Summary
The Suttons Bay Township Board met on March 11, 2026, with Supervisor Doug Periard, Treasurer Dorothy Petroskey, and Trustees Eric Carlson and Debbie Slocombe present; Clerk Jean Moe and Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore were absent. The board adopted the amended '26-27 budget, signed an MTA Governance resolution, and passed a resolution recognizing the Friends of Herman Park for a grant application. Public comments focused heavily on improving the Herman Park Disc Golf Course.
Public Comments
Bill Perkins of the Village of Suttons Bay, representing the tri-county Solid Waste Planning Board, reported that the board agreed to add food waste to the recycling program, with collection and composting to be developed in the future.
Jake Ogemaw of Peshawbestown, an avid disc golfer, said he must drive 30 miles to find an adequate course because Herman Park's disc golf course is inadequate, and requested improvements.
Jame Warren of the Up North Disc Golf Association urged the board to make improvements to make the Herman Park course safer, more usable, and a short-approach layout, stating the current course layout is a liability. No board response was recorded to these comments.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Park Manager Jared Pontius submitted a written report noting quotes obtained for Herman Park playground furnishings. The redesign of the Herman Park Disc Golf Course was estimated at $10,000. A DNR Grant was released requiring Supervisor Periard's signature. The parks committee agreed not to charge players for pickleball court reservations. The board later voted, in New Business, to increase the disc golf course budget line item from $5,000 to $10,000 as part of the amended budget.
Other Business
Planning & Zoning: Trustee Carlson reported the Planning Commission reviewed and accepted an amendment to the Neighborhood Residential District; Peninsula Housing is looking to develop 8 acres; the Cherry Beach Orchard Drake project is on hold.
Fire Authority: Treasurer Petroskey reported adoption of the '26-'27 Fire Authority budget and a mileage renewal of up to 3.25 mills to appear on the August ballot.
Assessor's Report: No report submitted; Board of Review took place March 11 and 12.
Trustee Carlson submitted the Bingham Township District Library audit report for filing with the township.
Financial Summary
- February bills approved in the amount of $48,845.94 (motion by Petroskey, second by Slocombe).
- Amended '26-27 budget adopted using the maximum millage rate allowed by Headlee, with revenues of $730,910 and expenditures of $697,578 (motion by Petroskey, second by Carlson; roll call vote 4 ayes, Clerk Moe absent).
- Resolution 2026.07 adopted acknowledging the Friends of Herman Park, who are applying for a $15,000 Rotary Charities grant for playground design seed money, with no financial support from the township (motion by Petroskey, second by Slocombe; roll call vote 4 ayes, Clerk Moe absent).
Action Items
- Supervisor Periard to sign the released DNR Grant.
- Friends of Herman Park to proceed with their $15,000 Rotary Charities grant application for playground design.
- Board to consider further improvements to the Herman Park Disc Golf Course following resident concerns about safety and liability.