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Suttons Bay committee to seek hydrology study for Leo Creek culverts
Summary
The General Services Committee agreed to ask the full council to authorize a hydrology study of eight Leo Creek culverts, citing aging infrastructure, potential $1.6 million Elm Street repair costs and interest from conservation partners.
The Village of Suttons Bay General Services Committee voted by consensus Aug. 4 to ask the full council to consider commissioning a hydrological study of the Leo Creek culverts, committee members said.
Committee member Rich Bahle outlined the proposal, saying he previously sought a joint Village–Township study in 2020 and has since identified eight culverts in the watershed, including two on Elm Street. Bahle said multiple outside groups have expressed willingness to participate. "People talk like it's 'Rich's project,'" Bahle said, adding that any perceived personal benefit to his family is not the case.
Staff member Rob Larrea told the committee that engineers provided preliminary estimates and that Elm Street culvert and roadbed repairs could run roughly $1.6 million. Larrea also cautioned that federal funding would require compliance with federal standards and strict project scoping, and said sidewalks are not guaranteed under the current project scope.
The committee discussed next steps, including an intergovernmental agreement with the Township and the Leelanau County Road Commission and an initial hydrology study to guide which culverts to prioritize. The committee's consensus was to forward a request for a hydrology study to the full council for further discussion and potential action.
