Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on October 20, 2026, with President Lutke presiding and all members present. Council approved the consent agenda, including September minutes and invoice payments, and reached consensus to incorporate proposed sewer/water and marina slip fee increases into the 2027 budget. The Council also approved a $10,000 annual bonus for the Village Manager.
Public Comments
Chava Bahle thanked staff for their work and urged Council to lead with grace amid increasing public discord. Bill Crackel commented on the proposed slip rate and water rate increases, though no specific response from Council was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The Utilities Committee reviewed a proposed sewer/water rate increase of 10% for 2027, followed by 5% annually over the subsequent three years, recommending it be incorporated into the 2027 budget; Council reached consensus to do so, noting other regional communities have similarly raised rates due to rising costs of service.
The Utilities Committee also reviewed a marina slip fee increase recommended by the Harbor Master, which Council agreed to include in the 2027 budget. Staff noted the new rates would keep Suttons Bay below most area marinas.
Staff reported the Comfort Station project remains on schedule and the associated road has reopened.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Perkins suggested under Good of the Order that BATA permanently relocate its bus stop to Fourth Street, that an EV charging station be installed, and that signs be removed at Waterwheel Park. These were offered as suggestions, with no Council vote taken.
Other Business
Council approved the agenda as presented (7-0). No conflicts of interest were declared. Christensen recognized outgoing member Deb Smith for her service during her final meeting, and Smith expressed appreciation for the experience.
Financial Summary
- Sewer/water rates: proposed 10% increase for 2027, plus 5% annually over three years thereafter; to be included in 2027 budget.
- Marina slip fees: increase recommended by the Harbor Master, to be reflected in the 2027 budget; rates would remain below most area marinas.
- Manager's bonus: $10,000 approved (7-0) based on performance in project management, grant-seeking, budgeting, and staff leadership.
Action Items
- Incorporate proposed sewer/water rate increases (10% for 2027, 5% annually for three years after) into the 2027 budget.
- Incorporate proposed marina slip fee increases into the 2027 budget.
- Consider Perkins' suggestions regarding BATA bus stop relocation, EV charging station installation, and sign removal at Waterwheel Park.