Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council's substantive discussion in this document comes from the August 17, 2026 regular meeting (President Lutke presiding), with additional material from Manager's Report VSB-2026-20 prepared for the September 21, 2026 meeting. The consent agenda (July 20 minutes, invoices) and the meeting agenda passed 6-0 (Absent: Smith). The central debate was a proposed hydrological study tied to Elm Street/culvert flooding concerns; a motion to proceed failed 1-6. The Manager's update reported ongoing wastewater and law enforcement contract negotiations, marina grant progress, and a $91,877.00 (per staff report) / $91,875 (per Manager's report) state grant for Coal Dock shoreline restoration.
Public Comments
At the August 17 meeting: Bill Queen and Mike Jarvis spoke on the condition and traffic/speed on the Elm Street bridge. Judy Walters read written correspondence from Matt Farquhar on the Elm Street Bridge, pedestrian safety and traffic calming, and separately spoke on pedestrian safety. Chava Bahle spoke on communication and listening. Kathy Egan urged collaboration with outside agencies. After the vote, additional public comment included Bill Crackel (asked whether the drain commission was consulted), Kathy Egan (opposed blocking topics, asked why the whole watershed wasn't considered), Kate Fairman (pedestrian safety concerns given future development), Sharon Sutterfield (noted the study option wasn't closed, just delayed), Lynn Brach (urged more urgency, feels the issue keeps being deferred), Mike Jarvis (appreciated the process), and Bill Queen (stressed collaboration with the Township). Two written emails from Judy Walter were also submitted: one requesting microphone use by council/public and no phone use during meetings, and a request for a timeline on the Elm Street culvert/sidewalk project; a second suggesting "speed tables" (used on Peninsula Dr.) be considered for S. Elm Street to reduce speeding.
Infrastructure Projects
Elm Street/Culvert: Bahle moved, Perkins seconded, to proceed with a hydrological study; Roll Call: Perkins-Yes, Yoder/Suppes/Bahle/Christensen/Lutke-No (1-6), motion failed. Council members expressed varied views: Christensen favored a future Village-led study with coordinated scope rather than the 2020 proposal; Suppes deferred to the Manager; Yoder cited past policy of research/review/recommend. Manager Larrea confirmed engineering work continues on Elm Street with no pedestrian improvements yet addressed. Wastewater: Manager negotiating a 3-year contract extension with Jacobs. Marina: Boaters Service/restroom project (grant-funded) under construction, targeting spring completion despite flooding/dewatering issues; Marina "A-Dock" Phase II grant went to bid August 13, awaiting results; two marina dredge projects planned (minor for A-Dock, full dredge pending permit and cost estimates). Coal Dock Shoreline grant received August 10, 2026. Port Sutton/TART: Village, TART and MDOT discussing a speed analysis at the northern TART crossing on M22 per HOA request. Front Street: ongoing discussion of converting Dame-to-Madison segment to two-way as a pilot, to go to committee.
Other Business
Manager's Annual Review was listed as a new business agenda item for September 21; no discussion details recorded. Law enforcement contract negotiations continue with limited optimism. Ethics rules review underway to clarify existing conflict-of-interest provisions.
Financial Summary
State grant for Coal Dock shoreline: $91,877.00 (per August minutes) / $91,875 (per Manager's report), requiring a 20% Village match (~$18,000), split between ~$5,700 in-kind staff work and ~$11,700 cash. Check register (Aug 14-Sept 16, 2026) totals: $107,806.45 gross disbursements less 2 void checks, netting $106,855.99 across 82 checks.
Action Items
Lutke requested the Elm Street/traffic-calming topic be placed on the next meeting agenda. Bahle asked that council members be allowed to request agenda items. Manager to continue negotiating Jacobs wastewater contract and law enforcement contract. Manager continuing State grant implementation planning for shoreline project (target April/May 2027). Manager reviewing VC rules for ethics amendments.