Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on January 10, 2024, with Supervisor Doug Periard presiding. The board approved December minutes and bills, approved the Leland Township tax collection contract, appointed a Zoning Board of Appeals alternate, and discussed appointments to the Planning Commission. A joint meeting between the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Township Board was scheduled for January 29, 2024, to address the Five Year Parks and Recreation Plan.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Debbie Slocombe reported that although no formal Housing Sub-Committee/Task Force exists, Peninsula Housing, under Larry Mawby's direction, has hired Urban Design Associates from Pennsylvania to analyze housing needs in the area. The firm will collect data over a three-day period, April 30 through May 2, 2024, using the Suttons Bay Fire Station as a collection site. The Herman Road Project was also mentioned as a development that will help inform sustainability planning for the number of houses in that area.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Pete Ostrowski reported that a public hearing was held December 3, with only one attendee providing comments. The committee's next meeting is January 31, 2024, at 6:30 PM. A correction was made to the Five Year Plan dates, changing them to "2024-2028." A special joint meeting between the Parks and Rec Committee and the Township Board was moved up to Monday, January 29, 2024, at 6:30 PM (from the originally discussed January 31 date) to allow three days for corrections before the February 1 submission deadline. At that meeting, the Parks & Rec Committee will present a resolution for the Board to vote on. Per Petroskey, no additional public hearing is required, though public comment may be taken for up to 30 days. The board also discussed creating a Parks and Rec Superintendent/Manager/Facilities Manager position, agreeing the title "Supervisor" should not be used since that title belongs to the Township Supervisor.
Other Business
Planning and Zoning: Carlson reported the Zoning Ordinance overhaul is progressing, with Patmore and Petroskey completing corrections for the January 16 Planning Commission meeting. The township needs to hire a new planning consultant, as the prior contract expired December 15. Short Term Rental (STR) applications are under review, with occupancy limits possibly changing based on septic permits and bedroom counts.
Fire Authority: Two new members were approved to join the fire department and begin training; some accounts were sent to collection; the 2024 budget is under review.
Committee Appointments: Bill Sterrett was appointed to a three-year term as ZBA alternate (motion by Petroskey, second by Carlson, motion carried). Tom Nixon was identified as interested in a Planning Commission seat, with Mr. Porter suggested for the second opening.
A Personnel Committee was proposed by Periard, to include Carlson, to develop a job description for a future Parks and Rec/Facilities Manager role; no vote was needed to form it, and recommendations are due at the February meeting.
Financial Summary
- December bills totaled $23,671.80, including bulk water usage for the village ice rink and an Electric Source maintenance contract; approved on motion by Periard, second by Slocombe.
- Leland Township's Annual Contract for Summer Tax Collection was approved at $2.50 per parcel (unchanged rate), motion by Slocombe, second by Carlson, all ayes.
Action Items
- Patmore and Petroskey to finalize Zoning Ordinance corrections before the January 16 Planning Commission meeting.
- Township to hire a new planning consultant following expiration of the prior contract.
- Parks and Rec Committee to finalize Five Year Plan document by February 1 deadline; joint Board/Committee meeting set for January 29, 2024, at 6:30 PM to vote on the resolution.
- Periard and Carlson to meet as a Personnel Committee and report findings/recommendations on the future Parks and Rec/Facilities Manager role at the February board meeting.
- Board to pursue securing Tom Nixon and Mr. Porter for open Planning Commission seats.