Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on August 17, 2026, with President Lutke presiding. The consent agenda, including the July 20, 2026 minutes and invoice payments, was approved 6-0 (Bahle moved, Yoder seconded). The main debate centered on a proposed hydrological study tied to Elm Street flooding and culvert concerns; a motion by Bahle, seconded by Perkins, to proceed with the study failed 1-6 (Perkins voting yes; Yoder, Suppes, Bahle, Christensen, and Lutke voting no). Staff reported a $91,877.00 grant for shoreline restoration and ongoing negotiations for a three-year Sheriff's Department service contract.
Public Comments
Several residents addressed the Elm Street bridge and pedestrian safety. Bill Queen spoke about speed, traffic, and the condition of the Elm Street bridge and road, and later stressed collaboration, saying he feels the Township will work with the Village. Mike Jarvis raised concerns about the bridge condition and later thanked the council for the public process. Judy Walters read correspondence from Matt Farquhar regarding the Elm Street Bridge, pedestrian safety, and traffic calming measures, and separately spoke on pedestrian safety and slowing traffic. Chava Bahle commented on communication and letting go of judgment. Kathy Egan stressed collaboration with outside agencies and later said she does not support blocking topics, asking why the council wasn't considering the whole watershed. Bill Crackel asked whether the drain commission had been contacted for input on a hydrological study. Kate Fairman voiced concern about pedestrian safety on Elm Street, especially with future development. Sharon Sutterfield noted the council had not closed the door on the study, just delayed it. Lynn Brach said the Village keeps "kicking this can down the road" and wants more urgency.
Infrastructure Projects
The council reviewed Report VSB-2026-18, a Manager's update on a proposed culvert/hydrological study recommended by the General Service Committee. Lutke clarified the study would not affect Elm Street plans and that the flooded culvert from April is not part of the study. Larrea noted the Village is working with an engineer on Elm Street improvements, but pedestrian improvements have not yet been addressed. Bahle proposed moving forward with a hydrological study but stated he opposed the specific 2020-based study while wanting stakeholder discussions to begin. Christensen supported wetland protection but favored a future Village-led study with input from staff and Council reps rather than the current proposal. Suppes and Yoder opposed the study, deferring to the Village Manager and citing past research-based practice. The motion failed 1-6. Lutke asked that the topic return to a future meeting for further discussion.
Financial Summary
The Village received a grant of $91,877.00 toward the shoreline restoration project. The Manager is also negotiating a three-year contract with the Sheriff's Department for services; no cost figures were given for this contract.
Other Business
No Planning Commission report was given. Trustee Christensen was excused from the meeting at 6:15 p.m. Bahle requested that council members be allowed to submit agenda item requests. Bahle also noted the Township and County would have helped fund the 2020 study.
Action Items
- Lutke to place the hydrological study/Elm Street pedestrian safety topic on a future meeting agenda for further discussion.
- Bahle requested a process allowing council members to submit agenda item requests.
- Manager continuing negotiations with the Sheriff's Department on a three-year service contract.