Summary
The document package for the Suttons Bay Village Council includes the agenda for the April 21, 2025 regular meeting, minutes from the March 17, 2025 meeting, a detailed invoice register, the Planning Commission's 2024 Annual Report (VSB-2024-56), and the Village Manager's Update (VSB-2025-14/15). At the March 17 meeting, the Council approved several contracts and policy amendments, including engagement of Abonmarche for A-Dock due diligence and Hydro Corp for cross-connection services, and adopted ESTA-required personnel policy amendments.
Public Comments
At the March 17 meeting, Will Case praised the DPW for their work over the winter and commented on Waterwheel Park and the North Park boating facilities. Donna Popke suggested the Village consider adding sculptures to Village parks. No formal Council response or action was recorded for either comment.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Perkins commented on the Farmers Market and the Library's use of North Park during Good of the Order. Staff reported meeting with Abonmarche regarding the bath house project; borings found peat in the soil, and additional borings and a topo map of the area will be prepared. The Manager's Update notes plans to remove stream fencing at Waterwheel Park, plant street trees ordered last fall, install wooden pylons at Sutton Park to protect the park and new pedestrian path, add a further phase of sidewalk, and install a water bottle filler at Sutton Park.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council voted (Roll Call, Ayes: 5, Nays: 0) to direct the Village Manager to execute an agreement with Abonmarche for A-Dock permitting and preliminary engineering (Report VSB-2025-08). The Council also voted (Roll Call, Ayes: 5, No: 0) to authorize the Village Manager to finalize an agreement with Hydro Corp for cross-connection services (Report VSB-2025-09); staff clarified private well customers would not require the service, and that costs would be spread over five years for water service customers, with resident education materials to follow. The Manager's Update reports ongoing progress on the Marina "A-Dock" project, the Boaters Service and Public Restroom project (survey and preliminary interior design completed, soils analysis pending), public parking improvements on Adams and Madison Streets, sewer and water ordinance redrafting, and a submitted shoreline remediation grant for Coal Dock Park in partnership with the Watershed Center, which reportedly received praise from State officials.
Other Business
Council adopted Employee Handbook amendments required by State law regarding earned paid time off (Report VSB-2025-11), moved by Lutke and seconded by Suppes (Ayes: 5, No: 0). The Planning Commission's 2024 Annual Report noted 26 land use permits issued, no special land use permit applications, several zoning ordinance amendments adopted (Sections 4-1(C), 4-3, and 2-6(G)), and a shift in 2025 meeting schedule to the third Wednesday of each month. Additional zoning amendments regarding building stories in the BV District and wireless communications equipment were to be addressed at the February 2025 Council meeting. The Manager's Update also noted ongoing discussions on the law enforcement contract (expiring December 31) following John Donahue's retirement.
Financial Summary
The Consent Agenda, including payment of invoices, was approved by roll call vote (Ayes: 5, No: 0). The invoice register for checks dated 3/12/2025–4/17/2025 lists numerous vendor payments, including a total of 25 disbursements for $139,104.95 in one batch (0 voided checks). Individual notable invoice amounts include $8,352.55, $6,162.09, $5,162.09 (approx.), and various smaller utility, maintenance, and supply payments to vendors such as Consumers Energy, Charter Communications, Fifth Third Bank, Northern Building Supply, and Security Sanitation. No specific budget allocations or funding source breakdowns beyond invoice payments were detailed in the document.
Action Items
- Village Manager to execute the Abonmarche agreement for A-Dock permitting and engineering (per Report VSB-2025-08).
- Village Manager to finalize the Hydro Corp cross-connection agreement, ensuring completion within 5 years and providing residents with information on cross connections (per Report VSB-2025-09).
- Staff to continue soil borings and prepare a topo map for the bath house project area.
- Council to address Planning Commission-recommended zoning amendments (Sections 5-3 and 9-13) at the February 2025 meeting.
- Manager to continue discussions with the Sheriff and Undersheriff regarding the law enforcement contract renewal, with transition following John Donahue's retirement within approximately 30 days.
- Staff to bring a new qualifications standard section of the sewer and water ordinances to committee for discussion.