Summary
This packet covers Suttons Bay Village Council materials spanning a December 2, 2025 special meeting (truth in taxation hearing and 2026 budget adoption), a December 17, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, and the agenda for the February 17, 2026 regular Council meeting, which included marina dredging engineering services, a Library Board appointment, and adoption of EVSE zoning language.
Public Comments
At the December 2, 2025 truth in taxation hearing, no public comments were received. At the December 17, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, Fred Sitkins thanked the Village for its cooperation on a conditional approval, and Sally Somali, an ISEA volunteer and former board member, spoke in favor of the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) project. During the EVSE public hearing, Larry Mawby encouraged the Planning Commission to recommend the Village Council adopt the EVSE language as presented. Carol Bawden submitted a letter dated February 3, 2026, expressing her desire to be appointed to the Suttons Bay Bingham Township Library Board, noting she had attended a Library Board meeting and would be available to answer questions at the February 17 Council meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Perkins stated at the December 2, 2025 meeting that he did not feel local residents should have to pay the marina boat launch fee, though the 2026 budget and fee schedule, including marina fee increases, was adopted regardless (Perkins voting No).
Infrastructure Projects
The February 17, 2026 agenda included a Machin Engineering contract for marina dredging. A related authorization for additional services (dated 1/15/2026) proposed dredge plans and specifications ($13,900), joint permit services ($7,000), and bidding services ($2,000), for a total estimated fee of $22,900, with an estimated completion time of 45 days; construction administration and staking were not included. The Planning Commission recommended, and the Council agenda proposed adoption of, Ordinance No. Z-2026-01 amending the zoning ordinance to allow EVSE (electric vehicle charging) stations as an accessory use, with design, location, and definition standards added to Articles 2, 10, and 20. Village Manager Rob Larrea noted at the December 2 meeting that marina fees would increase in 2026 and the following year, and water fees would also increase per Utility Department recommendation.
Other Business
At the December 2, 2025 meeting, the Council approved the consent agenda (November 17, 2025 minutes and invoices, 7-0), approved 2026 meeting dates (no January meeting, 7-0), and reappointed Gail Hetler and Steve Feringa to the Planning Commission and Karen Hassevoort to the Zoning Board of Appeals, each for three-year terms through December 31, 2028 (7-0). Committee assignments were approved: Trustees Christensen and Yoder to Administrative Committee, Suppes and Smith to Utilities Committee, Bahle and Perkins to General Services Committee, with Christensen as President Pro-Tem and Bahle to the Zoning Board of Appeals (7-0). The Village continued seeking a DDA member. At the December 17, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, the ISEA Campus Expansion Project site plan was approved with conditions requiring ZBA variance approval for a build-to/setback along Dame Street, outside agency permits, and fire/DPW approval for removal of secondary access. The January 2026 Zoning Report showed 3 land use permits issued (a new single-family dwelling at 760 W. Blackberry, a room addition at 345 S. Shore Dr., and a deck addition at 504 N. Front St.), and the ZBA reviewed two cases on January 14, 2026. Staff recommended the Planning Commission review driveway requirements off of alleys.
Financial Summary
The Council adopted the maximum millage rate allowed under Headlee to support the 2026 budget (roll call 7-0). The 2026 Budget was adopted via Resolution 3 of 2025, with revenues of $3,369,360 and expenditures of $4,000,987, passing 6-1 (Perkins voting No). Marina and water fees were set to increase in 2026 and the following year.
Action Items
- Village Manager Rob Larrea to execute/return the Machin Engineering authorization for additional marina dredging services ($22,900 estimated, 45-day estimated duration).
- Council to act on the Library Board appointment of Carol Bawden.
- Council to consider adoption of Ordinance No. Z-2026-01 (EVSE station zoning language) at the February 17, 2026 meeting.
- Planning Commission to review driveway requirements off of alleys per ZBA request.
- ISEA Campus Expansion Project remains contingent on ZBA variance approval, outside agency permits, and fire/DPW approval for secondary access removal.