Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on April 10, 2024, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The board approved the March 27, 2024 minutes with an edit, paid April bills totaling $39,471.11, accepted a Planning Commission resolution to update and rewrite the Township Master Plan, voted to seek a proposal from Fishbeck, Inc. for hourly planning services, and agreed to send a draft Intergovernmental Agreement for Water and Sewer Service out for legal review.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later in the meeting, during a second public comment period, Pete Ostrowski asked about the capacity of the sewer and water system; no response was recorded in the minutes. Ryan Ebert asked why Zoom access was unavailable; Treasurer Dorothy Petroskey responded that Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore, who normally sets up the equipment, was absent, and that Zoom access would resume at the May meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Eric Carlson reported that he and Planning Commissioner Tom Nixon attended an April 9 meeting hosted by Larry Mawby and Peninsula Housing regarding a proposed affordable housing project on a 10.5-acre parcel at Herman Road and Pine View. Carlson noted that further Township meetings and involvement will be required, and that many questions remain unanswered. A public open house on the project is scheduled at the Fire Hall on April 30 and May 1–2.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Pete Ostrowski gave a two-week update: portable restrooms are installed and open for use, pickleball courts open this weekend, screens will be installed within two weeks, the soccer schedule is set, overflow parking will open, fertilizer will be applied to the soccer field, dog park, and gardens, and garbage totes are in place for first pickup April 15 (Periard will arrange pickup). The ice rink water has drained and the liner is being rolled up this week.
Infrastructure Projects
The board reviewed a draft Intergovernmental Agreement for Water and Sewer Service. Members discussed the draft and agreed to review it individually. Motion by Periard, second by Clerk Jean Moe, to send the draft for legal review passed. Related, Pete Ostrowski asked about sewer and water system capacity during public comment.
Other Business
The agenda was amended to add a Conflict of Interest item before Public Comment (motion by Petroskey, second by Carlson). No conflicts of interest were reported. The Planning & Zoning report was submitted in writing by Steve Patmore. The Fire Authority meeting was postponed a week; Treasurer Petroskey had nothing further to report.
Financial Summary
The board approved payment of bills for April 2024 totaling $39,471.11 (motion by Petroskey, second by Slocombe, passed).
Action Items
Seek a formal proposal from Fishbeck, Inc. for hourly Professional Planning Assistance. Send the draft Intergovernmental Agreement for Water and Sewer Service for legal review. Continue Township involvement in the Peninsula Housing affordable housing project at Herman Road and Pine View, with a public open house set for April 30 and May 1–2 at the Fire Hall. Resume Zoom meeting access starting with the May 8, 2024 Township Board meeting.