Summary
The provided materials include the October 21, 2024 Suttons Bay Village Council agenda, the September 16, 2024 meeting minutes, a check register for September-October 2024, and a report (VSB-2024-47/VSB-2024-35) on a marina bathroom and boater services project. Key items include Council's prior approval of a Village Manager contract clarification, appointment of a new Planning Commission member, and a proposal from Abonmarche Consultants for the marina restroom/visitor center project funded largely by a Michigan DNR grant.
Public Comments
At the September 16 meeting, Kim Eike asked about signage on S. Shore for walkers and bikers and inquired about the required height of a guardrail near Leo Creek on South Shore. Anna Courtade, a Richter Road resident, requested a sign near her home reading something like "Autistic Child at Play," citing fast-moving cars around the corner and concern for her children; she noted she had contacted MDOT and the Leelanau County Road Commission, who indicated it is a Village street matter.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council members discussed the need for signage explaining Waterwheel Park improvements and the pedestrian bridge, relocation of the porta john, a Village administration sign, a recognition stone in Sutton Park, and placement of an Anishinaabe stone near the Library. Christensen emphasized getting information out to residents, and Manager Larrea suggested drafting a newsletter. Smith requested a "25 mph ahead" sign near the Village limit sign.
Infrastructure Projects
The Village received a Michigan DNR (Waterways Division) grant of $406,016 for a new Public Bathrooms & Boater Services Project (WW24-0008), with the Village matching $406,016, for an estimated total project cost of $812,032, funded mostly through Marina and DDA funds. To avoid disrupting marina bathroom service during construction, staff proposed relocating the new roughly 1,500 SF structure to the other side of the marina entrance near the seating area. Council was asked to consider accepting the new location (by consensus) and accepting a design/construction management proposal from Abonmarche Consultants (roll call vote), with fees totaling $98,000 for design phases (Topographic Survey $8,500; Schematic Design $18,000; Design Development $40,000; Construction Documents $40,000, subtotaled at $98,000), plus $12,500 for Bidding & Negotiation and $14,500 each for office and field Construction Administration. Anticipated construction was targeted for Spring/Summer 2025.
Other Business
At the September 16 meeting, Council approved transferring the Village Manager's accrued time off hours into the current contract after clarifying the new contract had not carried over remaining time. Michael Campbell of Murdick's Fudge was appointed to the Planning Commission to fill a vacancy through December 31, 2026. Staff reported preliminary DNR feedback requesting more information on parking and wayfinding signage, and noted the 2025 budget draft would be presented to Council the following month. Lutke noted the Harbor Heights Development project was moving forward.
Financial Summary
The check register for September 12–October 16, 2024 showed total disbursements of $590,254.47 across 81 payments (2 voided), covering utilities, insurance premiums, DPW/marina supplies, engineering services, and the Harbor Heights project ($350,000.00 payment referenced). The DNR grant of $406,016 for the bathroom/boater services project, matched by an equal Village contribution, is a major upcoming budget item funded via Marina and DDA funds.
Action Items
Staff (Larrea) to prepare a resident newsletter. Staff to advance the 2025 budget draft for Council review the following month. Staff to meet with Green Suttons Bay and DNR regarding tree planting. Council to consider accepting the new bathroom facility location and the Abonmarche proposal at the October 21 meeting via roll call vote. Signage requests (Richter Road child-safety sign, 25 mph warning sign, Waterwheel Park signage) remain outstanding for follow-up.