Planning Commission)

The Village of Suttons Bay Planning Commission convened its regular meeting on November 13, 2024, at 420 N. Front Street, Suttons Bay, MI. The meeting commenced at 5:00 p.m. with Vice Chairperson Pontius presiding. All members except Hetler were present, along with staff members Petroskey, Patmore, and Kopriva. The agenda was approved with amendments, and no conflicts of interest were reported. The minutes from the special meeting on October 9, 2024, were also approved unanimously. The primary focus of the meeting was on new business, specifically zoning amendments related to Section 5-3 Bayview Stories and Section 9-13 Wireless Communications. Planner Kopriva highlighted the need to adjust the minimum stories requirement in the Bayview District from 1.5 to 1, reflecting past practices and suggesting no detriment to the district. Additionally, the wireless communications ordinance was updated to align with state law, allowing for administrative approval of co-located equipment on existing towers without a special use permit.

Following the public hearing, which saw no public comments, the commission reviewed the proposed text amendments against the criteria in Section 18-3. The findings supported the amendments, noting that they clarify the ordinance’s intent, correct errors, address changes in state legislation, and promote compliance with state regulations. The amendments were deemed consistent with the district’s intent and character, not creating incompatible land uses, and supported by relevant documentation. The commission unanimously approved recommending these amendments to the Village Council for adoption. Other agenda items included the proposed 2025 Planning Commission Budget, which was recommended for adoption, and the 2025 meeting schedule, setting Planning Commission meetings for the third Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings for the second Wednesday.

The meeting also addressed Planning Commission priorities, with members rating the importance and time frame for achieving goals in the Village Master Plan, covering Housing, Natural Resources, and Transportation. The remaining categories were scheduled for discussion at the next meeting. Reports included updates from the Zoning Administration and the Village Council, with D. Smith noting a contract with Abonmarche for the design and construction oversight of the new Marina and public restrooms. The meeting concluded at 6:50 p.m., with the next regular meeting set for December 11, 2024, to continue the Master Plan review of priorities.