Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on May 14, 2025, with Supervisor Periard presiding. The Board approved the April bills, amended lawn care service terms, adopted budget amendments and restricted/committed funds, and approved sending an application for a Grand Traverse Band 2% grant for playground equipment. Residents raised concerns about the condition of Lovers Lane, and the County Road Commission presented on road repair funding options.
Public Comments
Marty Ramsdell, a Lovers Lane resident, described deteriorating road conditions, noting that asphalt patches decay and crumble each spring. He said the road is a heavily used cut-through to Nanagosa Trail and Vic Steimel Park, frequented by bikers and walkers, and expressed concern for their safety. Terry Mattis, another Lovers Lane resident, echoed these concerns, describing the road as very busy, especially in summer, and noting numerous potholes needing repair. No formal board response was recorded at that time, though the topic was addressed later under New Business with a presentation from the County Road Commission.
Later in the meeting, Jared Pontius reported that he had been in contact with the Suttons Bay Garden Club, whose volunteers wish to work on the Rain Garden at Heran Park to remove grass and improve drainage; no additional assistance would be needed. A waiver was requested, and the Board gave consensus approval.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Parks & Recreation Manager Jared Pontius submitted a written report with meeting minutes and shared lawn care bids for all Township parks, asking the Board how to proceed. The Board recommended that Pontius solicit contractor bids earlier, submitting them by February ahead of the March/April annual budget-setting process. Trustee Slocombe made a motion to amend the fertilizer application schedule from four to three applications by Weed Man, at a cost of $3,168; seconded by Petroskey, the motion passed, and lawn care will otherwise remain status quo.
The Board also approved sending an application for a 2% Grand Traverse Band grant, requesting 10% of a $150,000 playground project, equaling $15,000. Slocombe made the motion, seconded by Carlson, and it passed with all ayes.
Infrastructure Projects
Brendan Mullane, Managing Director of the Leelanau County Road Commission, gave a presentation on the condition of county roads, funding challenges for repairs the commission cannot afford, use of the Paser Scale for rating roads, and a quote for repairing Lovers Lane. Trustee Carlson raised four points regarding the Drake Proposal concerning potential improvements to Smith Road and Stony Point Road. No formal vote was recorded on this item.
Other Business
The Planning & Zoning report noted that April was slow, but permit requests tripled in May, with the Planning Commission busy reviewing site plans against the Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan. Treasurer Petroskey reported the May Fire Authority meeting was cancelled. Clerk Moe noted the first election held at the Fire Hall went smoothly, praising the space and welcoming atmosphere.
Financial Summary
The Board approved payment of April bills totaling $33,248.31 (motion by Slocombe, seconded by Carlson). Trustee Carlson proposed an amendment to the 2025/2026 budget, seconded by Petroskey, passed by roll call vote. Petroskey explained a proposal to adopt restricted and committed funds; Carlson moved to adopt, seconded by Petroskey, passed by roll call vote. A $15,000 grant application (10% of a $150,000 playground project) was approved for submission to the Grand Traverse Band.
Action Items
- Jared Pontius to solicit lawn care contractor bids earlier, submitting them by February ahead of the annual budget cycle.
- Grand Traverse Band 2% grant application for $15,000 to be submitted for playground equipment.
- Waiver to be processed for Suttons Bay Garden Club volunteers to work on the Rain Garden at Heran Park.
- Lovers Lane road conditions to be further addressed, following presentation by County Road Commission Director Brendan Mullane and Carlson's points on the Drake Proposal for Smith Road and Stony Point Road.