Summary
The Suttons Bay Downtown Development Authority met April 9, 2025 (minutes presented as part of the May 14, 2025 packet), chaired by Bahle. The board approved the agenda and prior minutes unanimously, discussed the marina bathroom facility siting challenges, addressed the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners' decision not to opt into the DDA's TIF district, and reviewed a manager's update on the Spring Newsletter.
Infrastructure Projects
Rob Larrea reported that soil samples taken at the future site of the marina bathroom facility revealed peat, requiring additional borings to find suitable soil. Once the location is confirmed, staff will determine whether the facility will be sited horizontally or perpendicular to the road. A supporting document notes several marina-related infrastructure projects: Year-Round Restrooms at Marina Park (in planning and design stage), a Marina Pedestrian Bridge (currently seeking funding/grants), and a Pavilion at Marina Park (in discussion phase), with total investment listed at $851,616.
Other Business
Rob Bacigalupi (Mission North Consulting) informed the DDA that the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners chose not to opt into the DDA's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. He provided a report on taxable values within the DDA district and the percentage contribution other entities would make if they opted in. He recommended members begin discussion when the County starts budget preparation this year. DDA members asked whether the committee could request a written response from the County detailing its reasons for opting out, to allow the DDA to respond to their concerns. Bahle suggested an awareness campaign, including members introducing themselves to commissioners and talking with neighbors. Lutke suggested starting with a press release highlighting the DDA's progress and goals for additional funds, to be posted on the Village website. Manager Rob Larrea noted the Spring Newsletter was emailed out that week.
Financial Summary
A supporting DDA informational document states that TIF captures only the increase in taxable value above a 2018 baseline, without raising tax rates. Estimated impacts if other entities opted in: Leelanau County's share would be less than 0.2% of its annual budget, Suttons Bay Township's share less than 0.85%, and BATA's share negligible. Total DDA investment in current marina-area projects is listed at $851,616. The document states downtown Suttons Bay generates 18.2 times more tax revenue per acre than the County average and 14.2 times more than the Township average.
Action Items
- DDA to consider requesting a written response from the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners explaining their reasons for declining to opt into the DDA's TIF district.
- Board members to begin discussion regarding TIF opt-in "this year" when the County begins budget preparation, per Bacigalupi's recommendation.
- Consideration of an awareness campaign (Bahle) and a press release for the Village website (Lutke) regarding DDA progress and funding goals.
- Continued soil testing/borings needed before the marina bathroom facility site and orientation can be finalized.
- Next regular meeting scheduled for June 11, 2025.