Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met November 13, 2024, with Vice Chairperson Pontius presiding in the absence of Hetler. The commission approved a text amendment to Article 5-3 (Bayview district story minimums) and Article 9-13 (Wireless Communications) for recommendation to the Village Council, recommended the 2025 budget for Council adoption, adopted a new 2025 meeting schedule, and began reviewing Master Plan priorities.
Public Comments
No public comments or written communications were submitted during the general public comment period. A public hearing was opened at 5:04 p.m. (F. Smith moved, D. Smith seconded, carried 6-0) for the proposed zoning text amendments; no comments were received, and the hearing closed at 5:04 p.m.
Infrastructure Projects
Planner Kopriva explained that current wireless communications language in the zoning ordinance is inconsistent with State Law, which allows administrative approval (without a special use permit) for wireless providers co-locating equipment on an existing tower. The proposed amendment updates the ordinance to match State Law. After reviewing the nine criteria under Section 18-3, the commission found the amendment consistent with State Law and Village goals. D. Smith moved, F. Smith seconded, carried 6-0, to recommend the Village Council adopt the amendments to Article 5-3 (Bayview Spatial Requirements) and Article 9-13 (Wireless Communications).
Under the Village Council Report, D. Smith noted the Village Council has entered into a contract with Abonmarche for design and construction oversight of the new marina and public restrooms.
Other Business
The commission also addressed the Bayview district's story minimum, changing the enforced minimum from 1.5 stories to 1 story, since one-story dwellings had already been built without apparent detriment to the district. This was included in the same motion approving the Article 5-3 and 9-13 amendments (6-0).
Kopriva presented a list of Village Master Plan priorities for commission members to rate by importance (high, medium, low) and timeframe (1, 3, or 5 years). Members completed ratings for Housing, Natural Resources, and Transportation; remaining categories will be addressed at the next meeting.
Financial Summary
F. Smith moved, Hylwa seconded, carried 6-0, to recommend the 2025 Planning Commission budget to the Village Council for adoption. No specific dollar figures were included in the minutes.
Action Items
Village Council to consider adoption of the Article 5-3 and Article 9-13 zoning text amendments recommended by the Planning Commission. Village Council to consider adoption of the 2025 Planning Commission budget. The Planning Commission will resume review of remaining Master Plan priority categories at the next meeting, scheduled for December 11, 2024, with "Master Plan Review of Priorities" as an agenda item. Starting in 2025, Planning Commission meetings will move to the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m., with the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on the 2nd Wednesday.