Executive Board (Minutes)

**Executive Summary**

**Meeting Overview**
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners convened for an executive session on August 13, 2024, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The session began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The agenda was approved with a late addition regarding the Leelanau County Land Bank Request. Interim Administrator Richard Lewis provided updates on various county operations, including ongoing projects related to the Leelanau Tower, grant policy updates following audit findings, and a planned settlement conference related to the BATA vs GTC dispute.

**Financial Matters and Requests**
Several financial matters were presented for approval during the session. These included the recommendation to purchase a 2025 Ford CVPI SUV for the Sheriff’s Office, application for the Secondary Road Patrol Grant, and various adjustments to the budget concerning wages for the IT Director and funding allocations for broadband projects. Additionally, a request was made to transfer funds to the Leelanau County Land Bank Authority for a blight elimination project, alongside discussions on the need for financial audit services moving forward.

**Administrative Updates and Future Planning**
The Board discussed the search process for a new County Administrator, concluding that the incoming board should be responsible for hiring. Interim Administrator Lewis’s contract was proposed for extension until May 2025, allowing a seamless transition. The meeting also touched on administrative reforms regarding the title and responsibilities of the Human Resources position, aiming to align the role with appropriate expectations and job descriptions. The session highlighted a commitment to accountability and thorough processes in decision-making for the county’s management.

**Public Engagement and Future Meetings**
Public comment was welcomed throughout the meeting, with discussions emphasizing the importance of transparency and community involvement in future hiring processes. The Board acknowledged the necessity to maintain open channels for public input as they proceed with critical decisions in the coming months. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of financial claims and accounts, ensuring due diligence in fiscal management.

Meeting Video
Grant Policy Handout
MSU Extension PowerPoint
Written Comments