Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Committee of the Whole met May 6, 2025, chaired by Christensen. The committee agreed to add two items to the agenda, reviewed a proposed water rate increase, declined to recommend waiving boat launch fees, and voted against prioritizing electric vehicle charging stations. No members of the public were present to comment.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Smith asked about progress on the Silver Tree building and stated she supported the Peninsula Housing proposal for affordable housing at the school. No committee action or vote was taken on this matter.
Infrastructure Projects
The committee reviewed report VSB-2025-16 from the DPW Director and Village Manager recommending an incremental water rate increase beginning with the July 1 billing cycle. Members noted it had been 17 years since the last utility rate increase. The committee asked that a newsletter be sent via the Village email blast to inform residents of the proposed increase and of the Village Council meeting scheduled for May 19, 2025, where the matter will be considered further. Miller reported that crew members are performing routine maintenance on the headworks building.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Perkins asked the committee to recommend that Council waive the $5 North Park boat launch fee for Village residents. Committee members did not feel the current rate was excessive, and the proposal was not supported.
Other Business
Bill Perkins motioned, seconded by Smith, to amend the agenda to add North Park Launch Fee and Electric Vehicle Chargers as New Business items; the motion carried 5-1. Rob noted that the recent Village audit was completed successfully, praising Lorrie's work. Smith reported the Planning Commission is finalizing Master Plan priorities and will share a completed list soon. Perkins moved to pass a resolution encouraging Council to install electric vehicle charging stations in the Village; the motion received no support. The committee agreed, by a consensus of 6-1, against making EV charging stations a priority, with members noting the committee should not prioritize personal projects.
Action Items
Village staff are to distribute a newsletter via the email blast notifying residents of the proposed water rate increase ahead of the May 19, 2025 Council meeting. Smith is expected to share a completed Master Plan priorities list from the Planning Commission. No further action was assigned regarding the Silver Tree building or the Peninsula Housing affordable housing proposal, though these remain open items of committee interest.