Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on February 18, 2025, with President Lutke presiding. Council approved the consent agenda, appointed Gary Cheadle to fill the unexpired council term of Bill Perkins through December 31, 2025, adopted two zoning ordinance amendments, and authorized a new equipment purchase for the Department of Public Works (DPW). Bahle, Christensen, Lutke, Perkins, and Suppes were present; Smith and Yoder were absent.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered during the general public comment period. Later in the meeting, resident Bill Crackel thanked the DPW for its quick response to a sewer back-up.
Infrastructure Projects
Council adopted Ordinance Z-2025-02 (Amendment 16 of Ordinance 2 of 2018), amending Section 9-13 on Wireless Communication to bring the Village into compliance with changes in state law regarding cell phone towers. The motion was made by Bahle and seconded by Suppes; the roll call vote passed 5-0. Resident Bill Crackel publicly thanked the DPW for its prompt response to a sewer back-up, though no further action was reported on that issue.
Other Business
Council adopted Ordinance Z-2025-01 (Amendment 15 of Ordinance 2 of 2018), reducing the minimum story requirement in the Bayview District from 1.5 stories to 1.0 story, based on a unanimous recommendation from the Planning Commission. Perkins asked for clarification on the district boundaries before the vote. Motion by Suppes, seconded by Bahle; roll call vote passed 5-0.
Under VSB-2025-04, Village Manager Larrea reported that the 20-year-old AEBI equipment needed replacement despite ongoing DPW repairs. Staff consulted with MI-Deal and recommended purchasing a John Deere 1575 with a heavy-duty two-stage snowblower attachment, with a mower deck and brush hog possibly added later. Motion by Bahle, seconded by Suppes, authorized the Village Manager to accept the quote; vote passed 5-0.
Certificates of Appreciation were approved for the Bay Area Garden Club and Green Suttons Bay. The Ice Rink Water Agreement and Swim for the Bay item were noted as informational. Larrea stated he would present the Village work plan at upcoming committee meetings.
During Good of the Order, Perkins questioned consent agenda items regarding Swim for Grand Traverse Bay and the Farmers Market, and requested more trees be planted downtown. Suppes raised concerns about meeting security, citing recent issues in Cadillac. Christensen praised staff for plowing efforts in the Village. Lutke offered to meet with Perkins to explain how the council agenda process works.
Action Items
- Village Manager Larrea to present the Village work plan at upcoming committee meetings.
- President Lutke to meet with Member Perkins to review how the agenda process works.
- Village Manager to finalize purchase of the John Deere 1575 with snowblower attachment, with potential future add-ons (mower deck, brush hog).