Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Utility/Marina Committee met on November 3, 2025 to review staff reports and discuss the 2026 fee schedule and utility/marina budgets. A related October 6, 2025 committee meeting record and a separate short committee meeting on FOIA policy were also included in the packet. Key items included a reminder of a previously approved 2026 water rate increase and detailed marina, water, and sewer fee schedules.
Public Comments
At the October 6, 2025 meeting, Kristin Crackel spoke regarding water runoff concerns at 418 St Marys; no response is recorded in the minutes. No public comments were recorded at the November 3, 2025 Utility/Marina Committee meeting or at the separate FOIA committee meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
DPW Director Miller reported that chlorination of the water lines began and was to run through October 12. The Marina report (Edie) noted the marina was 70% occupied and would close on October 15. A staff report (VSB-2025-32) reminded the committee that, per a May 2025 resolution, water rates would increase on January 1, 2026: Ready to Serve rates rise across all meter sizes (e.g., 5/8"–1" from $11.98 to $13.77), and the cost per 1,000 gallons increases by $0.75, from $3.95 to $4.70. Sewer connection fees total $5,500 per unit (Application Review $100, System Development $5,000, Tap Fee $500), while water connection fees total $3,500 per unit. Non-Village (Township) users are charged 1.5 times standard rates. The action requested on the water rate report was listed as "Discussion" only; no vote was recorded.
Committee member Yoder raised concerns at the October 6 meeting about vehicles parking in the 600 block of St Marys, obstructing the travel lane for drivers turning from M-204.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Marina fee schedules were detailed, including seasonal Main Marina slip fees ($2,468.00 for vessels up to 25 ft, $99.00 per foot over 25 ft), Coal Dock slip fees ($2,205.00 and $88.00 per foot over 25 ft), and transient slip fees ($42.00 for vessels up to 25 ft). Seasonal refund percentages decrease over the year, with no refunds after July 1. A note states marina fees are waived for Suttons Bay Schools during scheduled school days.
Financial Summary
Water Ready to Serve rates for 2026 range from $13.77 (5/8"–1" meter) to $321.72 (4" meter). Cost per 1,000 gallons rises from $3.95 to $4.70. Sewer connection fees total $5,500 per unit; water connection fees total $3,500 per unit. Additional fees include a $65.00 Water Quality Analysis (plus test cost), $60.00 for water turn on/off during working hours, $90.00 for emergency after-hours calls, a 10% late penalty fee, and bulk water purchase at $50.00 plus $9.40 per 1,000 gallons. Marina waiting list and pump-out service fees were listed at $99.00 and other marina fees as itemized above. No votes on the 2026 budgets or fee schedule were recorded; items were listed for discussion.
Other Business
A separate committee meeting (members: President Hallit, Petertonjes, Van Duinen) convened at 3:02pm to consider the FOIA Policy and Procedures and Fee Itemization. Petertonjes made a motion to recommend adoption of the policy to council, seconded by Van Duinen; the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 3:12pm, with minutes submitted by Deputy Clerk Ericha Ransom.
Action Items
- Water rate increase of $0.75 per 1,000 gallons takes effect January 1, 2026, per prior Village Council resolution.
- Committee to continue discussion of the 2026 Utility & Marina Budget(s) and Fee Schedule.
- FOIA Policy and Procedures and Fee Itemization recommended for adoption to Village Council following the committee motion.
- Concern regarding parking obstruction on St Marys (600 block) raised by Yoder; no follow-up action recorded.
- Water runoff concern at 418 St Marys raised by resident Kristin Crackel; no follow-up action recorded in the minutes.