Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on February 17, 2026, with President Lutke presiding. Council approved the consent agenda, entered into a contract with Machin Engineering for marina dredging services, appointed Carol Bawden to the Library Board, and adopted Ordinance No. Z-2026-01 regarding EVSE station language. All votes carried 4-0 with Smith, Suppes, and Yoder absent.
Public Comments
Nellie Danke, Director of the Suttons Bay Bingham Library, spoke in support of appointing Carol Bawden to the Library Board. Kelly Slater, speaking on behalf of Green Suttons Bay, announced the group's plans for a Village beautification day on May 9th. Bill Crackel raised a concern about snow piles in municipal parking areas along the 400 block, noting he had already contacted the DPW about the issue. Cindy Millns of Bayside Gallery and the Suttons Bay Chamber thanked the Village for its assistance with Yeti Fest. A letter of interest from resident Carol Bawden was also received regarding her Library Board appointment.
Infrastructure Projects
Harbor Master Edie Aylsworth reported that marina dredging engineering services were not originally budgeted, but funds are available through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). She noted lake levels are low and are predicted to drop an additional 5-7 inches below last year's levels. Christensen moved, Bahle seconded, and the Council carried a motion to enter into a contract with Machin Engineering for Dredge Plan and Specs, Joint Permitting, and Bidding Services, for a fee not to exceed $22,900.00. Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3.
Other Business
Council appointed Carol Bawden to the Suttons Bay Bingham Library Board following a motion by Christensen, seconded by Bahle (Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3). Council also adopted Ordinance No. Z-2026-01 (Amendment No. 18 of Ordinance 2 of 2018) regarding EVSE station language, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission at its November meeting. This was approved by roll call vote: Christensen-Yes, Bahle-Yes, Perkins-Yes, Lutke-Yes (Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3). Perkins reported that the Solid Waste Committee will be discussing the recycling program with other municipalities and may introduce a recyclable food waste program. No Planning Commission report was given. Staff reports were presented in written form.
Financial Summary
The Council approved a contract with Machin Engineering not to exceed $22,900.00 for marina dredging engineering services. Although this expense was not originally budgeted, funds are available through the Village's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Action Items
Council directed no explicit follow-up deadlines, but noted items to monitor: the Solid Waste Committee's ongoing discussions with municipalities regarding recycling and a potential recyclable food waste program (Perkins), and the DPW's response to snow pile concerns raised by Bill Crackel along the 400 block municipal parking areas.