Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on December 10, 2025, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The board approved November minutes and bills, adopted a sick leave policy under state ESTA mandate Resolution #14, approved 2026 meeting dates, reappointed several committee members, and reviewed reports on planning, parks, fire authority, and assessing.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at either public comment period during the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Jared Pontius submitted a written Parks & Recreation report. The ice rink tarp was rolled out and leaks were filled. The DNR awarded a Recreation Grant of $105,000, requiring $45,000 in matching funds, to be used toward the HP playground. The Garden Club plans to submit a grant application to the Michigan Wildflower Association for native wildflowers and plants for a rain garden at HP.
The board discussed the Park Ordinance regarding hunting after residents requested hunting signage at HP during hunting season. Because the MNRTF Grant requires the Township to allow hunting in HP, the board discussed posting a general sign noting hunting is allowed, encouraging hunter/walker awareness and etiquette.
The board also discussed committee appointments: Parks & Rec still needs one additional board member and one substitute. Motion by Carlson, seconded by Petroskey, reappointed Kevin Weber and John Clark to the Planning Commission for 3-year terms expiring December 31, 2028; motion passed. Motion by Slocombe, seconded by Petroskey, reappointed Jeff Slocombe and Chris Branson to the Zoning Board of Review; motion passed.
Other Business
The board discussed the appeal process for land division; paperwork was sent to the Township attorney for review, with findings and recommendations on 10-year redivision rights to be added to the January 2026 agenda. Trustees discussed the ESTA mandate; motion by Slocombe to support Resolution #14, granting 1 hour of banked sick time per 30 hours worked, seconded by Carlson, passed by roll call vote (all ayes). Petroskey then moved to adopt the sick leave policy, seconded by Carlson; motion passed. Motion by Petroskey, seconded by Slocombe, permitted the Township Treasurer to collect summer school tax for Suttons Bay and Leland; motion passed. Motion by Slocombe, seconded by Petroskey, approved 2026 meeting dates as the second Wednesday of each month; motion passed. Trustee Carlson submitted the Suttons Bay/Bingham District Library Audit under Board Member Comments.
Financial Summary
Motion by Slocombe, seconded by Moe, approved payment of November 2025 bills totaling $27,314.30; motion carried. The DNR awarded a $105,000 Recreation Grant requiring $45,000 in Township matching funds for the HP playground project.
Action Items
Township attorney to review land division appeal paperwork and report findings/recommendations on 10-year redivision rights at the January 2026 Board meeting. Parks & Rec Committee needs to fill one board member vacancy and one substitute position. Garden Club to submit a grant application to the Michigan Wildflower Association for HP rain garden plants.