Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on July 20, 2026, with President Lutke presiding and all seven members present. The Council approved the consent agenda, adopted Marina Ordinance #30 following a brief public hearing, adopted a corresponding Marina Policy, and authorized the Village Manager to serve as Owner's Representative for the Public Bathroom/Comfort Station construction contract. Staff updates covered the Farmer's Market relocation, a law enforcement contract, and cancellation of the Tour De Tart due to hazardous air conditions.
Public Comments
Nellie Danke, Director of the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, reported the library will be repainted this fall, expressed appreciation for use of public spaces for reading programs, and asked whether the south parking lot would be repainted; no response was recorded in the minutes. Bill Crackel raised concerns about increased traffic and speed on St. Mary's Street and the alley. Chava Bahle thanked staff, praised improvements at Waterwheel Park, and commended the Council's civility during meetings.
Infrastructure Projects
Following a public hearing (opened and closed at 5:38 p.m.), the Council adopted Marina Ordinance #30, which updated formatting, responsibilities, procedures, and conduct standards, by a roll call vote of Smith-Yes, Christensen-Yes, Suppes-Yes, Bahle-Yes, Yoder-Yes, and Lutke-Yes (Ayes: 7, No: 0). The related Marina Policy was adopted to take effect concurrently with the Ordinance, 20 days after publication (Ayes: 7, No: 0), motioned by Suppes and seconded by Smith.
The Council also approved authorizing the Village Manager to act as Owner's Representative for day-to-day contract administration and change order decisions on the Public Bathrooms and Boating Service Contract, ahead of construction on the Public Bathroom/Comfort Station (Ayes: 7, No: 0). Manager Larrea noted a Pre-Con meeting was scheduled for Thursday and mentioned preliminary review of reconstructing Front Street between Dame and Madison as a two-way street.
Other Business
Manager Larrea reported the seating area has been removed, the Farmer's Market is relocating to Ice Rink Park for the rest of the year, and a three-year law enforcement contract is being prepared. The Tour De Tart event was cancelled and staff sent home early on July 16, 2026, due to hazardous air conditions. No Planning Commission report was given. Smith noted increased tourist traffic and speeding on S. Shore.
Action Items
- Village Manager to serve as Owner's Representative for the Public Bathroom/Boating Service Contract, managing day-to-day decisions and change orders.
- Marina Policy to take effect once Marina Ordinance #30 is enacted, 20 days after publication.
- Continued preliminary review of converting Front Street (Dame to Madison) to a two-way street.
- Three-year law enforcement contract being finalized.