Plain-language summaries of Leland Township meeting minutes in Leelanau County, Michigan. Every summary links back to the official source document.
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The Board authorized the hiring of Ron Brown & Sons, Inc. for tennis court restoration, and Leelanau Excavating for Beechwood Cemetery driveway repair. Action items include hiring Sara Schroeder as Zoning Administrator. Public concerns included opposition to the tennis court restoration and requests for ZBA responsiveness.
The board approved the appointment of Mary Linguar, Lisa Psenka, Tony Borden, and Lynn Dunn to the ZBA. Public comments raised issues of transparency and alleged bias in the selection process, with multiple attendees expressing concerns. Clint Mitchell defended the appointment procedure adhered to established protocols.
The Board appointed Mary Linguar and Lisa Psenka to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with Tony Borden as an alternate. The meeting was rescheduled due to space issues and an air quality alert, amidst public concerns regarding the venue's capacity and suggestions to move outdoors which faced opposition.
Key decisions included the approval of budgeted purchases for the Fire Department and updates to the Parks and Recreation Committee bylaws. Action items include the Fire Department's vehicle purchases, pursuing funding for Oxford Drive improvements, and correcting Planning Commission term expiration dates. Public comments highlighted concerns about road safety, particularly on Oxford Drive.
The board approved several resolutions regarding the Sunset Shores Decentralized Sewer System, including Ordinance 2026-02 and the Fee Schedule. Action items include monitoring the sewer system and awaiting tennis court replacement estimates. No public comments were made during the meeting.
The board approved committee appointments, Cyber Liability Insurance, and sidewalk repairs. Action items include terminating zoning administration services (Supervisor), appointing three members to the Cemetery Committee, and engaging legal representation for the Planning Commission (authorized). Public comments raised concerns over Youth for Christ's operations, prompting further review under planning and zoning processes.
Key decisions included the approval of a grant for harbor dredging, a hand dryer purchase, operating boat wash stations, and a zoning amendment for the Cultural District. Action items include organizing a follow-up meeting with the school district (Greg Kuntz) and Board members attending community planning discussions. Public comments raised concerns over pickleball court plans and their impact on green space.
The Board approved several motions, including grant applications for harbor dredging and dock work on the Carp River, while also amending zoning to allow food trucks in the Cultural District. Board members will follow up on community engagement regarding pickleball court concerns and attend the Leland School Board meeting. Public comments reflected strong opposition to the pickleball courts.
The board decided to terminate the zoning administration contract with Cypher Group and appointed Keith Ashley, Julie Rogers, and Lisa Sichler to the Cemetery Ad Hoc Committee. Clint Mitchell will oversee the water issues at Drow Field. Public comments included concerns from Anna Hogan about Youth for Christ and compensation issues regarding Tom Grier.
The board approved contracts for plumbing repairs ($9,961) and exterior painting ($6,796) and authorized changes in payment processing. Greg Kuntz will oversee plumbing repairs, while Brookfield and Kuntz will coordinate facility scheduling. Public comments included concerns over zoning requests and necessary dam repairs.
Salary increases for township officials were approved, with specific percentages outlined. The Parks and Recreation Committee will review its structure, and a Cemetery Committee will be formed. Public comments raised concerns on procedural clarity, while motions regarding cemetery regulations and public access sites faced contention and did not pass.
The board unanimously adopted the Leland Township General Appropriations Act 2026-27, approved budget adjustments for fiscal year 2026, and the meeting schedule for 2026-27. Public concerns included election cost reimbursement and budget growth with a static population, addressed by Supervisor Clint Mitchell regarding the Fire Chief’s salary increase.
The board unanimously approved an interest payment of $27,595.32 from the Sunset Shores Construction Fund to correct an oversight on assessments for the Special Assessment Bond. Trustee Kuntz will suggest including an amortization schedule for future assessments. No public comments were made during the meeting.
The Board approved the Parenting Communities event for June 20, 2026, and the July 4th fireworks display, while acknowledging timing concerns. Action items include conducting a sign audit and enhancing public engagement in Parks and Recreation, with designated board members responsible for follow-up. Public comments reflected needs for cemetery expansion and zoning ordinance reform.
The board authorized the Planning Commission Chairperson to hire a planning expert for the SLUP application (up to $2,000) and approved an agreement with Bendzinski & Co. for bond disclosures ($1,000 annually). Keith Ashley emphasized the need for expert opinions, while Skip Telgard warned about potential time constraints for obtaining them.
