Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board, meeting February 11, 2026, upheld the Land Division Review Committee's September 2025 decision on the Southwell Property appeal following presentations from multiple attorneys, with Trustee Eric Carlson's motion passing 3-0 with one abstention (Supervisor Periard) and one absence (Trustee Slocombe). The board also approved January 2026 bills totaling $29,708.90, a Park Manager wage increase, and salary resolutions for elected officials effective April 1, 2026.
Public Comments
Susan Leithauser of Housing North (Northwest Michigan Rural Housing Partnership Non-Profit) spoke about her work with Peninsula Housing and Larry Mawby regarding development of 40 rental workforce housing units at 980 and 926 Herman Road properties in Suttons Bay. No board response was recorded. No public comments were made during the second public comment period.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Susan Leithauser reported ongoing work with Peninsula Housing and Larry Mawby to develop 40 rental workforce housing units at 980 and 926 Herman Road. No board action was taken on this item.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Park Manager Jared Pontius submitted a written report focusing on the ice rink. The board approved a motion by Dorothy Petroskey, seconded by Eric Carlson, to increase the Park Manager's wage to $20,000.00 effective April 1, 2026. Pontius discussed engineering costs for the Herman Park Playground DNR grant with Gosling Czubak (Dallas Wirtz); this item was tabled pending receipt of the project agreement. Pontius also submitted an Olson Foundation Grant application for the playground on 02/10/26 and identified additional grants to pursue through "Friends of Herman Park."
Other Business
- Planning & Zoning: ZA Patmore reported no response from applicants (Drakes); the late February Planning Commission meeting was cancelled, with the next regular meeting set for March 3, 2026.
- Fire Authority: Dorothy Petroskey reviewed the budget; a taxation hearing is scheduled for 3/10/26. A GTB 2% award of $19,700 was noted for a defibrillator.
- Assessor's Report: Gunnar Brow (absent) submitted a detailed written report.
- January 14, 2026 minutes were approved on motion by Petroskey, seconded by Carlson.
Financial Summary
- January 2026 bills of $29,708.90 approved on motion by Clerk Jean Moe, seconded by Dorothy Petroskey.
- GTB 2% award of $19,700 designated toward a defibrillator for the Fire Authority.
- Park Manager wage increased to $20,000.00 effective April 1, 2026.
- Township Board salary resolutions #2–6 approved effective April 1, 2026: Supervisor $21,221.50 plus pension; Clerk $34,488.21 plus pension; Treasurer $34,488.21 plus pension; Trustee #1 $3,090.00 plus pension; Trustee #2 $3,090.00 plus pension. Roll call vote: Ayes from Carlson, Periard, Petroskey, and Moe; Slocombe unable to vote (Zoom, excused absence).
Action Items
- Herman Park Playground DNR grant item on hold pending receipt of the project agreement (Jared Pontius/Gosling Czubak).
- Fire Authority taxation hearing scheduled for 3/10/26.
- Next Planning Commission regular meeting set for March 3, 2026.
- Next Township Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:00 pm.