Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Utility/Marina Committee met October 6, 2025, to review staff reports on public works, marina, and wastewater treatment operations, and to discuss a proposed marina rate adjustment tied to a State of Michigan Waterways fee increase. No votes were recorded in the document; the marina rate matter was presented for discussion only.
Infrastructure Projects
The DPW Director's report noted completed sidewalk replacement on Elm St, with repaving between Broadway and First St planned next; a stormwater grate will need adjustment to match the new road grade. Tree stump grinding and restoration were completed, and tree trimming continues in alleys and sidewalk areas. A leaking water service line was repaired at St. Michaels church, discovered during DSMI inspections while adjusting valve boxes for upcoming street paving. A new service line install is planned at Dalzell's after the season ends, which will count as a lead service line replacement; coordination with the contractor and MDOT on permitting is underway. At the wastewater treatment plant, crews began cleaning grit and other materials from the North Aeration Basin to allow air diffuser repairs and liner inspections, with an estimated three days of removal remaining. Water chlorination and hydrant flushing were starting this week.
Staff also reported on the St Mary's Drainage item (VSB-2025-28) as a status update from another committee, though no details or decisions were included in this document.
Financial Summary
Report VSB-2025-29 addressed a State of Michigan Waterways rate increase, the first in 10 years. The state is raising its Waterways Rate Schedule fees by 10%. Transient users (Rate G) will see their per-boat-foot rate rise from $1.60 to $1.76, described by staff as minimal. Seasonal slip holders (Rate 3), who last saw an increase in 2023, would be affected more significantly; staff proposed phasing in the 10% increase over two years rather than all at once. Under this proposal, a 5% increase in 2026 would raise the marina rate from $94 to $98 per boat foot and the Coal Dock rate from $84 to $88 per boat foot, with the remaining 5% increase implemented in 2027. The action requested was discussion only; no formal vote or adoption was recorded.
Action Items
- DPW to continue coordinating with contractor and MDOT on permitting for the new Dalzell's service line install.
- DPW to complete remaining grit removal (approximately 3 days) from the North Aeration Basin to allow diffuser repairs and liner inspections.
- Bulk leaf pickup schedule to be announced by robo-call this fall.
- Marina rate increase proposal (VSB-2025-29) remains under discussion; no decision finalized in this document.