Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on April 8, 2026, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The board approved the amended agenda, prior meeting minutes with one correction, and payment of March bills. Key actions included appointing John Wasson to the Parks & Recreation Committee and discussing plans for a capital campaign to fund the new Herman Park playground. The County Garage discussion with Brendan Mullane was postponed to the June meeting.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Periard announced that Larry Mawby of Peninsula Housing will attend the May meeting to discuss his NRZD (Natural Resource Zoning District) project. No further details or board action were recorded at this meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Manager Pontius submitted a written report noting that a Disc Golf Design has been submitted, with a meeting planned at Herman Park to discuss it further. The board approved a motion by Petroskey, seconded by Slocombe, to appoint John Wasson to the Park & Recreation Committee, filling the seat vacated by Liz Clark (term expired 12/31/25) through 12/31/27. Regarding the Herman Park Playground, Jared and the Friends of Herman Park will launch a Capital Campaign to raise remaining funds. The board discussed editing the fundraising "ask" letter to accept all levels of giving and reviewed yard sign designs, which require board approval; members noted signs should not be displayed within parks.
Other Business
Planning & Zoning (ZA Patmore) reported that the Drakes withdrew their application and submitted a land division request instead; the NRZD Text Amendment is moving forward, as is approval to move the 980 S Herman Road property to new zoning; the Southwell Land Division matter is pursuing litigation. The Fire Authority had no report, with a meeting scheduled for April 14. The Assessor’s Report (Gunner Brow) included an administrative change request, the 2026 MBOR Report, and 2025 home and property sales data.
Financial Summary
The board approved payment of March bills totaling $31,202.61, motioned by Slocombe and seconded by Petroskey.
Action Items
- Brendan Mullane (Leelanau County Road Commission) and Lover’s Lane neighbors to be added to the June meeting agenda for the County Garage discussion.
- Larry Mawby (Peninsula Housing) to attend the May meeting to discuss his NRZD project.
- Board to review and approve yard sign designs for the Herman Park Playground capital campaign; signs are not to be placed in parks.
- Friends of Herman Park to launch a Capital Campaign and revise the "ask" letter to accept all levels of giving.
- Fire Authority meeting scheduled for April 14.