Summary
The Suttons Bay Village General Services Committee met on April 8, 2025, to review the DPW Director's spring report and discuss on-street parking concerns along St. Marys Street. No formal votes were recorded; the meeting centered on staff updates and a discussion item regarding parking solutions.
Infrastructure Projects
The DPW Director's report covered several utility and public works items. Well #4 at Port Sutton is being replaced due to age and declining performance, as the pump has exceeded its expected lifespan. Main Well House pump No. 2, replaced in 2024, was found to have shorted electrical wires, though well pipes and components were in good condition. Chlorination and flushing will begin in mid-April, with cross-connection inspections planned for later in the summer. At the WWTP, staff are replacing the sludge lagoon drain pump and the emergency backup phone line alarm system. The department is still awaiting the WWTP NPDES permit from EGLE and continues operating under its current permit. Monthly water samples have remained in compliance and were reported to EGLE. Annual EGLE reporting for water production has been completed, and Consumer Quality Reports are pending approval before mailing, expected within about a month.
A separate item, VSB-2025-13, addressed on-street parking along a 160-foot section of St. Marys Street. Three schematic scenarios were presented for discussion. Staff noted the street will undergo a full overhaul in 2-5 years as part of a waterline project, making long-term solutions like curb and gutter installation impractical now. Staff recommended a short-term solution converting perpendicular parking to parallel parking and adding pervious safeguards to the gravel area. This item was presented for discussion only; staff will assess feasibility and update the committee as the process moves forward.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The DPW report noted that picnic table and park grill repairs have been completed and are ready for use. Mowing equipment preparations are finished, and park cleanup is expected to begin soon. A North Park Boat Launch discussion was listed as a status update item from another committee, though no details were provided in the document.
Other Business
The DPW report noted ongoing snow removal work through the winter and completion of frozen storm drain culvert clearing ahead of anticipated rain and snowmelt. A street sweeping agreement has been signed, with a firm start date expected sometime in April. The Harbor Heights update had nothing new to report. A status update on the Proposed Sewer/Water Findings Section (VSB-2025-12) was listed on the agenda but no details were included in the document.
Action Items
DPW staff will determine the feasibility of converting perpendicular to parallel parking on St. Marys Street and report back to the committee. Consumer Quality Reports are to be mailed within approximately one month. The department will announce a firm start date for the street sweeping agreement once confirmed. Staff will continue monitoring the WWTP NPDES permit status with EGLE.