Summary
At its July 20, 2026 regular meeting, the Suttons Bay Village Council (President Lutke presiding; Bahle, Christensen, Perkins, Smith, Suppes and Yoder present) approved its consent agenda, adopted a new Marina Ordinance #30 and companion Marina Policy, and authorized the Village Manager to serve as Owner's Representative for the Public Bathroom/Comfort Station construction contract. For the August 17, 2026 meeting, the central item is a Manager's report (VSB-2026-18) responding to a proposed multi-jurisdictional study of Leo Creek road culverts, which Manager Larrea recommended the Council not support as presented, citing procedural and funding concerns.
Public Comments
At the July 20 meeting, Nellie Danke, Director of the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, reported the library will be repainted this fall, thanked the Village for use of public spaces for reading programs, and asked whether the south parking lot would be repainted. Bill Crackel raised concerns about increased traffic and speeding on St. Mary's Street and the adjacent alley. Chava Bahle thanked staff, praised improvements at Waterwheel Park, and complimented the Council's civility.
Two written communications were also submitted regarding Elm Street. Residents Michael Jarvis and Lynne Brach (967 Elm Street) wrote requesting repaving and widening of Elm Street, addition of a sidewalk or protected shoulder, and traffic-calming measures, citing broken pavement, speeds exceeding 50 mph, and safety concerns for a disabled neighbor who walks the road daily. Matthew Farquhar (937 S Elm Street) submitted comments to the General Services Committee urging that the Leo Creek culverts, road resurfacing, and a sidewalk/trail extension to Herman Park be treated as one cohesive project, citing pedestrian danger, speeds of 55 mph or more, and flood risk from undersized culverts. These are resident proposals, not Council decisions.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Manager Larrea reported the Farmer's Market will relocate to Ice Rink Park for the remainder of the year. Chava Bahle publicly praised recent improvements at Waterwheel Park. A Porta-John rental for Bahle Park ($1,100.00) appeared in the check register.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council adopted Marina Ordinance #30 (Smith moved, Christensen seconded; roll call: Smith-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Suppes-Yes, Bahle-Yes, Yoder-Yes, Lutke-Yes; Ayes 7, No 0) following a public hearing that opened and closed at 5:38 p.m. The related Marina Policy was adopted to take effect with the ordinance (Suppes moved, Smith seconded; Ayes 7, No 0). The Council also authorized the Manager as Owner's Representative for the Public Bathroom/Boating Service contract (Smith moved, Bahle seconded; Ayes 7, No 0), with construction and a pre-construction meeting imminent. Marina dredge work (A-Dock Phase 1) was billed by Abonmarche Consultants ($10,997.50) and Machin Engineering ($14,900.00 and $7,365.00).
Regarding the Leo Creek/Elm Street culverts, Manager Larrea's report states the proposed study would cost $14,460, with an optional add-on of $5,250 (total $19,710), and argues it would not advance funding for the Elm Street culvert replacement, estimated at $1.6 million, of which the Village anticipates a 25% match ($400,000) after seeking 75% grant funding. The report disputes claims linking the study, culvert replacement, and sidewalks, and recommends the Council either stay the course on current Village-led efforts, or formally redirect staff with clear criteria before pursuing a broader multi-jurisdictional study. A 2020 Watershed Center/ECT proposal for a similar $10,000 hydrologic assessment was referenced as prior background.
Other Business
Manager Larrea reported a three-year law enforcement contract is being prepared, and the Village is studying whether to reconstruct Front Street between Dame and Madison as a two-way street. The Tour de Tart event was cancelled and staff sent home early on July 16, 2026 due to hazardous air conditions. The July 2026 Zoning Report noted one new land use permit (fence at 321 N. St. Mary's St.), 14 permits issued year-to-date, one approved land division/parcel transfer, and ongoing work on the Inland Seas site plan and DPW driveway standards.
Financial Summary
The check register (checks dated 7/16/2026–8/13/2026) totaled 87 checks for $402,055.22, less one voided check of $384.16, for net disbursements of $401,671.06. Notable payments included County of Leelanau personnel/mileage ($21,755.57), Jacobs Engineering Group project invoices ($18,753.53 and $20,312.84), a 2027 International truck from Zaremba Equipment ($129,720.36), First Internet Bank of Indiana ($71,312.50), Priority Health Group premium ($12,360.03), and an Inland Seas fire-service overpayment refund ($3,500.00). The Village's 2025 FYE audit and 2025 Annual Planning Commission report were accepted as part of the consent agenda.
Action Items
Manager Larrea will continue pursuing Elm Street culvert replacement funding unless directed otherwise by Council, and recommended a transparent on-site Q&A session with residents regarding sidewalks between Herman Road and 4th Street. The Council must decide among three options presented in Report VSB-2026-18: stay the course on current infrastructure priorities, redirect focus to Leo Creek culverts following proper procedure, or maintain current priorities while scheduling a future discussion to set culvert criteria. The report notes the culvert study proposal was brought forward outside normal Village protocol, a point of friction the Manager's report addresses at length.