Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met on June 18, 2025, with Chairperson Hetler presiding. Members Feringa, F. Smith, Hetler, D. Smith, and Hylwa were present; Pontius and Campbell were absent. The Commission approved the May 21, 2025 minutes and the agenda unanimously (5-0). The main focus was assigning Master Plan goals and action items among members to streamline review ahead of the next meeting on July 16, 2025.
Public Comments
No written communications were received. During the public comment period, resident Bill Crackel raised concerns about parking availability for bed and breakfasts and proposed that a sidewalk be added on Elm Street. No formal response or commitment was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
Discussion touched on pedestrian infrastructure and green space. Frank Smith asked about green spaces between streets and sidewalks. Steve Feringa noted that grants are available for bridge projects, though no specific funding amounts or project proposals were detailed. Resident Bill Crackel suggested a sidewalk be installed on Elm Street; this was raised as a comment, not a Commission decision.
Other Business
Under Master Plan Goals/Action Items, members were tasked with reviewing priorities to determine which could be completed within the next year. Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva identified zoning ordinance amendments as a high priority, starting with the planned unit development section, incorporating walkability and workforce housing considerations. Individual assignments were made to research specific sections of the Master Plan and M-22 Guidebook (see Action Items). Sara also suggested scheduling a joint meeting with the Village Council. The Commission reviewed and adjusted timeframes on the Master Plan goals checklist; Sara agreed to provide an updated list.
Reports included: the Zoning Administration Report as presented; a Village Council update noting that Zoning Amendments were adopted and the annual audit was accepted; and a Zoning Board of Appeals update stating a meeting was tabled pending calculation of impervious surface coverage (related to a dimensional variance request at 379 S. Shore Dr., heard June 11, 2025). The June 2025 Zoning Report showed 5 new land use permits issued (including a fence at 506 N. Lincoln St. and a change of use at 101 E. Dame St. for Inland Seas), with 8 permits issued year-to-date. A land division application for Herman Rd. (Suttons Bay Schools) was approved. No future action was requested in the staff report.
Action Items
Deb Smith will find references to the ADU section and the M-22 Guidebook. Frank Smith will find references to pedestrian infrastructure and buffering. Steve Feringa will find references to environmental standards and stormwater management. Gail Hetler will find references to waterfront views and sign amendments. Richard Hylwa will review gateway districts and natural resources. Zoning Administrator Sara Kopriva will provide an updated Master Plan goals/action items list. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2025, with Master Plan priorities/Action Plan as a key agenda item.