Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met May 20, 2026, with Chairperson Hetler presiding. The Commission approved the agenda and prior minutes, kept its current slate of officers (Hetler as Chair, Jarrod Pontius as Vice-Chair, Steve Feringa as Secretary) by a 6-0 vote, and discussed zoning ordinance amendments related to driveway standards in alleys following a ZBA ruling. The 2025 Planning Commission Report was reviewed in draft form, and updates were given on Village Council matters, including the marina project and fishing pier repair.
Public Comments
Resident Bill Crackel spoke during public comment, stating that driveway standards in alleys need to be strengthened and citing a specific issue at 422 St. Mary’s. He also asked about the status of EV charging stations. No formal response or action was recorded in response to his comments. No written communications were submitted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
D. Smith reported that the Village Council discussed the fishing pier, which was destroyed by ice; EGLE granted expedited approval to rebuild it, with work scheduled to begin that week at a cost of $44,000. It was also noted that replacement of the pedestrian bridge remains on hold due to soils issues.
Infrastructure Projects
ZA Patmore introduced discussion of driveway standards in alleys, stemming from a January 14, 2026 ZBA appeal ruling that Section 2-4.D.4.b does not apply to alley driveways. The ZBA recommended the Planning Commission review these standards, and the Commission agreed to examine Section 2-4 (Driveways) in full, including permit requirements and coordination with DPW review. Staff member Sarah will research how other villages handle driveway standards and report back. The Commission reached consensus that setback standards for alley driveways are needed. D. Smith also reported that the Village Council discussed Elm Street culverts, walkability, safety, and speed limits, and that the marina project is currently out for bids.
Other Business
The Commission discussed a Master Plan Implementation priority list and ongoing housekeeping zoning ordinance updates, with PUD-related research placed on hold. Chair Hetler raised an EGLE permit notice concerning property at M-22/Fourth St., but no zoning application has been submitted for that property. The Zoning Administrator’s report noted that Inland Seas’ expansion project, conditionally approved in December 2025, still requires fire department and DPW approval for removal of a secondary site access; Inland Seas has not yet approached those departments but hopes to begin construction in June. D. Smith reported the Village Council approved zoning language for EV charging stations and discussed a public charging station.
Financial Summary
The fishing pier rebuild is budgeted at approximately $44,000, following EGLE’s expedited approval.
Action Items
- Staff member Sarah to research alley driveway standards used by other villages and report back to the Commission.
- Sarah to revise the draft 2025 Planning Commission Report to include more discussion of 2026 priorities, for review next month.
- Sarah to continue housekeeping zoning ordinance updates and review the Master Plan Implementation priority list.
- Inland Seas must obtain fire department and DPW approval regarding removal of secondary site access before proceeding with construction planned for June.
- D. Smith raised attainable housing as a topic for future consideration, referencing Northport’s PILOT ordinance and tax incentives; it remains unclear whether this falls under Planning Commission or Council jurisdiction.