Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on May 13, 2026, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The Board adopted two zoning ordinances creating a New Neighborhood Residential Zoning District (NRZD) and rezoning 980 S. Herman Road from Agricultural to Neighborhood Residential, both by 5-0 roll-call votes. The Board also approved prior meeting minutes, April bills, the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report, and a tax waiver request.
Public Comments
Bill Queen, 979 Elm St., raised concerns about traffic safety at the Herman Rd & Elm intersection near the Township/Village border. He noted a Sheriff's Department speed sign reducing the limit from 55 to 25 mph, but said vehicles still travel over 35 mph. He described a narrowing road at a bridge crossing where pedestrians walk, and suggested the Township consider a Safety Action Plan and moving the "Reduce Speed" sign farther south to give drivers more distance to slow down before the school zone. He also noted increased traffic expected from Herman Park usage. Kate (Queen) added that her daughter, who has a disability and cannot drive, depends on walking and biking along the same road, and expressed concern about growing traffic risk.
A written comment from Mark Farquhar, entered into the record by Supervisor Periard, requested that the NRZD Text Amendment be tabled until the new Master Plan is in place.
Later in the meeting, Kate (Queen) returned to note that the newly passed Ordinances #1 and #2 would add roughly 64 housing units and significant new traffic to Herman Road, and asked whether the road commission would consider a roundabout at the intersection. Board members suggested she return for the June meeting when the road commission will be present to raise the idea directly.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board adopted Ordinance No. 1 of 2026 creating a New Neighborhood Residential Zoning District, and Ordinance No. 2 of 2026 rezoning 8.2 acres at 980 S. Herman Road from Agricultural to Neighborhood Residential. ZA Steve Patmore and Larry Mawby of Peninsula Housing provided background and answered questions before both ordinances passed by roll-call vote, 5 ayes, 0 nays. A Housing North presentation by Susan Leithause-Yee was scheduled but not discussed, as the representative was not present.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Park Manager Pontius submitted a written report, including plans to redesign the Herman Park disc golf course and quotes for fertilizer and two trailer options; both the fertilizer and trailer purchases were already approved in the budget.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer projects were discussed in this meeting.
Other Business
The Fire Authority report noted a 2% grant authorized for software and the hiring of two new staff, one EMT and one paramedic (in training). The Assessor's report was submitted and accepted. The Planning Commission is attending a Citizen Planner Webinar on its own initiative.
Financial Summary
The Board approved payment of April 2026 bills totaling $59,754.57. Treasurer Petroskey requested a Waiver & Consent to strike an unpaid personal property tax debt of $32.95 from 2016, a mandated five-year process; the motion passed.
Action Items
Kate (Queen) is expected to return to the June 10, 2026 Board meeting when the road commission will be present to discuss traffic concerns and a potential roundabout at Herman Rd & Elm. Housing North's Susan Leithause-Yee presentation remains pending due to her absence.