Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met March 26, 2025, adopting the 2025-2026 budget following a Truth & Taxation Public Hearing, approving several MIDNR playground grant resolutions, passing a zoning ordinance amendment, and approving a poverty tax exemption resolution. All votes noted were unanimous roll call votes.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Slocombe and Park & Rec Manager Jared Pontius presented the financial commitments required to qualify for three MIDNR playground grants. The Trust Grant required 30% ($45,000) of $150,000; another Trust Grant required 25% ($75,000) of $300,000; and the Land & Water Grant required 50% ($150,000) of a $300,000 grant. To fund the required matches, Carlson moved to increase the 2025-2026 playground grants match line item from $604,240 to $641,740 (an increase of $37,500), seconded by Slocombe; roll call vote passed unanimously. The Board then approved Resolution #7 (MIDNR Recreation Grant Program, 30%/$45,000 commitment) and Resolution #8 (MIDNR Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Program, 25%/$75,000 commitment), both unanimous. Resolution #9 (MIDNR Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program) was rescinded due to the required financial commitment. Slocombe also thanked the board for the opportunity to attend the MPARKS conference; she and Pontius audited classes and will share resources with the board.
Other Business
- Agenda approved with addition of a required Public Hearing for the 2025-2026 budget (Carlson/Slocombe, motion carried).
- GFL Spring Clean-Up approved for May 17, 2025 (Slocombe/Petroskey, unanimous roll call).
- Planning Commission's request to send postcard mailers promoting the Master Plan Community Survey was approved by trustees, funded through the Master Plan Budget; no vote taken.
- Ordinance #1 of 2025, amending the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to include Medical Clinics in the overlay Zoning District, approved unanimously (Carlson/Petroskey).
- Resolution #6, Poverty Exemptions from Property Tax, approved unanimously (Slocombe/Carlson).
- Board of Review's recommendation on the Glen and Patricia Barnes property was not acted on; the Township has not yet heard back from legal counsel.
- The April Board meeting was moved to April 9 at 5:00pm (one hour earlier than normal), proposed by Supervisor Periard; all trustees available, notices to be posted.
- Trustee Carlson asked how long it has been since the Township requested RFPs for the assessor; trustees confirmed it has been three years, and the Township remains under an at-will contract.
Financial Summary
- March 2025 bills approved in the amount of $61,302.93 (Petroskey/Slocombe).
- 2025-2026 budget adopted unanimously (Carlson/Slocombe), following a Truth & Taxation Public Hearing opened at 6:03pm.
- Playground grants match line item increased from $604,240 to $641,740 to meet MIDNR grant funding requirements.
- Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program match (50%/$150,000) was rescinded due to the financial commitment required.
Action Items
- Township awaiting response from legal counsel regarding the Board of Review recommendation on the Glen and Patricia Barnes property; no action taken pending that response.
- April Board meeting rescheduled to April 9 at 5:00pm; public notices to be posted.