Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met June 11, 2025, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The Board approved the agenda, the May 14, 2025 minutes, and payment of May bills totaling $39,768.63. Public comments addressed a proposed affordable housing project and library initiatives, while old and new business focused on planning updates and fundraising for the Herman Park Playground Project.
Public Comments
Larry Mawby of Peninsula Housing described a planned affordable housing project at Herman Rd and Pine View Rd. He stated he will submit a request by year-end for the Township Board to authorize a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Agreement, and offered to arrange a presentation to explain TIF to the Board. No Board action was taken at this meeting.
Nellie Danke of the Suttons Bay/Bingham Township Library reported that the library developed a new 5-Year Strategic Plan and submitted copies to the Board. She noted the library is seeking a Suttons Bay Township resident to fill a 4-year volunteer Trustee position, and that its Summer Reading Project begins June 17.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Larry Mawby (Peninsula Housing) presented plans for an affordable housing development at Herman Rd and Pine View Rd, intending to request Board authorization of a TIF Agreement later in the year. This is a proposal from Mawby, not a Board decision.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Jared Pontius submitted a written Parks & Recreation report, and Pete Ostrowski submitted minutes from the prior Parks & Rec meeting. Jared submitted a pre-application to the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation for a Community Funds Grant to support the Herman Park Playground Project.
Trustee Slocombe submitted two Township Fundraising Acknowledgement Forms for the playground project: an SB Art Show Booth & Bake Sale on August 2–3 (Jared still awaiting confirmation from Crooked Tree Arts Center), and the Greenkeeper’s Revenge Golf Scramble on October 13 at Bahle’s Golf Course, with proceeds split between the golf course and the playground project, intended as an annual event benefiting different nonprofits each year. Slocombe noted the committee is trying to avoid requesting Township funds for the project.
Other Business
Trustee Carlson updated the Board on Leelanau Physical Therapy’s Special Land Use Permit application and the Drake Proposal, as Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore was absent. Treasurer Dorothy Petroskey was excused and had no Fire Authority report.
Financial Summary
The Board approved payment of May 2025 bills totaling $39,768.63, motioned by Trustee Slocombe and seconded by Trustee Carlson, with all ayes.
Action Items
Larry Mawby to submit a formal request for a TIF Agreement for the Herman Rd/Pine View Rd affordable housing project by year-end, and to arrange a Board presentation on TIF. Jared Pontius to await confirmation from Crooked Tree Arts Center regarding the August Art Show Booth & Bake Sale. Library seeking a Suttons Bay Township resident to serve a 4-year volunteer Trustee position. Next Board meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025 (later noted as not held due to lack of business).