Minutes (Village Council)

The Village of Suttons Bay held its council meeting on May 19, 2025, at 5:30 a.m., with President Lutke presiding. All council members were present, and the meeting began with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the April 21, 2025, meeting and the payment of invoices. The agenda was also approved unanimously, setting the stage for the discussions and decisions to follow. Public comments were heard, with residents expressing interest in the natural bridge forming between the coal dock and the south pier, support for EV charging stations, and appreciation for the Department of Public Works’ efforts.

A key agenda item was the recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to increase water rates, as detailed in report VSB-2025-17. The council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2025-01, which amends the Village Fee Schedule to reflect the 2025 water rate increases. These increases were designed to be incremental to avoid a significant immediate burden on residents. Staff reports were presented, and various council members shared their thoughts during the Good of the Order segment, including support for moving forward with the water rate increases and a request for a report on the number of short-term rentals in the village.

Public comments during the latter part of the meeting further emphasized the community’s appreciation for the incremental approach to raising water rates. The meeting concluded at 5:45 p.m., with the minutes prepared by Dorothy Petroskey, the Village Clerk. The session highlighted the village’s commitment to infrastructure improvements and community engagement, as well as the proactive steps being taken to address utility costs and other local issues.