Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on March 17, 2025, with President Lutke presiding. Council members Bahle, Christensen, Lutke, Perkins, and Suppes were present; Smith and Yoder were absent. The Council approved the consent agenda, authorized a contract with Abonmarche for the A-Dock project's permitting and engineering, approved an agreement with Hydro Corp for cross connection services, and adopted personnel policy amendments required by state law. All votes passed 5-0.
Public Comments
Will Case praised the DPW for its work over the winter and commented on Waterwheel Park and the North Park boating facilities. Donna Popke suggested that sculptures be added to Village parks; this was a resident proposal and not adopted as Council action during the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Perkins commented on the Farmers Market and the Library's use of North Park under "Good of the Order." Public comments also touched on Waterwheel Park and North Park boating facilities, and a resident suggestion to add sculptures to Village parks.
Infrastructure Projects
Under Report VSB-2025-08, Council voted (Ayes: 5, Nays: 0) to direct the Village Manager to execute an agreement with Abonmarche to begin due diligence, permitting, and preliminary engineering for the A-Dock project. Staff reported that borings conducted for the related bath house project found peat in the soil, and Abonmarche will conduct additional borings and prepare a topographic map of the area.
Under Report VSB-2025-09, Council discussed and approved (Ayes: 5, No: 0) a Cross Connection proposal with Hydro Corp. It was noted that residents on private wells would not require the service, and that completion within five years would include all water service customers, with costs spread over that period. Staff will provide residents with information on cross connections.
Other Business
Council adopted amendments to the Employee Handbook (Report VSB-2025-11) required by state law regarding earned paid time off, motioned by Lutke and seconded by Suppes, passing 5-0. The February 18, 2025 meeting minutes and payment of invoices were approved as part of the consent agenda, moved by Bahle and seconded by Christensen.
Action Items
The Village Manager is to execute the Abonmarche agreement for A-Dock permitting and engineering. The Village Manager is to finalize the Hydro Corp agreement for cross connection services. Staff will provide residents with information regarding cross connections. Abonmarche will conduct additional soil borings and prepare a topographic map for the bath house project following discovery of peat in the soil.