Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Utility/Marina Committee met on June 2, 2025 to review staff reports on DPW, Marina, and WWTP operations, and to consider two items: the FY-2024 annual audit and a proposed eligibility section for the water and sewer ordinances governing service extensions outside Village limits. No public comments or committee member discussion content was recorded in the document.
Infrastructure Projects
Staff presented Report VSB-2025-12, a draft "Eligibility Section" to be added to both the water and sewer ordinances (Section 8). The section clarifies that properties outside the Village's jurisdictional boundary have no inherent right to connect to the Village's water or sewer systems; service is a privilege, not a right. Applicants seeking extension would be required to submit written justification addressing: valid jurisdictional approvals and expiration dates, complete site plans and state/local septic or well reviews, capability for on-site well or septic systems, compatibility with existing Village properties, annexation eligibility, taxpayer benefit versus annexation, and potential for future extension requests from surrounding properties. Village staff would issue an eligibility determination within thirty working days; such a determination would not itself constitute approval of an extension. Staff sought only conceptual support from the Committee at this stage, with next steps being legal review of the language and feasibility before a second Committee review. No vote outcome was recorded in the document.
Other Business
The Committee received the DPW Director's Report, Marina Report, and WWTP Report, though no details of their contents were included in the document. A status update on other committees regarding the FY-2024 Audit (VSB-2025-18) was also listed on the agenda.
Financial Summary
Report VSB-2025-18 recommended Village Council adoption of the FY-2024 annual audit, performed by an independent auditor as required under Michigan law, with submission to the State due no later than June 30. Staff reported the audit reflected sound budgeting practices and investment/expenditure activity, with no surprises or auditor concerns identified. Staff thanked "Lorrie" for her work on the audit. No specific dollar figures were included in the document.
Action Items
- Forward the FY-2024 Audit (VSB-2025-18) to the Village Council with a recommendation for approval; submission to the State is due by June 30.
- If the Committee supports the proposed Section 8 eligibility language (VSB-2025-12) in concept, staff will proceed to legal review of the draft before returning it to the Committee for a second review.