Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council packet for November 18, 2024 included budget amendment action, scheduling of two required public hearings for the 2025 budget and millage rate, and a resolution honoring longtime official Will Case. Attached minutes from the preceding October 21, 2024 meeting show Council approving the consent agenda (Ayes: 7, No: 0) and authorizing a contract with Abonmarche for marina restroom design and construction services.
Public Comments
At the October 21 meeting, Brad Thomas, a St. Mary's resident, raised concerns about increased summer traffic and asked the Village to consider ways to slow it down. Jared Pontius spoke in support of relocating the marina restrooms and praised the Village's email newsletter; later in the same meeting he raised concerns about traffic speeds in the alley. MJ Cartwright introduced herself as the Village's appointed Library Board member. No written comments were noted as submitted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Smith thanked staff (Dave and Rob) for coordinating with Green Suttons Bay to ensure newly planted trees in North Park are watered. Trustees Case and Suppes asked about installing signage in Waterwheel Park to explain the stream restoration project there.
Infrastructure Projects
Council reached consensus to relocate the new public/marina restrooms to the other side of Adams Street, which Village Manager Larrea said would avoid disrupting marina operations during construction. Larrea reported staff and consultant Abonmarche had completed a marina Master Plan and grant filings. Yoder moved, Case seconded, and Council voted 7-0 to authorize the Village Manager to enter into an agreement with Abonmarche for design, site work, and construction management services (per Report VSB-2024-35). Council members asked about the contingency percentage and next steps if costs exceed estimates; Larrea agreed to follow up with Abonmarche. Trustee Smith also reported the Planning Commission reviewed zoning amendments on wireless communications and building height in the Bayview District, with a public hearing scheduled for the following month.
Other Business
Council adopted a Resolution of Appreciation for Trustee Will Case, recognizing his 35 years of service as a liaison, Planning Commissioner, Zoning Board of Appeals member, and elected Village Council official, including his role drafting three Zoning Ordinances. Trustee Bahle stated it is time to review sewer and water fees, and Trustee Yoder requested review of the police contract, citing concerns about adequate presence.
Financial Summary
Report VSB-2024-52 requested Council adopt 2024 year-end budget amendments reflecting total revenues of $3,304,182 and expenses of $3,757,928, with increases attributed mainly to the marina/public bathroom project and rising product and equipment costs. Report VSB-2024-53 requested scheduling a Truth in Taxation public hearing on the 2025 millage rate for December 3 at 8:30 a.m. Report VSB-2024-55 requested scheduling a public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget, also for December 3 at 8:30 a.m.
Action Items
- Larrea to follow up with Abonmarche regarding contingency percentage and next steps if project costs exceed estimates.
- General Service Committee to add discussion of St. Mary's traffic to its next meeting agenda (requested by Christensen).
- Staff to review sewer and water fees (requested by Bahle).
- Staff to review the police contract (requested by Yoder).
- Staff/Green Suttons Bay to continue watering new trees in North Park.