Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met March 10, 2026, with Commissioner Wessell absent. The Board approved numerous recommendations to move to the March 17, 2026 Regular Session, including a Senior Service millage renewal, an MNRTF grant application for Myles Kimmerly County Park, a park bench program, several 2% tribal allocation requests, software and vehicle purchases, and a Finance Department reorganization resolution. Drain Commissioner Tim O'Non's resignation, effective March 20, 2026, prompted extended discussion on the appointment process.
Public Comments
Under the 1-Minute Topic of General County Concern, Kim Rozanski and Jim White spoke. Deb Koon spoke under the 3-Minute Agenda Specific comment period. Written comments were submitted and are referenced via the county agenda link. Later in the meeting, Tim McCally, Jim White, Bill Wiesner, Steve Mikowski, and Josh Barenam also gave public comment; written comments from this session were likewise submitted. Following these comments, Commissioner Bunek raised a question about whether the Leelanau County Land Bank can rescind property taxes without a contract for affordable housing. Chairman Yoder stated he was "disturbed by the comments directed towards employees."
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Following public comment, Commissioner Bunek questioned whether the Land Bank could rescind property taxes without an affordable housing contract. Commissioner Allgaier stated affordable housing remains difficult under current legal/financial structures, noted she is no longer on the Land Bank or Brownfield boards, and praised the Land Bank, Peninsula Housing, and School Boards for their efforts. Commissioner Campbell agreed no one on the Board opposes helping community members. No formal action was taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board voted 6-0 to schedule a public hearing for March 17, 2026 at 6 p.m. on the MNRTF grant to replace the playground at Myles Kimmerly County Park, and 6-0 to forward a Resolution of Support for that grant to the Regular Session. The Board also voted 6-0 to waive bid policy and approve purchase of nine benches from Bay Supply, not to exceed $12,150.00 (account #101.850.756.970.000), for installation at Veronica Valley County Park, with a $1,500.00 donation per bench; Commissioner Walter amended the motion to strike perpetual care language and direct donations to the Parks & Recreation general fund line item.
Other Business
Administrator Dyer reported filling the Assistant Finance Director position (starting March 23, 2026), an emergency $20,000 IT server purchase, and resolution of union grievances involving Teamsters 214 (4 hours paid time off; 3.25 hours vacation reimbursed). Drain Commissioner Tim O'Non's resignation (effective March 20, 2026) prompted debate over appointment authority; Clerk Crocker cited MCL 168.209(2), stating a three-member panel (Clerk, Prosecuting Attorney, Probate Judge) makes the appointment, not the Board. Commissioner Campbell noted the position's $21,000/year salary is inadequate given expanded duties. Clerk Crocker was recognized for 45 years of county service. The Board approved (6-0) a Cellebrite training registration for Corporal Scott Robinson, an EMPG work agreement, Clerk staffing overlap training, release of a Feb. 16, 2026 attorney/client privileged letter, and an early voting agreement with ten townships. The Board also approved (6-0) ClayHR software adoption, and 5-1 (Bunek opposed) approved leasing a replacement Ford Police Interceptor. Resolutions on HR (4-2, Bunek/Campbell opposed) and Finance Department reorganization (5-1, Bunek opposed) were moved to March 17. A letter supporting a federal sidewalk grant for Peshawbestown moved forward 5-1 (Bunek opposed), and Commissioner Campbell's proposal urging MDOT/legislature action on lowering Peshawbestown speed limits was added to the agenda 6-0.
Financial Summary
- Cellebrite training: not to exceed $4,845.00 (Account #101.225.301.960.000), approved 6-0.
- Bench purchase: not to exceed $12,150.00 (Account #101.850.756.970.000), with $1,500.00 donation per bench; approved 6-0.
- Senior Service Millage renewal: 0.3200 mills for 2026-2029, to appear on August 4, 2026 ballot; approved 6-0.
- 2% Allocation requests to Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians: audio/visual equipment $48,440.22 (approved 6-0); Inland Seas Education Association $15,000.00 (approved 4-2, Bunek/Walter opposed); 5 Loaves 2 Fish $14,000.00 (approved 4-2, Bunek/Walter opposed); Veronica Valley Park pavilion $50,000.00 (approved 6-0); Old Settler's Park ADA improvements $80,000.00 (approved 5-1, Campbell opposed).
- Claims and Accounts approved: $101,484.31 (6-0).
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved: $2,606,879.85 (6-0).
- Emergency IT server purchase: $20,000.00, authorized by Administrator Dyer.
- Drain Commissioner salary noted at $21,000.00/year.
Action Items
- Administrator Dyer and legal counsel to report on Drain Commissioner appointment process at the March 17, 2026 Regular Session, per Chairman Yoder's request.
- Clerk Crocker to provide filing deadline information (in April) for the Drain Commissioner vacancy and forward related legal correspondence to the Board.
- Finance Department Resolution, HR Resolution, and federal sidewalk-grant letter to be finalized for the March 17, 2026 Regular Session.
- Public hearing on the MNRTF grant for Myles Kimmerly County Park playground scheduled for March 17, 2026 at 6 p.m.
- Administrator Dyer may discuss a transition arrangement with outgoing Drain Commissioner O'Non before his March 20, 2026 resignation date.