Summary
The document combines the agenda for the November 17, 2025 Suttons Bay Village Council meeting with minutes from the prior October 20, 2025 meeting and three staff reports prepared for the November session. At the October 20 meeting, the council (Bahle, Smith, Suppes, Christensen, Perkins, Yoder present; Lutke absent) approved the consent agenda, amended the agenda to add a Waterwheel Park discussion, and addressed the St Mary's parking project and park maintenance. For the November 17 meeting, staff proposed 2025 budget amendments and recommended scheduling a Truth in Taxation hearing and a 2026 budget public hearing, both for December 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
Public Comments
Will Case thanked the DPW for reinstalling a sculpture created by Bob Sweeny and offered to donate a second one he owns. He also described Waterwheel Park's features (9 waterfalls, 9 ponds, an 11-foot drop) and suggested keeping one side of the creek natural once invasive species are removed. Jared Pontius asked whether his storm water runoff problem could be addressed alongside the St Mary's improvement project, thanked Deputy Neumann for his presence, and asked that pollinators remain near the creek bed. Bill Crackel said Waterwheel Park should remain accessible for children, noted 5 houses would be disrupted by the St Mary's improvements, and said he would have to undo backyard improvements to provide parking. Chava Bahle shared results of an informal survey finding residents view the Village as friendly, caring, safe, and fun.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Smith reported the Planning Commission discussed the lack of affordable housing, ADUs, and allowing two-family housing in the Village. No decision or vote was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Perkins raised concerns that Waterwheel Park signage was unwelcoming and that non-indigenous plantings, including autumn olive, were overtaking the stream banks. Staff explained the plantings stabilize the banks; DPW plans to trim vegetation to about a foot high, with spring eradication of autumn olive and purple loosestrife, while preserving a 4-foot natural buffer around the creek. Council members expressed satisfaction with the park improvements and support for continuing the existing plan.
Infrastructure Projects
The St Mary's on-street parking project (Report VSB-2025-28) calls for restoring grass and returning to parallel parking on part of the 400 block; a French drain must be removed first, and the project is expected to begin in spring pending a contractor quote. The check register shows ongoing marina work, including a $7,398.50 payment to Abonmarche Consultants for Marina A-Dock Phase 1 engineering.
Other Business
Manager Rob Larrea gave a project update and fielded questions on future Elm Street plans. Deputy Neumann presented police statistics, describing the Village as peaceful, and thanked Sheriff Borkovich and Under Sheriff Kiessel. Trustee Perkins suggested planting fewer red maples in favor of basswood or sugar maples.
Financial Summary
Report VSB-2025-35 recommends adopting 2025 year-end budget amendments reflecting revenue of $3,580,507 and expenses of $4,212,665, a $632,158 difference attributed to planned spending on the Elm Street project, the marina/public bathroom project, and a new plow truck; the motion requires a roll call vote. The check register for October 15–November 12, 2025 totals 82 checks for $114,292.42.
Action Items
Council to hold a special meeting December 2, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. for the Truth in Taxation hearing (Report VSB-2025-36) and the 2026 budget public hearing (Report VSB-2025-37). DPW to trim Waterwheel Park vegetation and plan spring invasive species removal. Village awaiting a contractor quote for the St Mary's parking project, expected to begin in spring; note continued Planning Commission attention to affordable housing and two-family housing options.