Suttons Bay schedules public hearing on Marina Ordinance; staff reports on dredging and harbor projects

The Suttons Bay Village Council voted June 15 to send a proposed Marina Ordinance to a public hearing at the council’s July 20 meeting, and heard updates from staff on harbor-related work and facility projects.

The council’s action came after Village staff presented the Utilities/Marina Committee recommendation to adopt an ordinance governing marina operations. Council member Yoder moved to proceed to public hearing; Chava Bahle seconded, and the motion passed unanimously with five ayes and two members absent.

Village staff member Larrea told the council that soil samples have been taken as part of the planned dredging project and that the Invasive Species Network visited the water-wheel-park stream to identify nonnative species. Larrea also reported that the village’s new fishing pier is complete and that six bids were received for the restroom/bathroom project at a village site. Larrea said a special meeting will be scheduled to accept a bid, with the goal of beginning work in July and enclosing the building before winter.

The scheduling of a public hearing is a procedural step required before the council can adopt the Marina Ordinance. The council did not adopt the ordinance at the June 15 meeting; the ordinance will be considered at the public hearing on July 20, 2026, where members of the public may comment. Staff indicated follow-up actions: completion of laboratory analysis of dredging soil samples and a future agenda item to accept the bathroom-project bid.

The meeting record indicates two council members were absent at the June 15 meeting; the village’s next regular meeting and the July 20 public hearing will provide further opportunities for public input and for council deliberation on the proposed ordinance and project bids.