Summary
The Leelanau Township Board's May 12, 2026 meeting packet covers approval of an airport ordinance, the township's Annual Report, a sole-source hangar door repair bid, several appointments and insurance renewals, plus updates on the Warren Street housing RFP, a health insurance policy review, and Omena Point Road improvements.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board and Northport Village co-sponsored a housing community meeting on April 28 at Northport Public School, attended by about 93 people. A pre-bid meeting for the Township's Request for Proposals to build attainable housing at the township-owned parcel at 824 N. Warren St. was held at 3 p.m. the same day, attended by 4 builders, Village Manager Jered Ottenwess, and Housing North consultant Susan Leighthauser Yee. Proposals are due June 15, with Supervisor Conley hopeful for at least 2 responses. Northport Village has adopted Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Attainable Facilities ordinances offering a 50% property tax reduction for rentals to those earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (about $100,000 locally); Leelanau Township has its own PILOT ordinance and RFP in place.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported first grass cutting completed at the Airport, Braman Hill, and Buster Dame Park. Tennis/pickleball and disc golf nets were installed at Braman Hill. A public request was made for additional picnic tables at the Buster Dame dog park. A tree company is contracted to remove aged trees at Northport Cemetery. Christmas Cove's gate was opened for seasonal access, a pothole was filled near Omena Beach, and leaf cleanup occurred at Peterson Park. Seasonal trash pickup and vault toilet pumping have begun at multiple parks.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board will vote on approving the first airport ordinance for Woolsey Memorial Airport after counsel-recommended edits; the airport currently operates without one. A sole-source bid of $19,000 (not to exceed $21,000 with 10% overage) for replacing 16 overhead hangar sliding doors at Woolsey is recommended, against a $25,000 Capital Improvement Plan budget. A state airport inspection (May 6) found 14 runway lights out (exceeding the 10% threshold), requiring repair within two weeks to avoid "provisional" status; runway center markers are also needed, and tree pruning near the approach may be required next year. Omena Point Road improvements are scheduled for Road Commission bidding this fall; Facilities Manager Dawkins and the Supervisor will monitor progress.
Other Business
The Board will consider website updates and ADA compliance conversion (required by April 2028), likely through current provider Legendary Lion ($1,500 ADA compliance, $3,750 website update) versus CivicPlus ($5,514–$7,472 ADA package, $4,664–$5,772 annual website fee). The Annual Report, previously distributed April 14 with minor additions, needs approval for website posting. The Board will vote on appointing Meg Jean as Assessing Assistant (without benefits initially) and reappointing Marsha Buehler, Bill Crowgey, and Rob Shirkey to the Zoning Board of Appeals through June 2029, with Mary Tonneberger continuing as alternate. A discussion on updating the outdated 2010/2017 health insurance policy is planned, including whether 30+ hour/week employees across multiple positions qualify for benefits.
Financial Summary
- EMC liability insurance renewal: $39,774, split between general fund and fire/EMS funds, due about May 24.
- VFIS accident/sickness coverage for volunteer firefighters: $3,556, from the EMS budget.
- Hangar door repair: $19,000, not to exceed $21,000; budgeted $25,000 in Capital Improvement Plan.
- Website/ADA: Legendary Lion quoted $1,500 (ADA) and $3,750 (website update); CivicPlus quoted $5,514–$7,472 (ADA) and $4,664–$5,772 annual (website).
- Full-time benefits for the Assessing Assistant position estimated at about $6,000 for health, vision, and dental insurance.
- SWAT volunteer Wendy Bice is applying for a $35,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation in the Township's name.
- April 2026 check run total: $90,756.63; May 13, 2026 unpaid check run total: $17,032.35.
Action Items
- Fix 14 out runway lights at Woolsey Airport within two weeks to avoid "provisional" status; Ian Dawkins to notify inspector when lights are repaired.
- Install runway center markers at all four runway ends.
- Plan for tree pruning or runway threshold displacement adjustment near the airport approach by next year.
- Ian Dawkins to complete online test/study guide to become Assistant Airport Manager.
- Housing RFP responses due June 15 for the Warren St. parcel; report on the April 28 pre-bid meeting expected soon.
- Board to discuss and potentially revise the outdated health insurance policy regarding eligibility for employees working 30+ hours across multiple positions.
- Note: prior public disagreement occurred over a proposed housing use at Buster Dame Park, which the Township ultimately declined to pursue; no new action on that site is indicated in this packet.