Summary
The packet covers the Suttons Bay Village Council's October 19, 2026 agenda along with minutes from the September 21, 2026 meeting that were presented for approval. At the September 21 meeting, President Lutke presided over a full council (Bahle, Christensen, Lutke, Perkins, Smith, Suppes, Yoder). The council approved the consent agenda (August 17 minutes and invoice payments, 7-0) and the agenda as presented (7-0). Key October 19 agenda items for discussion include proposed sewer and water rate increases and a proposed marina slip fee increase, alongside a manager's update covering the law enforcement contract, wastewater contract, and several marina and infrastructure projects.
Public Comments
At the September 21 meeting, Tim Lodge introduced himself as a candidate for Drain Commissioner, citing 35 years as a civil engineer and a goal of bringing transparency to the office. Bill Crackel thanked Manager Rob for information shared during the Elm Street walk-through and raised a concern about drainage on St. Mary's Street. The October 19 agenda referenced "enclosed correspondence" for public comment but no letters were summarized in the document.
Infrastructure Projects
Manager's Report VSB-2026-33 detailed several projects: a 3-year wastewater operations extension with Jacobs has been reached and is scheduled for signature. The Boaters Service and public restroom project (grant-funded) has had its structure backfilled with plumbing installed. Bids have been received for the Marina "A-Dock" project (grant-funded), but it has not yet been awarded while staff explores cost savings. The Coal Dock Shoreline project has a signed state agreement, with permits submitted to EGLE and the Army Corps of Engineers; completion is anticipated by May. Of two marina dredge permit applications, EGLE has approved one, with USACE signoff pending on both. Two of four planned infrastructure projects are complete (fire hydrant replacement on St. Marys and a water valve install at Sutton Park); a stormwater/flooding project at Village Hall and a bollard project (starting within two weeks) remain scheduled. Report VSB-2026-31 proposed sewer rate increases of 10% annually for 2027-2029 and 5% for 2030 (e.g., 5/8"-1" ready-to-serve rate rising from $17.00 to $23.76 by 2030; per-1,000-gallon cost from $6.63 to $9.63). Approved water rates for the same meter size rise from $13.77 (2026) to $20.94 (2029). Report VSB-2026-32 recommended, per Harbormaster Edie, raising Main Marina slip fees from $99 to $115 per foot and Coal Dock from $89 to $105 per foot for 2027; action requested was discussion/consensus, not a final vote.
Other Business
The Village is in an impasse with law enforcement over new out-of-Village charges and has engaged legal counsel; Manager clarified police service will continue regardless. A new DPW employee started October 19, 2026. Electronic/solar speed signs are budgeted for 2027 along Elm Street, S. Shore Drive, and St. Marys Street. The Village's ethics resolution (Resolution #2 of 2007) has been modified, reviewed by the personnel committee, and sent to legal. Grace Periard was recognized (Report VSB-2026-34) for an article published in Traverse Bay Lifestyles magazine. At the September meeting, President Lutke recommended forwarding the Manager's annual review to the administrative committee.
Financial Summary
The check register (9/15/2025–10/14/2025) totaled $660,903.75 across 89 checks, including $400,000.00 to Village of Suttons Bay, $127,071.88 to US Bank Bond Control, $30,801.98 to Abonmarche Consultants for Marina A-Dock Phase 1 engineering, $18,904.55 to Leelanau Cty Road Commission for chip-and-seal work, and $13,860.00 to Smith & Johnson Attorneys.
Action Items
- Manager to continue monitoring the law enforcement contract impasse with legal counsel and update council.
- Finalize signature on the 3-year Jacobs wastewater contract extension.
- Decide whether to award the Marina A-Dock project after evaluating cost-saving options.
- Begin the bollard project within two weeks; complete the stormwater project at Village Hall.
- Council to discuss/decide on proposed sewer rate increases and marina slip fee increases.
- Ethics resolution under legal review following personnel committee input.
- Administrative committee to review Manager's annual performance, achievements, and goals.