Summary
The Village of Suttons Bay Council packet for the February 18, 2025 meeting included consent agenda items (minutes, invoices, a Zoning Board of Appeals appointment, certificates of appreciation, an ice rink agreement renewal, and a Swim for Grand Traverse Bay event notice), two resolutions of appreciation, proposed zoning ordinance amendments, and a request to replace aging sidewalk-clearing equipment. The packet also carried forward the December 3, 2024 special meeting minutes, in which Council adopted the 2025 budget and millage rate.
Public Comments
Resident Rick Andrews emailed the Village asking about remote/Zoom access to meetings. Clerk Dorothy Petroskey responded that the Village discontinued Zoom participation in 2022 following changes to the Open Meetings Act, and ended "view only" access in mid-2023 after Council unanimously voted to discontinue it due to low attendance. She noted public comment is accepted at all meetings and encouraged written correspondence or phone calls. No public comment was recorded at the December 3, 2024 special meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Report VSB-2025-07 informed Council that the "Swim for Grand Traverse Bay" fundraiser for the Watershed Center will be held at Suttons Park on Saturday, August 9, 2025, coordinated with the Coast Guard, DNR, Emergency Management, Marine Patrol, and Fire/EMS. This was informational, no action taken. Report VSB-2025-01 noted the Ice Rink Park Agreement with Suttons Bay Township, involving a 50% Village cost share, has been renewed through 2028; also informational, no action requested.
Infrastructure Projects
At the December 3, 2024 meeting, Village Manager Larrea noted committees would review Marina rate amendments and water rate increases over the coming year, and that the Village would seek a grant for shoreline restoration at the Coal Dock. Proposed Ordinance Z-2025-02 would update the wireless (cell tower) communications section of the zoning ordinance to conform with State law (P.A. 110 of 2006), allowing co-located wireless equipment on existing towers to be approved administratively without special land use review.
Other Business
Proposed Ordinance Z-2025-01 would change the BV District minimum building stories from 1.5 to 1.0 (maximum 2.5). Council appointed Gary Cheadle to the Zoning Board of Appeals through 12/2025. At the December 3, 2024 meeting, Council adopted the 2025 meeting schedule (Planning Commission and ZBA swapping dates) and approved committee appointments: Frank Smith and Jared Pontius to the Planning Commission (through 2027); Dan Derigiotis and Erik Bahle to the DDA (through 2027); Frank Smith as ZBA Ex-Officio; Karl Bahle as ZBA Ex-Officio; Deb Smith as Planning Commission Ex-Officio; and Colleen Christensen as President Pro-Tem (Bahle moved, Suppes seconded, Ayes 7, No 0).
Financial Summary
At the December 3, 2024 Truth in Taxation hearing, Council adopted the maximum millage rate allowed under Headlee (Bahle moved, Suppes seconded, roll call Ayes: 7, No: 0). Council then adopted Resolution #9 of 2024 approving the 2025 budget, with revenues of $3,366,540 (based on an estimated millage of 8.7647) and expenditures of $3,947,426 (Suppes moved, Smith seconded, roll call Ayes: 7, No: 0). Report VSB-2025-04 requested authorization to purchase a John Deere 1575 TerrainCut mower with a heavy-duty snowblower attachment to replace the Village's aging Aebi sidewalk machine, per a Hutson, Inc. quote totaling $46,194.85, noted as already budgeted.
Action Items
Staff (Larrea) to pursue a grant for Coal Dock shoreline restoration. Council to determine timing for review of the police contract, per Suppes's inquiry. Council to act on proposed Ordinances Z-2025-01 (BV District stories) and Z-2025-02 (wireless communications) and on the motion to authorize the Village Manager to accept the $46,194.85 John Deere equipment quote.