Regular Meeting (Minutes)

The Leland Township Board meeting on January 13, 2025, addressed several key issues and action items, with significant public engagement and discussion. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, followed by public comments primarily focused on the proposed elimination of the township’s maintenance position. Several residents, including Steve Mikowski, Cal Little, Sharon Kalchik, Keith Ashley, and Mark Morton, expressed strong opposition to this decision, highlighting the value of the current maintenance employee, Ken Hagstrom, and questioning the financial rationale behind the change. Reports from various boards and commissions were presented, covering updates on fire and rescue, planning and zoning, harbor activities, sewer system issues, and parks and recreation.

The action items discussed and approved included the confirmation of the Sunset Shores Special Assessment Roll, the sale and purchase of fire department vehicles, and the authorization of the Leland Wine & Food Festival in the harbor. The festival’s organization and its impact on the harbor’s operations were also addressed, with decisions made to close Lake Street and negotiate financial terms with the festival organizers. The appointment of Doug Matthias to the Harbor Commission and the approval of a new park ordinance were other significant actions taken. The meeting concluded with the approval of bills and accounts, and the scheduling of the annual meeting for March 29, 2025.

Public comments continued to focus on the maintenance position, with residents like Leslie Maclin, Welch, Kathy Dawkins, and Lynn Telgard emphasizing the inadequacy of the job description and the potential negative impacts of outsourcing. Additional written correspondence from Bob Schlueter and Keith Ashley further criticized the decision to eliminate the maintenance position, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness, employee treatment, and the overall management of township resources. The meeting adjourned with a reminder of the next scheduled meeting on February 14, 2025.