Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council's August 18, 2025 meeting packet combined new business (an off-premises tasting room license, a manager's contract amendment, and a DDA appointment) with consent-agenda approval of the June 16, 2025 regular meeting minutes and the August 13, 2025 special meeting minutes. Those prior actions included acceptance of the 2024 audit, adoption of zoning ordinance amendments, and a $95,000 settlement in the Village's sewer litigation.
Public Comments
At the June 16 meeting, Bill Crackel spoke twice: first regarding a proposed zoning amendment related to parking and requesting a sidewalk along Elm Street near the school, and later regarding short-term rental parking requirements. No formal Council response was recorded. A written letter was submitted by Kathryn Almquist Danielson (August 4, 2025) requesting placement on the August 18 agenda. She raised four concerns: the need for at least two more stop signs on St. Marys Street due to rising traffic and speeding, noting Village Manager Rob Larrea's prior statement that a traffic study likely would not justify new signs; a proposal that Council permit motorized vehicles on Village beaches; a request for at least two additional handicap parking spaces at the Marina lot (currently only one exists); and a question about how ordinance violations by residences or businesses are followed up on. These were resident proposals; no Council decisions on them are recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Resident Kathryn Danielson proposed that Council allow motorized vehicles on Village beaches. No Council action on this proposal is recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
At the August 13 special meeting, Council discussed Village of Suttons Bay v. Monchilov Sewer Services, LLC (Case No. 24-11340-CZ). Lutke moved, Suppes seconded, to enter closed session to discuss trial/settlement strategy; roll call vote was 7-0 (Yoder, Bahle, Suppes, Lutke, Christensen, Smith, Perkins all "Yes"). Council returned to open session and, on a motion by Yoder, seconded by Bahle, accepted a settlement in which Monchilov agreed to drop its counter suit and pay the Village $95,000; roll call vote was again 7-0. Separately, resident Danielson requested two additional handicap parking spaces at the Marina lot for beach access; no Council action on this request is recorded.
Other Business
Council was asked to adopt Resolution 2 of 2025 recommending State approval of an Off-Premises Tasting Room License for Grand Traverse Distillery, LLC (321 St. Joseph Street, Unit A); staff noted the recommendation does not constitute project approval. The Administration/Personnel Committee (August 15) reviewed the Village Manager's evaluation, which scored 86%–100% "meeting expectations," and recommended amending his contract to provide an annual cost-of-living increase rather than an ad hoc bonus. Appointment of Rebekah TenBrink to the DDA was listed as a new business item. At the June 16 meeting, Council adopted Zoning Ordinance amendments Z-2025-03 (Smith moved, Yoder seconded; roll call 5-1, Perkins dissenting); Perkins also asked why marijuana establishments are prohibited, and staff confirmed the Village opted out by ordinance in 2018.
Financial Summary
Council accepted the 2024 FYE audit (Yoder moved, Bahle seconded, 6-0), described by staff as "a good audit," with direction to submit it to the State. The Monchilov settlement will bring the Village $95,000. The check register for 7/14/2025–8/15/2025 shows total disbursements of $207,517.43 (net of one voided check) across numerous vendors. The tasting room license application lists total State fees of $345.00 (license, Sunday PM permit, and inspection fees). For the manager's contract, the committee noted a possible $3,000 bonus versus a 2.5% COLA increase (about $2,875), totaling $5,875 if combined, but recommended shifting to a standing COLA provision going forward.
Action Items
Staff must submit the 2024 audit to the State of Michigan. Council is to act on Resolution 2 of 2025 for the tasting room license recommendation. The Administration/Personnel Committee's recommendation to amend the manager's contract for a COLA-based increase requires full Council action. The Village Clerk has yet to respond to Kathryn Danielson's requests regarding stop signs, beach vehicle permits, marina handicap parking, and ordinance enforcement procedures. The DDA appointment of Rebekah TenBrink remains to be acted on.