Summary
The Northport Village Council met on April 10, 2025, with President Christopher McCann presiding. The council approved prior meeting minutes, appointed two new members to the Planning Commission (Bob Newell and Mike McMillan), approved a bid not to exceed $7,100 for a DPW overhead door replacement, and paid March bills totaling $18,101.27. Significant discussion centered on affordable housing options, including the potential use of Buster Dame Park, which drew extensive public comment both for and against. The council also discussed backup power solutions following recent outages and received an NLTUA update regarding a proposed sewer system evaluation project.
Public Comments
- Kristi Fischer and Brian Hafner submitted written correspondence concerning the need for housing in the area, particularly for those operating businesses.
- Barb Conley, Leelanau Township Supervisor, thanked the Village Council and Planning Commission for a successful housing community meeting and recognized Trustee Cavendish for providing food. She reaffirmed the township's support for future housing efforts. She also later reported that Barry Waldron was hired as the new Leelanau Township Assessor.
- Eric Potes, a Ransom Street resident, expressed support for affordable housing but urged the council to exhaust all other location options before considering Buster Dame Park. He proposed alternative sites including land west of the pickleball courts, the recycling center on Warren Street, school property, township properties on West Street, and the Seventh Street DPW station. He noted he lives in one of the last affordable homes in Northport and has three children. He also offered to serve on the Planning Commission.
- Nancy Schuman expressed support for continued use of the dog park and ball field, noting she has used the park twice daily since before it became a ball field.
- Alan Woods raised concerns about short-term rentals and asked whether the village had considered a moratorium or cap, citing negative impacts in Suttons Bay and Bingham Township. He expressed skepticism about government-led development efforts and raised concerns about large minimum lot sizes in the township.
- Mike McMillan thanked the council for his appointment to the Planning Commission and stated he is not committed to any specific idea or location, intending to listen to public feedback.
- Kali Dignan, speaking for herself and Matthew, agreed with Eric Potes's comments, noting frequent family use of Buster Dame Park and urging the council to consider alternative sites rather than repurpose the park.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Affordable housing was a major topic of discussion. Village Manager Jim Dyer defended the planning process that identified Buster Dame Park as a potential development site, citing its advantages: village ownership, zero initial tax base, full municipal control, existing water and sewer infrastructure, and flat terrain. He expressed frustration with recurring community sentiment supporting affordable housing "just not here," and warned that without action, Northport risks becoming a seasonal town with limited services. He cited a recent 1/10-acre land sale at $150,000, an area median income in Leelanau County of over $90,000, and a median home sale price of $800,000 as evidence of a growing affordability gap.
Multiple residents (Eric Potes, Kali Dignan) opposed developing Buster Dame Park specifically, proposing alternative sites instead. Trustee Harper acknowledged he may have misjudged public sentiment regarding attachment to the park and expressed support for exploring alternative locations. Trustee Ager voiced concern about losing momentum on the issue and encouraged continued resident involvement. Mike McMillan was appointed to the Planning Commission with Trustee Harper and Trustee Ager citing his affordable housing knowledge and commitment as reasons for support; Trustees Cook and Cavendish preferred a village resident instead, noting the commission already had a non-resident member.
No formal decision was made on a specific housing site; discussion remains ongoing.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Buster Dame Park was discussed extensively in the context of potential affordable housing development, with significant public opposition to using the park for this purpose (see Affordable Housing Initiatives above). Nancy Schuman spoke in support of continued recreational use of the park's dog park and ball field. Trustee Hugh Cook was appointed as the council liaison for Parks and Marina.
Infrastructure Projects
The Infrastructure Committee (Trustee Cavendish) reported no new updates, as the committee is waiting for incoming Village Manager Jered Ottenwess to begin his role before proceeding with pending projects.
The NLTUA (Northport/Leelanau Township Utility Authority) elected new officers: Chris McCann as Chair, Mike McMillan as Vice Chair, Jim Root as Secretary, and Barb Conley as Treasurer. The board adopted a Capital Asset Policy, Grinder Pump Procurement Policy, and Reconciliation Policy. A primary discussion item was a proposed $131,000 capacity and growth/capital improvement evaluation for the sewer system, involving a five-step process (data gap analysis, capacity review, and system evaluation). The board is exploring splitting the cost across two budget years and considering grant opportunities.
Trustee Laura Cavendish was appointed as the council liaison for Infrastructure.
Other Business
- Village Manager/Zoning Administrator Jim Dyer reported on recent land use activity, including review of a permit for a new single-family home on West Third Street (possible flood plain issue), and approval of permits for a residential deck at 903 Mill Street (Andy Thomas), an accessory structure and retaining wall at 600 North Mill Street (Matt Galloway), and a land use permit aligned with a previously approved variance.
- Dyer noted his transition to County Administrator while continuing to assist the village, remaining in contact with incoming Village Manager Jered Ottenwess (starting April 21). He suggested the Planning Commission consider delaying its next meeting to ensure Jered's participation in an upcoming rezoning discussion.
- The Planning Commission report included a presentation from Keith Rhodes and the annual report under the Planning Enabling Act, presented by Trustee Gale, noting her appointment through 2028 and a vacancy through 2027.
- The council discussed backup power solutions following two recent power outages, one of which forced temporary closure of the village office. Dyer had explored a full gas-powered generator (estimated at $15,000) but recommended alternatives such as consulting with IT provider Affinity to improve battery backup and prevent data loss. Trustee Cook favored pursuing a generator and additional bids. No formal vote was taken; consensus was to continue exploring cost-effective solutions.
Financial Summary
- The council approved a bid not to exceed $7,100 for replacement of the overhead door at the DPW building on 8th Street (Roll Call: Yeas 6, Nays 0).
- March bills were approved for payment in the amount of $18,101.27, contingent on funds becoming available (Roll Call: Yeas 6, Nays 0, Absent 1).
- The NLTUA is evaluating a proposed $131,000 capacity and growth/capital improvement evaluation project, with cost potentially split across two budget years and possible grant funding.
- A full gas-powered generator for backup power was estimated at approximately $15,000, deemed too costly; alternative lower-cost solutions are being explored.
Action Items
- Incoming Village Manager Jered Ottenwess to begin his role on April 21; pending infrastructure projects to resume upon his start.
- Planning Commission to consider delaying its next meeting to ensure Jered Ottenwess's participation in an upcoming rezoning discussion.
- Jim Dyer to continue coordinating with Affinity (IT provider) to evaluate network infrastructure and improve battery backup systems as an alternative to a full generator.
- Council to continue exploring alternative sites for affordable housing development beyond Buster Dame Park, per resident requests (Eric Potes and others proposed specific alternative sites, though the council did not commit to any).
- Continued monitoring of Buster Dame Park's recreational use was suggested by Eric Potes before any development decisions are made.