Summary
The Village of Suttons Bay Council packet for June 16, 2025 includes the regular meeting agenda plus supporting reports on a proposed FY-2024 audit acceptance (VSB-2025-20) and Planning Commission zoning ordinance amendments (VSB-2025-21, Ordinance Z-2025-03). Also included are minutes from the prior meeting on May 19, 2025, at which the Council adopted a water rate increase and discussed EV charging stations.
Public Comments
At the May 19, 2025 meeting, Donna Popke spoke about a natural bridge forming between the coal dock and the south pier. Gary Cheadle voiced support for EV charging stations. Bill Crackel praised the DPW for its work and later commented favorably on the Council's decision to raise water rates incrementally rather than all at once.
Parks and Recreation Matters
No parks and recreation items were discussed in the available materials.
Infrastructure Projects
At the May 19 meeting, the Council adopted Resolution 2025-01, amending the Village Fee Schedule to implement 2025 water Ready-to-Serve and per-1,000-gallon rate increases as detailed in Tables 1 and 2 of Report VSB-2025-17. Bahle moved and Smith seconded; the roll call vote passed 7-0. Staff noted a preference for incremental rather than large one-time increases. Council Member Bahle expressed support for moving forward with the water rate increases.
Other Business
Report VSB-2025-21 recommends adoption of Ordinance Z-2025-03, amending Zoning Ordinance #2 of 2018. Key changes include revised setback definitions, a full prohibition on marihuana establishments and facilities within the Village (Section 9-14), updated off-street and on-street parking requirements for commercial and mixed-use buildings, added parking requirements for hotels/bed-and-breakfasts in the Central Business, North Gateway, and South Gateway districts, and a revised initiation clause for zoning text amendments (Section 18-3). Staff removed a proposed amendment to Section 5.3 from consideration to avoid delaying the other changes, with plans to bring it back later. The May 2025 Zoning Report notes 5 land use permits issued that month (8 year-to-date), including change-of-use, alteration, fence, and sign permits, plus a scheduled ZBA hearing on June 11, 2025 for a dimensional variance at 379 S. Shore Dr. and a land division application from Suttons Bay Schools for Herman Rd.
Financial Summary
Report VSB-2025-20 recommends Council acceptance of the FY-2024 annual audit, performed by an independent auditor as required under Michigan law, with submission to the State due no later than June 30. Staff reported no surprises or auditor concerns. The Village's check register for May 23–June 12, 2025 lists numerous vendor disbursements for items including water works supplies, marina landscaping, telephone/mobile services, insurance, and professional services.
Action Items
Staff to submit the FY-2024 audit to the State of Michigan by June 30 per statutory deadline. Council Member Smith requested a report on the current number of short-term rentals in the Village. The removed Section 5.3 zoning amendment is to be brought back to Council for future consideration.