Executive Board Session (Public Comment – S. Scales, 04/08/2025)

Leelanau County

Event Date: 2025-04-08

Summarized with ai model: grok-2-1212

Disclaimer: AI-generated summaries may contain errors. Please review the source document for accuracy.



The Schomberg Drain Project, initiated in 2005 by the Leelanau County Road Commission under the direction of MDOT and influenced by Bruce Maleski, aimed to modify a creek along Schomberg Road. The project gained momentum in 2018 through a petition led by Maleski, leveraging the 1956 Michigan Drain Code. This petition was signed by individuals who were not fully aware that they would be financially assessed, and some signatories were not even within the drainage district. The project, led by engineer Brian Cenci of GEI Consultants, has seen significant expenditure, with Cenci collecting $175,807.99 for the Schomberg project alone, contributing to a broader portfolio of drain projects costing nearly $4 million across Leelanau County.

Initially projected at $500,000 with a completion date set for December 2021, the Schomberg Drain Project’s costs have escalated to over $1 million. Funding is proposed to come from various sources, including Leelanau County, Leland and Centerville Townships, MDOT, and residents within the proposed drainage district. The project aims to benefit six high-value properties along Lake Michigan and M22 by diverting an existing creek, yet it places a financial burden on 120 parcels that receive no direct benefit. This has sparked concerns about the equitable use of the 1956 Drain Code, which is perceived by some as being “weaponized” against taxpayers and landowners.

The broader context of drain projects in Leelanau County includes several other initiatives at various stages of development, such as the Timberlee, Little Glen Lake, Elmwood Twp #4, and Berg Drain projects. These projects vary in scope and cost, ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000, and involve different funding mechanisms and requirements, including easements and permits from EGLE and MDOT. The projects highlight ongoing efforts to manage drainage and infrastructure but also underscore the significant financial implications for local governments and residents, particularly in how funds are allocated away from other community needs like road maintenance and park development.

EGLE
MDOT

Internal document reference #:3062

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