Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on May 19, 2025, with President Lutke presiding and all seven members present (Bahle, Christensen, Lutke, Perkins, Smith, Suppes & Yoder). The Council approved the consent agenda, including the April 21, 2025 minutes and invoice payments, and adopted Resolution 2025-01 to increase water rates as recommended by the Committee of the Whole.
Public Comments
Donna Popke spoke about the natural bridge forming between the coal dock and the south pier. Gary Cheadle expressed support for EV charging stations. Bill Crackel commended the Department of Public Works (DPW) for its work this year, and later in the meeting reiterated appreciation for the incremental water rate increase rather than a large one-time hike. No formal responses from the Council were recorded for these comments.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council discussed Report VSB-2025-17, which recommended increasing water rates. Staff explained a preference for incremental rate increases rather than a single large hike. Bahle moved, Smith seconded, to adopt Resolution 2025-01, amending the Village Fee Schedule to reflect 2025 water Ready-to-Serve and per-1,000-gallon rate increases as detailed in Tables 1 and 2 of the report. The motion carried by roll call vote, Ayes: 7, Nays: 0.
Other Business
Perkins reported attending the DDA meeting, where he encouraged consideration of EV charging stations. Bahle expressed support for the water rate increase moving forward. Smith requested a report on the current number of short-term rentals in the Village. Staff reports were presented but not detailed further in the minutes.
Financial Summary
The Council approved Resolution 2025-01, increasing water rates according to Tables 1 and 2 of Report VSB-2025-17, covering Ready-to-Serve fees and per-1,000-gallon costs. Staff indicated a preference for phased increases rather than a single large adjustment. No other financial figures were discussed.
Action Items
Staff to prepare a report on the number of short-term rentals currently in the Village, per Smith’s request. Perkins to continue advocating for EV charging stations following his DDA meeting attendance.