Summary
The document set for the Suttons Bay Village Council's March 17, 2025 meeting consists of the agenda and three supporting staff reports (VSB-2025-08, VSB-2025-09, VSB-2025-11), along with the minutes from the prior meeting on February 18, 2025 and a village check register. No transcript of votes taken specifically on March 17 is included; the three new business items were presented as motions for Council consideration at that meeting.
Public Comments
No public comment is recorded for the March 17 agenda items in this document. At the February 18, 2025 meeting, resident Bill Crackel thanked the DPW for its quick response to a sewer back-up. Council Member Perkins raised questions about consent agenda items (Swim for Grand Traverse Bay, the Farmer's Market) and suggested more trees be planted downtown; this was a suggestion from Perkins, not a Council decision. Member Suppes raised concerns about meeting security, citing recent issues in Cadillac.
Infrastructure Projects
Report VSB-2025-08 proposed authorizing the Village Manager to execute a $68,000 contract with Abonmarche for Phase 1 engineering, permitting and due-diligence work on the A-Dock marina improvements, part of a previously accepted $450,000 State of Michigan grant already reflected in the 2025 budget. Scope includes removing four of seven floating docks, ADA-accessible gangway and dock installation, utility pedestals, boat ramp removal/replacement with stone revetment, and related landside work.
Report VSB-2025-09 proposed authorizing the Village Manager to finalize a 5-year, $55,070.98 agreement with Hydro Corp to implement a state-mandated cross-connection control program under the Safe Drinking Water Act, including 96 inspections over 60 months, resident education, and annual reporting to the State.
Other Business
Report VSB-2025-11 addressed state-mandated changes to the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), signed into law February 21, 2025. The Village's employment attorney recommended amendments to Employee Handbook Sections 7.0 and 7.1 covering Paid Time Off and Earned Sick Time policies; adoption was required before March 21, 2025 to remain compliant.
At the February 18 meeting, the Council adopted Planning Commission Ordinance Z-2025-01 (Amendment 15), reducing the minimum story requirement in the Bayview District from 1.5 to 1.0 stories, and Ordinance Z-2025-02 (Amendment 16), updating Section 9-13 Wireless Communication for state law compliance; both passed by roll call, Ayes: 5, No: 0. The Council also authorized purchase of a John Deere 1575 with a heavy-duty two-stage snowblower to replace a 20-year-old AEBI, Ayes: 5, No: 0.
Financial Summary
A-Dock Phase 1 contract: $68,000 (of a $450,000 grant). Hydro Corp cross-connection program: $55,070.98 over five years. The check register for the period covering payments around this meeting shows total disbursements of $83,217.86 across 65 checks, less one void check.
Action Items
Village Manager to execute the Abonmarche A-Dock agreement if approved. Village Manager to finalize the Hydro Corp cross-connection agreement if approved. Employee Handbook ESTA amendments needed adoption before March 21, 2025.