Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board held a special meeting on March 27, 2024, to conduct a Truth in Taxation hearing and adopt the 2024-2025 budget. The board also approved the Parks and Recreation Plan Resolution 7 of 2024, appointed new Planning Commission members, and approved new Parks & Rec staff positions.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered during the initial public comment period. Later in the meeting, Dorenda LaFever stated she had emailed Supervisor Periard a letter regarding handicap accessibility in the township and county. She applauded progress made and discussed differences between Barrier Free, ADA Standards, and Universal Access. LaFever proposed offering her services and expertise to conduct a compliance audit for handicap accessibility in 2025; no board action was taken on this proposal at the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Pete Ostrowski reviewed ongoing projects at various Township parks, including costs and progress. Ostrowski also presented the 2024-2028 Draft Parks and Recreation Plan (Resolution 7 of 2024) and the associated budget, including financing needs for projects at Herman Park. Motion by Slocombe to approve the budget, 2nd by Carlson, all Ayes; a roll-call vote followed and the motion passed.
The Personnel Committee recommended creating a full-time, non-voting "Parks & Rec Manager" position and a part-time "Parks & Rec Assistant" position, along with draft changes to the Township By-Laws defining these roles. Motion by Carlson to accept the three documents, 2nd by Slocombe, all Ayes, motion passed. A further motion by Carlson, 2nd by Petroskey, authorized the Personnel Committee to submit a job ad to Clerk Moe, who will post it in local newspapers; all Ayes, motion passed.
Other Business
ZA Steve Patmore reported a zoning ordinance consultant has been hired and that the 5-year Master Plan is under review and will need a rewrite. Treasurer Petroskey reported the Fire Authority approved its 2024-2025 budget at its last meeting. Minutes from February 14, 2024 and the February 19, 2024 workshop were approved as presented. Commissioner Don Gregory's resignation (term expiring 12/31/2024) was accepted; Kevin Weber will fulfill his term beginning April 1, 2024, and a certificate of appreciation was noted for Gregory's 33 years of public service. Commissioner Dee McClure's resignation (term expiring 12/31/2025) was accepted; Gary Thornton will fulfill her term beginning May 1, 2024, motion by Petroskey, 2nd by Carlson.
Financial Summary
Bills for March 2024 totaling $33,503.35 were approved for payment (motion by Petroskey, 2nd by Slocombe). A Truth in Taxation public hearing was held from 5:39pm to 5:43pm to take comments on the 2024/2025 budget and set the millage rate. The 2024-2025 budget (April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025) was adopted as written; motion by Periard, 2nd by Carlson, all Ayes, confirmed by roll-call vote.
Action Items
- Clerk Moe to post job ads for the new Parks & Rec Manager and Parks & Rec Assistant positions in local newspapers, based on submissions from the Personnel Committee.
- Kevin Weber to begin his Planning Commission term April 1, 2024; Gary Thornton to begin his term May 1, 2024.
- A certificate of appreciation to be prepared for former Commissioner Don Gregory.
- Next Township Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00pm.