Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Council's May 19, 2025 meeting packet centered on Report VSB-2025-17, a proposed increase to water Ready-to-Serve and per-1,000-gallon usage rates, with an accompanying Resolution 2025-01 to amend the Village Fee Schedule. The packet also included two written public comments and minutes from the prior April 21, 2025 meeting, at which the consent agenda, a Downtown Development Authority reappointment, and a 2024 Planning Commission report were approved.
Public Comments
Michelle Baldwin submitted a written letter dated April 28, 2025, raising concerns about the Village's short-term rental (STR) ordinance. She stated she cannot obtain an STR ADU permit despite owning an owner-occupied property, was told no waiting list exists or is planned, and noted that some grandfathered permit holders operate multiple licenses on a single property while remaining out of compliance. She proposed the Village create a waiting-list process similar to Marquette's and consider enforcing compliance once grandfathered permits expire. No Council response is recorded in the document.
Vanessa Fox Gruenwald (Mrs. Theodore Gruenwald) submitted a letter dated May 14, 2025, opposing the proposed water rate increase, citing hardship as a widowed homeowner on fixed income amid rising property taxes and utilities. She urged the Council to consider sliding-scale, exemption, or tiered pricing options for seniors and vulnerable residents. No Council response is recorded.
At the April 21 meeting, resident Chava Bahle thanked the Council for its work and, separately, urged the Council to reflect on the community's accomplishments.
Infrastructure Projects
Staff Report VSB-2025-17 proposed the first water rate increase in 17 years, citing a state mandate to replace qualifying water service lines and potential need to expand water storage capacity. Proposed Ready-to-Serve rates ranged by meter size (e.g., $28.95 to $251.10 current), with usage costs rising from $2.95 to $3.95 per 1,000 gallons in 2025 and to $4.70 in 2026. The Council was presented a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-01 by roll call vote. A signed certificate states the resolution was adopted May 19, 2025, though individual vote counts are not listed. Staff noted continued efforts to secure federal/state grants for waterline replacement, none successful to date. Effective billing begins July 1, 2025.
The April 21 manager's update noted a submitted grant for shoreline restoration at the coal dock and installation of pylons at Sutton Park to block vehicle access.
Other Business
At the April 21 meeting, the Council (Ayes: 6, Nays: 0) accepted the Planning Commission's 2024 report and reappointed Amy Peterson to the DDA through December 31, 2027. Manager Larrea reported upcoming contract discussions for law enforcement and wastewater treatment plant management, and noted the Waterwheel park is set to open early summer.
Action Items
- Staff to continue pursuing state/federal grants for waterline replacement.
- New water rates take effect with the July 1, 2025 billing cycle if Resolution 2025-01 is adopted.
- No documented Council action yet on Baldwin's proposed STR waiting-list process or enforcement of grandfathered STR permits upon expiration.
- No documented Council action yet on Gruenwald's request for tiered/senior water rate relief.