Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on October 21, 2024, with President Lutke presiding and all seven members present (Bahle, Case, Christensen, Lutke, Smith, Suppes, Yoder). The Council approved the consent agenda, including the September 16, 2024 minutes and payment of invoices (7-0), and approved the agenda as presented (7-0). The major action was authorizing the Village Manager to enter into an agreement with Abonmarche for design and construction services related to the marina restroom relocation project (7-0).
Public Comments
Brad Thomas, a resident of St Marys, reported an uptick in summer traffic and asked the Village to consider ways to slow it down. Jared Pontius voiced support for the restroom relocation project and praised the Village's email newsletter; later in the meeting he also raised concerns about traffic speeds in the alley. MJ Cartwright, the Village's appointed Library Board member, introduced herself to Council. No formal Council response or action was recorded for these comments beyond Christensen later requesting that St Marys traffic be added to a future committee agenda.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Smith thanked staff members Dave and Rob for coordinating with Green Suttons Bay to ensure newly planted trees in North Park are watered in coming weeks to support their longevity. Case and Suppes asked whether signage could be installed in Waterwheel Park to explain the stream restoration project there; no vote was taken on this suggestion.
Infrastructure Projects
Council approved relocating new marina restrooms to the other side of Adams Street (VSB 2024-47). Village Manager Larrea explained the relocation would keep existing restrooms operational during construction, minimizing disruption to marina operations. Staff presented a design and construction proposal from Abonmarche covering site work, architectural design, and bidding/construction management, developed as part of the marina Master Plan and related grant work. Council members asked about the contingency percentage and next steps if costs exceed proposals; Larrea agreed to follow up with Abonmarche for answers. Yoder moved and Case seconded a motion authorizing the Village Manager to sign the Abonmarche agreement (Report VSB-2024-35); it carried 7-0. Bahle raised the need to review sewer and water fees, and Smith reported that planning commission-reviewed zoning amendments regarding wireless communications and building height in the Bayview District are scheduled for public hearing next month.
Other Business
Larrea reported staff is preparing the 2025 budget, with draft budgets to be discussed at next month's committee meetings. Yoder requested review of the police contract, citing concerns about insufficient police presence. Lutke expressed appreciation for improved resident communication.
Action Items
Larrea will follow up with Abonmarche regarding contingency percentages and next steps if project costs exceed estimates. Christensen requested that St Marys traffic concerns be added to the next General Service committee meeting agenda. Zoning ordinance amendments on wireless communications and Bayview District height limits are set for public hearing next month. Draft 2025 budgets will be reviewed at upcoming committee meetings. Bahle flagged sewer and water fees for review, and Yoder flagged the police contract for review.