Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on August 13, 2025, and adopted four resolutions to correct issues identified in an audit report, approved related policy updates, filled a Planning Commission vacancy and a Library Trustee position, paid July and August bills, and honored outgoing Planning Commissioner Patti Miller.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Parks Manager Jared Pontius submitted a written July 2025 report, along with a Fund Raising Approval Form for the Herman Park Playground Project and draft/final notes from the Parks & Rec June 25 and July 23 meetings. No board action or discussion beyond acknowledgment of these documents was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
No infrastructure projects such as marina, water, sewer, or cell tower matters were discussed.
Other Business
ZA Steve Patmore reported the Cherry Bay Orchards Proposal has required extensive review by the Planning Commission, with several terms and questions submitted to the Township's attorneys for clarification. The next Planning Commission meeting is Tuesday, September 2, at the Suttons Bay School meeting room, where a decision is expected. Treasurer Petroskey reported on the Fire Authority meeting of August 12, noting the new facility was completed, a tour was given, and staff were expected to move in as of August 13.
Assessor Gunner Brow recapped the audit report, requested moving the December Board of Review meeting from 1pm to 2pm due to scheduling conflicts, and announced new office hours of 9:30am–12:00pm at the Township offices. The Board approved three policy updates: the Personal Property Canvas Policy, the PRE Interest from Denial Policy, and the Public Inspection of Records Policy (motion by Petroskey, supported by Slocombe, passed).
The Board appointed Donna J. Steinebach, who submitted a cover letter and resume, to the Planning Commission to complete Patti Miller's term through December 31, 2027 (motion by Periard, supported by Carlson, passed). Clerk Moe will conduct her swearing in.
For the Library Trustee vacancy, Kevin Weber and Gail Sharp Carlson each submitted letters of interest. Petroskey moved to appoint Gail Sharp Carlson, supported by Moe; Periard and Slocombe voted aye, Trustee Carlson abstained due to a disclosed conflict of interest (a relative was an applicant), and the motion passed.
Carlson moved to adopt a Resolution of Appreciation for Patti Miller, supported by Petroskey, with all ayes; motion passed.
Financial Summary
The Board approved payment of July 2025 bills totaling $41,302.39 (motion by Petroskey, supported by Slocombe) and August 2025 bills totaling $18,438.00 (motion by Petroskey, supported by Moe). Four audit-related resolutions were adopted unanimously (all ayes, no nays, none absent): Resolution 2025-9 (waiver of interest and penalty for property transfer affidavits), Resolution 2025-10 (authorization for residents to protest in writing to the Board of Review), Resolution 2025-11 (public inspection of assessing records), and Resolution 2025-12 (procedures for granting and removing real property exemptions).
Action Items
- Assessor Gunner Brow to contact the auditor to clarify report details.
- Clerk Moe to conduct swearing in of Donna J. Steinebach for the Planning Commission.
- Planning Commission to meet September 2 at the Suttons Bay School meeting room to decide on the Cherry Bay Orchards Proposal.
- Trustee Carlson recused himself from discussion and voting on the Library Trustee appointment due to a disclosed conflict of interest (relative was an applicant).
- Next Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 6:00pm.