The board approved salary resolutions for officials and contracts for audit services. Action items include appointing Brian Fenlon to the Planning Commission and forming a steering committee for the Leland Road Plan, led by Clint Mitchell and Greg Kuntz. Public concerns centered around visual impacts of proposed cell towers and calls for increased transparency.
The board approved the Community Recreation Plan and several tax collection resolutions. Key action items include developing a succession plan for the Zoning Administrator (Trustee Kuntz) and filling a Planning Commission vacancy. Public comments highlighted support for the overlay district, concerns about environmental impacts, and a request for a referendum on the zoning ordinance.
The Leland Township Board approved the Cultural Overlay District and the Community Recreation Plan 2026-2027. Action items include monitoring the district amendment (Secretary), communication on recreation plans, updating the Zoning Administrator contract, filling Planning Commission vacancies, and organizing a workshop for Zoning Administrator transition plans. Public comments were mostly supportive of the overlay district, but concerns were raised about dock replacement and Planning Commission vacancies.
The board decided to recommend a zoning ordinance amendment for a Cultural Overlay District allowing food trucks during events. Action items include investigating a parking plan (ownership: Road Commission), drafting a notification process for food trucks (ownership: board), and exploring public restroom options (ownership: board). Public concerns centered on the economic impact of food trucks and parking issues.
The Leland Township Board approved the CRP public hearing and a $30,000 funding request for VFW window replacements. Scales and Kuntz will gather information on a zoning contract amendment. Public comments raised concerns about pickleball courts, sports facilities, and accessibility at the VFW building, emphasizing the need for community-driven planning.
Key decisions included the approval of a fund transfer for the Sunset Shores project, the resolution to place delinquent sewer bills on winter tax bills, and plumbing repair proposals. Action items involve finalizing the 5-year recreation plan, with ownership attributed to the Parks & Recreation committee. Public comments focused on zoning and baseball facilities concerns.
The Leland Township Board meeting on October 13, 2025, centered on infrastructure repairs, public safety equipment, and a new road master plan. Highlights included funding for fire department gear, addressing Oxford Drive concerns, and initiating an RFP for road development. Community feedback was also solicited regarding parks and recreation planning, with a public comment period upcoming.
The Leland Township special meeting on September 11, 2025, included key discussions about the Fire Bond millage rate and insurance policy renewals. The board approved the renewal focusing on cyber security and discussed the Leelanau Soccer Club's request for fall league field usage. Trustee Steve Scales will report on the Schomberg Drain District in October.
The meeting featured multiple public comments emphasizing the urgent need for road improvements, particularly for Oxford Drive and Lake Street, which residents argue are in disrepair and pose safety risks. Several community members voiced concerns regarding local zoning ordinances, the Sunset Shores project, and a call for regulations on food trucks competing with local businesses.
The Leland Township Board held a workshop on August 15, 2025, to discuss plans for the Hancock Recreational Field. Supervisor Clint Mitchell led the meeting with all members present except Trustee Steve Scales. Valuable community input highlighted facility location, enhancements, accessibility, seating, and the need for a partnership with Leland Public Schools for expanded facilities.
The Leland Township Board convened on August 11, 2025, at the Leland Township Library. Significant issues raised included suggestions to review the Sexton job description, concerns over deteriorating infrastructure, and a need for improved park bathroom facilities. The Board approved a $15,650 bid for a new truck and discussed pedestrian safety and parking regulations.
The special meeting for Leland Township was held on July 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Present were Supervisor Clint Mitchell, Clerk Lisa Brookfield, Treasurer Shirley Garthe, and Trustees Steve Scales and Greg Kuntz. A key agenda item was the resolution R-25-19, enabling Locals Lake Leelanau to apply for an on-premises tasting room permit.
On July 23, 2025, a special meeting of Leland Township was held at the township office, led by Supervisor Clint Mitchell. The Board authorized Lake Shore Marine Construction to initiate permitting for a new dock at the DNR launch site and approved funding for sidewalk repairs. Future budget considerations were discussed to enhance transparency.
The Leland Township Board convened on July 14, 2025, with Supervisor Clint Mitchell and other members present. Public concerns included affordable housing and community safety. Action items included the approval of the Hancock Design Project and a Charitable Gaming License for the Lake Leelanau Community Association. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Numerous public comments were received from residents strongly opposing the RFP for Hancock Field, primarily due to perceived lack of consultation with the Parks and Recreation committee and concerns over inadequate community engagement. Notable objections were raised by Leslie Maclin and others, emphasizing the need for more inclusive decision-making processes in future projects, particularly those affecting local parks.