Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Downtown Development Authority met on May 14, 2025, with Chairperson Bahle presiding. The Board approved the agenda and the April 9, 2025 minutes unanimously (Ayes: 7, No: 0). Key actions included approving an EV charging station awareness campaign using a new FAQ sheet, and reviewing updated bathroom project designs. The Village Manager reported that Council will discuss raising water rates and that EV charging stations are not currently a Council priority.
Public Comments
Bill Perkins asked the DDA to support Council placing EV charging stations higher on its work plan. Steve Stanton spoke in favor of charging stations, noting his daughter, who visits from downstate, has nowhere to charge her electric vehicle. Bill Crackel shared that a friend with an electric car prompted him to install a 110 cord in his garage. Later in the meeting, Crackel suggested that all DDA-funded improvements should carry a sign acknowledging the DDA's contribution, and he expressed appreciation for a proposed incremental, rather than large, water rate increase.
Infrastructure Projects
Manager Rob Larrea reported that the Village Council will discuss raising water rates at its next meeting to help offset state-mandated infrastructure improvements. He also noted the Council has determined that EV charging stations are not currently a top priority, though several Board members (Sitkens, Derigiotis, Bahle, Young) noted local interest, citing that Inland Seas and Hansens are each investigating EV charging station installation. It was suggested the DDA plan be reviewed before adding EV charging stations as a future agenda item.
Other Business
Consultant Rob Bacigalupi and Chair Bahle presented a FAQ sheet intended to launch a public awareness campaign to prevent misinformation. Millns moved, Derigiotis seconded, and the Board carried a motion to proceed with the awareness campaign using the FAQ sheet (Ayes: 7, Nays: 0). Bahle will serve as the Board's contact for this effort. A new design for the public bathroom project was presented; once finalized, it will go out for bid, with Larrea noting the original intent was to begin construction this year.
Action Items
- Bahle to serve as point of contact for the EV charging station awareness campaign.
- Bathroom design to be finalized before going out for bid; construction originally intended to begin this year.
- Village Council to discuss water rate increases at its next meeting.
- DDA to review its plan before considering EV charging stations as a future agenda item.