Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on January 14, 2026, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The board approved December minutes and bills totaling $32,784.17, tabled a Land Division Appeal discussion to February, and approved DNR Grant Resolution 2026-01 by roll call vote (all ayes). No public comment was offered during the initial comment period.
Public Comments
No public comment was made during the first public comment period. During the second public comment period, Jared Pontius noted he had found a potential grant of up to $15,000 that might fit the playground project at Herman Park. Trustee Slocombe also mentioned the Oleson Grant, which is due in February, as another possible funding source. No board action was taken on these items at this meeting; they were raised as possibilities for future consideration.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Manager Pontius submitted a written report noting the ice rink has been "up and down." No December meeting was held, so no minutes were submitted for that month. Separately, during public comment, Pontius raised a possible grant of up to $15,000 for the Herman Park playground, and Slocombe mentioned the Oleson Grant application deadline in February.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer infrastructure items were discussed at this meeting.
Other Business
Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore submitted a written report and discussed the Cherry Beach Orchards Project; the Drakes requested the discussion be tabled until the Planning Commission's February meeting. A Planning Commission Subcommittee met this week to review the required View Shed Analysis. Treasurer Petroskey reported from the Fire Authority meeting (1/13/26) that Mark Bowen was appointed Assistant Fire Chief and that grievances were heard. Assessor Gunnar Brow submitted a written report addressing the Land Division Appeal item. The Land Division Appeal discussion was postponed to the February board meeting on a motion by Carlson, seconded by Petroskey. Trustee Carlson shared details on the MTA conference (April, at the GT Resort) and suggested the board budget for trustees to attend, noting a seminar on park inspections will be offered.
Financial Summary
The board approved payment of December bills totaling $32,784.17 (motion by Petroskey, second by Slocombe, passed). DNR Grant Resolution 2026-01 was approved by roll call vote, all ayes. Potential grant funding was discussed but not approved: up to $15,000 for the Herman Park playground and the Oleson Grant (application due February).
Action Items
- Land Division Appeal discussion moved to the February board meeting.
- Cherry Beach Orchards Project discussion tabled to the February Planning Commission meeting at the Drakes' request; View Shed Analysis review ongoing via subcommittee.
- Board to consider budgeting for trustee attendance at the April MTA conference, per Carlson's suggestion.
- Follow up on potential grants: up to $15,000 for Herman Park playground (identified by Jared Pontius) and the Oleson Grant application due in February (raised by Slocombe).