Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council met August 18, 2025 (minutes included with the September 15, 2025 agenda packet), with President Lutke presiding and all seven members present (Bahle, Christensen, Lutke, Perkins, Smith, Suppes, Yoder). The council approved the consent agenda, approved a tasting-room resolution for Grand Traverse Distillery, amended the Village Manager's contract, and appointed Rebecah Tenbrink to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Public Comments
Kathryn Danielson submitted written correspondence and spoke about St. Marys Street speed and stop signs, sand cleaning at Marina Beach, handicap parking, and ordinance enforcement; she also said she no longer visits Waterwheel Park and would like the sculpture restored. Bill Crackel/William Crackel spoke about speeding on St. Marys Street, ordinance enforcement, an unfixed road near his property, a sewer line that had to be jetted again due to bubbling toilets, and the requirement that short-term rentals (STRs) provide two onsite parking spaces. Chava Bahle thanked the Village and praised Waterwheel Park. Three written comments were submitted: Kathy Egan thanked the Village for its annual trash collection day; Kathleen Mozak requested two additional 25 MPH signs on South Shore Drive, citing pedestrian and cyclist safety; and Jared Pontius (Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast, 503 N. Saint Josephs St.) detailed a long-standing drainage problem on Grove Street causing water, sand, and ice buildup and foundation damage, asking the council for a permanent solution and citing a prior Broadway Street drainage fix as precedent. No council decisions were recorded in response to these letters.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Member Perkins raised reopening Waterwheel Park fully and reinstalling its sculpture, plus the Farmers Market and EV charging stations. President Lutke noted the park's closed section is for creek bank stabilization. No votes were taken on these items.
Infrastructure Projects
A hydrant installation on S. Elm Street was completed by KAL Excavating Co. for $10,675.00. KAL Excavating also billed $116.45 for repair to St. Marys Street. Sewer-related work included a sewer line jetting at a resident's property and a $1,398.90 pump replacement (Keco Inc.). Marina supplies were purchased via Amazon ($199.65). No new infrastructure votes were recorded.
Other Business
Council approved Resolution 2 of 2025 granting an off-premise tasting room to Grand Traverse Distillery, LLC at 321 St. Joseph Street (roll call 7-0). Amy Peterson's DDA resignation was accepted, and Rebecah Tenbrink was appointed to fill her unexpired term through December 31, 2027 (7-0). Members also discussed traffic calming and stop signs on St. Marys Street and speeding on South Shore Drive.
Financial Summary
The Manager's contract was amended to add an annual COLA increase based on Social Security Administration data (7-0) and a $3,000 bonus based on evaluation (7-0). The check register for 8/16–9/11/2025 totaled 56 checks worth $133,806.92, less $1,870.68 in voided checks, for 53 net disbursements totaling $131,936.24. Notable expenses included $28,214.00 for the Municipal Underwriters annual insurance premium, $21,174.59 and $14,022.12 for propane (Bayshore Oil & Propane), $17,795.25 to Jacobs Engineering Group, $10,872.14 for Priority Health Group premiums, and $3,495.00 for a porta john at Bahle Park.
Action Items
- Village Manager's contract to reflect annual COLA tied to Social Security Administration figures.
- $3,000 bonus to be issued to the Manager per evaluation.
- Rebecah Tenbrink to serve on the DDA through December 31, 2027.
- Resident Jared Pontius requested a permanent drainage solution for Grove Street/his Korner Kottage property; no council action recorded yet.
- Resident Kathleen Mozak requested two additional 25 MPH signs on South Shore Drive; no council action recorded yet.
- Ongoing resident concerns about St. Marys Street speeding, stop signs, and ordinance enforcement remain unresolved.