Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met on October 20, 2025, with President Pro-Tem Colleen Christensen presiding in the absence of Lutke. The Council approved its consent agenda, amended the agenda to add a Waterwheel Park discussion, and reviewed ongoing infrastructure and parks projects, including the St Mary's on-street parking improvement and Waterwheel Park maintenance. Several members of the public spoke, largely praising Deputy Neumann's community policing and offering input on park plantings and the St Mary's project.
Public Comments
Will Case thanked the DPW for reinstalling a sculpture created by Bob Sweeny and offered to donate a second one he owns. Jared Pontius asked whether his storm water runoff problem could be addressed alongside the St Mary's improvement on the 400 block; he also noted a previously installed asphalt berm did not work and stated he would like pollinators to remain near the creek bed, adding that the current signage is doing what it needs to do. Bill Crackel said Waterwheel Park should be a place for children, supported keeping the south side accessible, and noted that five houses, including his own, would be disrupted by the St Mary's parking improvements, requiring him to undo backyard improvements. Chava Bahle shared results of an informal survey finding residents view the Village as friendly, caring, safe, and fun. Multiple speakers, including Yoder, Bahle, Suppes, and Pontius, thanked Deputy Neumann for his community presence.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Smith reported that the Planning Commission discussed the lack of affordable housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and allowing two-family housing. No formal Council action was taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Perkins raised concerns about Waterwheel Park, stating the signage felt unwelcoming and questioning how long it must remain, and noting non-indigenous plantings including autumn olive overtaking the area. Staff clarified the plantings were intended to stabilize the creek banks; DPW plans to trim vegetation to about a foot high and, in spring, eradicate autumn olive and purple loosestrife while preserving a 4-foot natural buffer around the creek. Council members expressed support for the existing plan. Will Case noted the park contains 9 waterfalls, 9 ponds, and an 11-foot drop, and suggested keeping one side natural once invasive species are removed.
Infrastructure Projects
Under VSB 2025-28, the committee recommended restoring grass and returning to parallel parking for a section of the 400 block near St Mary's; a French drain will need removal before work begins, with construction expected in spring pending a quote. Trustee Smith commented on storm water runoff discussion held at the Planning Commission meeting. The Manager's update (VSB-2025-31) covered multiple ongoing projects, including questions about future plans for Elm Street.
Other Business
Police staff reports were presented; Deputy Neumann described the Village as a peaceful community and thanked Sheriff Borkovich and Under Sheriff Kiessel. Bill Perkins commented that the Village has too many red maples and suggested basswood or sugar maples instead.
Action Items
- Staff to obtain a quote for the St Mary's 400 block parking restoration project, expected to begin in spring.
- DPW to trim Waterwheel Park vegetation to about a foot high and, in spring, eradicate autumn olive and purple loosestrife while maintaining a 4-foot natural buffer near the creek.
- Planning Commission to continue discussion of affordable housing, ADUs, and two-family housing options.