Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council, meeting October 19, 2026, approved its consent agenda, discussed proposed 2027 increases to sewer/water rates and marina slip fees, and awarded Village Manager Rob a $10,000 annual bonus. All votes recorded were 7-0 with no absences.
Public Comments
Chava Bahle thanked staff for their work and urged Council to lead with grace amid rising public discord, noting that grace allows for listening and wisdom beyond momentary arguments. Bill Crackel commented on the proposed slip rate and water rate increases; no response from Council was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Under Good of the Order, Councilmember Perkins suggested 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 suggestions only; no Council action or vote was taken.
Infrastructure Projects
The Utilities Committee reviewed and recommended a sewer/water rate increase of 10% for 2027, followed by 5% increases annually over the subsequent three years, citing rising regional costs. Council reached consensus to incorporate these increases into the 2027 budget, though no formal vote was recorded.
The Utilities Committee also reviewed a marina slip fee increase proposed by the Harbor Master and recommended its adoption, noting the new rates would keep Suttons Bay below most area marinas. Council consensus was to reflect these rates in the proposed 2027 budget; no formal vote was recorded.
Staff reported the Comfort Station project remains on schedule and the associated road has reopened.
Other Business
Council approved the agenda and consent agenda, including the September 21, 2026 meeting minutes, invoice payments, and reports VSB-2026-33 (Manager's Update) and VSB-2026-34 (Periard recognition), all by 7-0 vote. Christensen acknowledged this was Deb Smith's final meeting, praising her as an asset to Council; Smith expressed it had been an honor serving.
Financial Summary
- Proposed sewer/water rate increase: 10% in 2027, then 5% annually for three years thereafter; recommended for inclusion in the 2027 budget.
- Marina slip fee increase recommended by the Harbor Master and Utilities Committee; to be reflected in the 2027 budget.
- Manager's annual bonus of $10,000 approved by 7-0 vote, based on project management, grant-seeking, budgeting, and staff leadership.
Action Items
- Incorporate the proposed sewer/water rate increases into the 2027 budget.
- Incorporate the proposed marina slip fee increases into the 2027 budget.
- No formal follow-up assigned regarding Perkins' suggestions on the BATA bus stop, EV charging station, or Waterwheel Park signage.