Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council's consent agenda for the May 18, 2026 regular meeting included approval of the February 17, 2026 regular meeting minutes and the March 30, 2026 special meeting minutes, along with payment of invoices. At the February 17 meeting, the Council approved a Machin Engineering contract for marina dredging services, appointed Carol Bawden to the Library Board, and adopted an EVSE station ordinance. At the March 30 special meeting, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing a grant application for Coal Dock Park shoreline stabilization. The May 18 agenda also included a Managers Update report (VSB-2026-02) covering staffing changes and several ongoing infrastructure and grant projects.
Public Comments
At the February 17 meeting, Nellie Danke, Director of the Suttons Bay Bingham Library, stated she fully endorsed Carol Bawden's appointment to the Library Board. Kelly Slater, speaking on behalf of Green Suttons Bay, announced the group's planned Village beautification day on May 9th. Bill Crackel raised concerns about snow piles in municipal parking areas along the 400 block, noting he had already reached out to the DPW. Cindy Millns of Bayside Gallery and the Suttons Bay Chamber thanked the Village for its assistance with Yeti Fest. A letter of interest from resident Carol Bawden requesting appointment to the Library Board was received and acted upon. No public comments were recorded at the March 30 special meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Marina dredging: Harbor Master Edie Aylsworth reported this project was not budgeted but that funds were available in the CIP, citing lake levels predicted to run 5-7 inches lower than the prior year. Christensen moved, Bahle seconded, and the Council voted (Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3) to contract with Machin Engineering for dredge plans and specs, joint permitting, and bidding services at a fee not to exceed $22,900.00.
Coal Dock Park shoreline stabilization: Village staff member Larrea explained this was the second of three possible grants sought for shoreline stabilization, with the Village offsetting costs via in-kind employee time. In response to a question from Perkins about tree removal, Larrea confirmed no trees would be disturbed. Bahle moved, Christensen seconded, and the Council adopted Resolution 1 of 2026 by roll call vote (Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3), committing $17,436.31 total ($11,700 cash, $5,736.31 in kind).
The Managers Update (Report VSB-2026-02) noted the Boaters Service and Public Restroom Project bid process begins May 20, 2026. Three shoreline restoration grants were discussed: Grant #1 resulted in $15,000 funding; Grant #2 involves erosion control combined with aquatic habitat creation, with State officials citing the project as a desirable example; Grant #3 covers shoreline, marina wetland, and waterwheel creek phase-two improvements, with a decision expected shortly. The EGLE Source Water Protection grant was denied after stalling in 2025 due to budget and federal shutdown issues; the Village plans to reapply. The fishing pier project has a USACE permit to rebuild the ice-damaged portion; EGLE does not require a permit for the collapsed section but other restrictions remain. Elm Street striping work with PK Striping covers approximately 2,650 feet, including double yellow center lines and fog lines.
Other Business
The Council appointed Carol Bawden to the Suttons Bay Bingham Library Board (Christensen moved, Bahle seconded, Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3). The Council adopted Ordinance Z-2026-01 (Amendment No. 18 of Ordinance 2 of 2018) regarding EVSE station language, following a recommendation from the Planning Commission; roll call vote showed Christensen-Yes, Bahle-Yes, Perkins-Yes, Lutke-Yes (Ayes: 4, No: 0, Absent: 3). Perkins reported the Solid Waste Committee would discuss the recycling program with other municipalities and might introduce a recyclable food waste program. The Managers Update noted staffing changes: Grace Periard joined part-time/temporarily for the summer, and Tom Bumgardner was hired part-time as a mechanic (about 16 hours/week) to perform equipment maintenance in-house.
Financial Summary
The Machin Engineering marina dredging contract was approved for a fee not to exceed $22,900.00, funded through the CIP since it was not budgeted. Resolution 1 of 2026 committed $17,436.31 for the Coal Dock Park shoreline stabilization grant application, consisting of $11,700 in cash and $5,736.31 in kind. The Managers Update reported Shoreline Grant #1 resulted in $15,000 in funding. Invoice payment registers spanning April 12 to May 14, 2026 were included in the consent agenda materials, showing a total of 215 disbursements amounting to $128,411.01 (232,901.07 in checks less $4,488.85 in void checks).
Action Items
- Village staff to proceed with the bid process for the Boaters Service and Public Restroom Project beginning May 20, 2026.
- Village to await a decision on Shoreline Restoration Grant #3, expected within days of the report date (May 13, 2026).
- Village to reapply for the EGLE Source Water Protection grant after denial of the prior application.
- Village staff to continue working through EGLE restrictions on the fishing pier reconstruction beyond the USACE permit already issued.
- PK Striping to complete street line painting on Elm Street (approximately 2,650 feet).