Summary
The Suttons Bay Village General Services Committee met on August 4, 2026, with Bahle, Perkins and Lutke present, along with staff Larrea, Petroskey and Miller. The main topic was a presentation on the Leo Creek culverts and Elm Street drainage issues. The committee reached consensus to send a request for a hydrology study of the Leo Creek culverts to the full council for further discussion.
Public Comments
Bill Crackel spoke in support of the culvert work, stating the hydrology study will help identify which culverts need attention next. Matthew Farquhar of 937 Elm Street submitted a written statement raising concerns about pedestrian safety, excessive speeding, and flood risk on Elm Street. He also submitted a written statement on behalf of Michael Jarvis and Lynne Brach expressing concerns about the narrow road width, excessive speed, pedestrian vulnerability, and requesting sidewalks and traffic calming measures. Judy Walter of 917 Elm Street noted she decorates the bridge over the creek; Deputy Newmann stated he monitors speed daily and noted the decorations help slow traffic. Tracy Nedderman of Elm Street voiced concern about flooding, infrastructure, and stewardship, urging the Village to act before a crisis occurs.
Infrastructure Projects
Rich Bahle and Council Member Perkins presented on the Leo Creek culverts, an issue Bahle had first raised with the Village and Township in 2020. He denied that the project would directly benefit the Bahle family. President Lutke disclosed he owns property within the Leo Creek watershed and called for transparency from other council members who may also be property owners there. Bahle presented photos of 8 culverts (2 on Elm Street, 2 in the Township, remainder in the Village), most about 70 years old, and said he had spoken with the Leelanau County Road Commission Manager Brendon Mullane, the Conservation Resource Alliance, Trout Unlimited, Networks Northwest, and Inland Seas, all of whom expressed willingness to help fund or support a project. Rob Larrea reported that engineers estimate repairs to the Elm Street culverts and road bed at roughly $1.6 million. Larrea noted federal funding would require meeting federal standards, and that sidewalk inclusion is not guaranteed. Karl stated a hydrology study is needed first, along with an intergovernmental agreement with the Township/County Road Commission. Perkins suggested reviewing how the Alpine and White Road project was handled; Bahle referenced a Glen Arbor Sun article describing that project's template. The committee agreed to forward a request for a hydrology study to full council.
Financial Summary
Engineers estimated repair costs for the Elm Street culverts and road bed at approximately $1.6 million. No funding source was finalized; Bahle noted several agencies (Conservation Resource Alliance, Trout Unlimited, Networks Northwest, Inland Seas) and the Leelanau County Road Commission expressed willingness to help fund or support the project.
Action Items
The committee will send a request to full council for a hydrology study of the Leo Creek culverts. A hydrology study and an intergovernmental agreement with the Township/County Road Commission were identified as necessary next steps before proceeding. Ongoing public concern from Elm Street residents regarding pedestrian safety, speeding, and flooding risk remains unresolved and may require further response from the Village.