Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Utility/Marina Committee met on October 5, 2026 to review staff reports and consider proposed fee increases for the marina and water/sewer services for 2027. Committee business included discussion of marina slip rate increases and a multi-year water/sewer rate schedule (VSB-2026-29), along with status updates on other committee matters.
Infrastructure Projects
The DPW Director's report (DPW-2026-01) detailed multiple utility projects. Water and sewer lines are being installed in new bathrooms, requiring a temporary closure of Front St. from just past the Marina entrance to Adams St. until work is completed; a related storm line installation for footing drains will cause a one-day temporary closure of the Marina Park parking lot. At the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), crews completed cleaning of the South Aeration Basin, repaired air diffusers, and completed a liner inspection. Water chlorination has begun, with hydrant flushing to follow. Water production well sites will receive upgraded emergency alarm systems integrated into cellular service. All three wet wells in the collections system will be cleaned after hydrant flushing; the report noted ongoing grease and food-grade oil buildup issues at the Sutton Park pump station. Two sewer manhole lids along M-22 in low-lying areas were raised above ground to improve access for inspection and cleaning. DSMI inspections for water service line inventories are ongoing.
Proposed water rate increases (2027-2029) would raise the "ready to serve" cost for 5/8"-1" meters from $13.77 to $15.84 in 2027, $18.21 in 2028, and $20.94 in 2029, with similar increases across larger meter sizes. The cost per 1,000 gallons used would rise from $4.70 currently to $5.45 (2027), $5.95 (2028), and $6.45 (2029). Proposed sewer rates for 5/8"-1" meters would increase from $17.00 to $18.70 (2027), $20.57 (2028), $22.63 (2029), and $23.76 (2030), with the cost per 1,000 gallons rising from $6.63 currently to $9.63 by 2030.
Other Business
A suggested 2027 marina fee schedule proposed raising seasonal slip rates from $99 to $115 per foot at the main marina and from $89 to $105 per foot at the coal dock, citing the new bathhouse and other upcoming projects as justification. A comparison chart showed 2027 rates at nearby marinas: Clinch ($121), Elmwood ($120), Northport ($121), and Elk Rapids ($105), with Suttons Bay's current rate noted as the lowest in the bay. Status updates were also provided on the Ethics Policy (VSB-2026-25), the Manager's Review, and a General Services Update (VSB-2026-30), though no details or decisions on these items were included in the document.
DPW general operations highlights included completed salt truck repairs, completed tree stump grinding, ongoing tree trimming and brush cutting, the end of Monday curbside pickup, an upcoming bulk leaf pickup announcement (date TBD), and removal of swim buoys as parks are prepped for the off-season.
Action Items
- Finalize and announce bulk leaf pickup date via robo-call this fall.
- Complete water/sewer line installation at new bathrooms, including temporary closures of Front St. and Marina Park parking lot.
- Continue hydrant flushing and subsequent cleaning of all three wet wells in the collections system.
- Monitor and address recurring grease/food-grade oil issues at the Sutton Park pump station.
- Upgrade emergency alarm systems at water production well sites with cellular integration.