Regular meeting (Minutes)

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular session on July 16, 2024, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Ty Wessell presiding. All present commissioners, including James O’Rourke, Doug Rexroat, Kama Ross, Gwenne Allgaier, and Melinda C. Lautner, approved the minutes from previous sessions and the amended agenda, which included several late additions. The session featured updates from Representative Betsy Coffia and Senator John Damoose on legislative efforts, and Interim Administrator Lewis provided updates on county operations, including the auction of vehicles and the appointment of Catherine Hartesvelt as the new Finance Director. Public comments were received both in person and in writing, addressing various agenda-specific topics.

The board addressed several key items under the consent agenda, approving a Risk Avoidance Program (RAP) grant for the Sheriff’s Office, the Child Care Fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and the termination of the West Bay/West Shore Brownfield Plan. Additionally, the board accepted the 2023 audit report and approved contracts for the Parks & Recreation 5-Year Master Plan update and the review of a special land use permit application. The board also set public hearings for the PACE program and the E-911 Service Plan, the latter of which was adopted following a public hearing on June 27, 2024. Late agenda items included the approval of 2% grant awards for community projects and the appointment of new committee assignments previously held by former Commissioner Kramer.

The meeting concluded with discussions on administrative goals, including a proposed budget schedule and the planned cessation of stipends upon the hiring of an Assistant Finance Director. Interim Finance Director Hartesvelt reviewed financials, and commissioners provided updates on their activities, including discussions at the Northern Michigan Counties Association meeting and the upcoming Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department Health Board meeting. The board approved various financial transfers and claims, totaling over $2 million, before adjourning at 8:57 p.m.
https://www.leelanau.gov/meetingdetails.asp?MAId=2754#video
https://www.leelanau.gov/meetingdetails.asp?MAId=2754#handouts
https://www.leelanau.gov/downloads/administration_handout_07162024.pdf