Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on July 15, 2026, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The board approved past minutes with an edit, paid bills totaling $40,909.77, approved an updated assessing contract, appointed a new Board of Review member, and granted short-term use of a park parking lot for a private driveway project.
Parks and Recreation Matters
A written report from Jared Pontius noted that grants and private donations totaling $58,000 have been raised for the Herman Park playground. The report also mentioned consideration of a Beginners Court for pickleball players, with SKEDA serving as the online scheduler for court reservations. Trustee Slocombe said the Parks & Recreation committee plans to set up a table in front of Bahle’s, and possibly a second at the Suttons Bay Art Festival, to promote and raise funds for the Herman Park playground.
Separately, the board approved (motion by Slocombe, second by Carlson) allowing Kammeron Bennetts to use the South Herman Park parking lot as a short-term staging area for excavating materials needed to build a 12’ x 600’ driveway to access their property. Treasurer Petroskey required the Bennetts and their excavating company to add the Township to their liability insurance for the project’s duration. The project is expected to take 3–4 days and must be completed no later than September 15, 2026.
Other Business
The Planning & Zoning report noted no meeting in July, with the next meeting set for August 4. A Circuit Court case on a land division was decided in favor of the exempt split and is not being appealed; questions remain about how many additional splits can be made. The Fire Authority meeting featured a presentation by Larry Mawby. The Assessor’s Report was not available this month.
Under New Business, Larry Mawby spoke on behalf of Susan Leithauser regarding Peninsula Housing, noting a TIF plan will be presented first to the Brownfield Authority, then the Township, then the County. The board also approved an increased Michigan Assessing contract (up $179 annually), adding “at-will” termination language with 60- or 90-day notice by either party (motion by Carlson, second by Moe). Jacob “Jocco” Van Dijk was appointed to the open Board of Review seat beginning August 2026 (motion by Slocombe, second by Petroskey), with board members citing strong community support and his connection as Larry Mawby’s neighbor.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer projects were discussed, aside from the Bennetts’ private driveway construction, which is addressed under Parks and Recreation Matters as a parking lot usage issue rather than a township infrastructure project.
Financial Summary
- Bills paid: $40,909.77 (approved, motion by Slocombe, second by Moe).
- Herman Park playground funding: $58,000 raised via grants and private donations.
- Michigan Assessing contract: annual fee increased by $179, with new “at-will” termination clause approved.
Action Items
- Clerk Moe to review previous assessing contracts for comparison of wording.
- Bennetts and excavating company must add Township to liability insurance before beginning driveway project; work must be completed by September 15, 2026.
- TIF plan for Peninsula Housing to proceed through Brownfield Authority, then Township, then County review.
- Jacob “Jocco” Van Dijk to begin Board of Review service in August 2026.