Building and Grounds Committee (Minutes)

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners Building and Grounds Committee convened on February 16, 2024, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The meeting, chaired by Commissioner Melinda Lautner, focused on several key issues related to county facilities and infrastructure. The committee approved the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting held on October 9, 2023. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Energy Futures Task Force’s application for a Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development Grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The proposed project involves installing solar panels, with a specific location under consideration. Concerns were raised about the proposed site near the Veteran’s Memorial, and the committee emphasized the need for further environmental assessments and potential modifications to the grant application.

The committee also reviewed ongoing maintenance issues, including the status of recently installed water fountains and the need for office chairs. The water fountains at the Sheriff’s Office and Government Center were reported to be functioning well, with considerations for adding a cup dispenser at the latter location. Regarding office chairs, the committee discussed the need for comfortable seating for employees and the potential for bulk purchasing to secure better pricing. The Building Safety office had already allocated funds for chairs in their 2024 budget, and the committee suggested exploring multiple bids from different vendors to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.

Another major topic was the repair of the lower-level entrance facade, where the committee reviewed proposals from Machin Engineering and Apex Engineering & Management, Inc. The committee favored Apex’s approach, which included a thorough assessment and a more feasible solution. A motion was passed to recommend awarding the engineering and implementation contract to Apex, with the item to be forwarded to the March Executive Board meeting. Additionally, the committee discussed the status of the lower-level project, HVAC/heat pump replacements, and general maintenance plans, including the need for regular electrical inspections to prevent potential disasters. The meeting concluded with discussions on the future location of recycling bins and setting the next meeting date for early March 2024.
https://leelanau.gov/meetingdetails.asp?MAId=2693
https://leelanau.gov/downloads/campus_map_k_ross_02162024.pdf
https://leelanau.gov/downloads/02162024_bldg_grounds_machin.pdf
https://leelanau.gov/downloads/02162024_bldg_grounds_apex_engineering.pdf