11/12/2025 - Suttons Bay Township | Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Suttons Bay Township Board meeting held on November 12, 2025, addressed key topics including public comments regarding the ice rink, updates from various departments, approval of prior meeting minutes and bills, and discussions around park closures and road commission funding. Decisions made included the approval of bills and plans for winter park closure, along with necessary budgeting for road repairs.

Public Comments

Bill Perkins, a resident, spoke about the ice rink, advocating for its paving to facilitate basketball in the summer and improve winter ice preparations. His proposals aim to provide a safe recreational space for local youth, promoting health and a positive environment.

Parks and Recreation Matters

- The Parks & Recreation report highlighted successful fundraising from a golf outing, generating $6,600 for playground improvements at Herman Park. - Plans for the winter closure of Herman Park were discussed, emphasizing limited plowing, no access to walkways, and the removal of gates in the dog park to minimize winter damage. - The board has reserved funding for benches but has yet to secure storage for winter; purchases are expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Infrastructure Projects

- Discussion on road infrastructure focused on the need for funding repairs on Lover's Lane, as identified by the Leelanau County Road Commission. - The township will set aside 13% of costs for the road repair since initial NRF funding has been denied, with uncertainty regarding the timeline for MDOT funding.

Other Business

- Approval of the previous meeting minutes from October 8, 2025, and the payment of bills amounting to $58,981.32 were both unanimously passed. - No conflicts of interest or additional comments were noted from board members during the meeting.

Financial Summary

- Approved payment set at $58,981.32 for current bills. - A budget implication was noted with the need to reserve funds for the ongoing winterization of parks and road repair funding.

Action Items

- Follow-up on the paving proposal for the ice rink as suggested by Bill Perkins. - Ensure the purchase and storage of benches for Herman Park by March 31, 2026. - Monitor updates regarding the road funding situation with the Morris Lane repairs, keeping the community informed on potential MDOT funding availability.