Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met December 17, 2025, with Vice-Chairperson Pontius presiding in the absence of Feringa and Hetler. The commission approved a text amendment allowing EV charging stations as an accessory use and recommended it to the Village Council for adoption, and conditionally approved the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) Campus Expansion Project site plan.
Public Comments
Fred Sitkins thanked the Village for its cooperation in reaching conditional approval of the ISEA project, and later thanked the commission again after the vote. Sally Somali, an ISEA volunteer and former board member, spoke in favor of the project. During the public hearing on the EV charging station amendment, Larry Mawby encouraged the commission to recommend adoption of the proposed language to the Village Council. No written communications were noted, and no opposing comments were recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The commission held a public hearing (opened 5:05 p.m., closed 5:06 p.m.) on a proposed amendment to Article 2, Article 10, and Article 20 allowing EV charging stations as an accessory use. After reviewing the Article 18-3 criteria, F. Smith moved and M. Campbell seconded to recommend the Village Council adopt the amendment; motion carried 5-0.
The ISEA Campus Expansion Project was approved by the commission (D. Smith moved, F. Smith seconded, carried 5-0) subject to: 1) ZBA approval of a variance for build-to/setback along Dame Street, with no guarantee of ZBA approval implied; 2) approval of all outside agency permits (water, sewer, stormwater, roads, fire, soil erosion, EGLE), with no guarantee they will be granted; and 3) approval by fire and DPW for removal of secondary access to the site. It was noted the applicant had submitted a related ZBA variance application.
Other Business
The agenda and November 19, 2025 minutes were approved unanimously (5-0). No conflicts of interest were declared. No old business was presented. The Zoning Administration Report was accepted as presented. The Village Council reported that the Truth in Taxation hearing was held and the 2026 Budget was adopted. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was scheduled for January 14, 2026. The next Planning Commission meeting is set for January 21, 2026. No comments were made under Good of the Order.
Financial Summary
The Village Council held a Truth in Taxation hearing and adopted the 2026 Budget; no specific dollar figures were provided in these minutes.
Action Items
- Village Council to consider adoption of the EV charging station accessory use amendment as recommended by the Planning Commission.
- ISEA must obtain ZBA variance approval for build-to/setback along Dame Street.
- ISEA must secure all required outside agency permits (water, sewer, stormwater, roads, fire, soil erosion, EGLE).
- Fire department and DPW to approve the site plan regarding removal of secondary site access.
- Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for January 14, 2026.
- Next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for January 21, 2026.