Summary
This document consists of correspondence submitted to the Leelanau Township Board ahead of or around the February 11, 2025 meeting. Letters addressed proposed housing initiatives, parks and recreation funding, cellular service gaps, a dispute over the Facilities Manager position versus the Supervisor's duties, and a complaint about an agenda item being removed without notice. No board votes or decisions are recorded in this correspondence.
Public Comments
Beth Verhey wrote thanking the board for January's housing discussion and urged leadership action, citing Leelanau Township Community Foundation (LTCF) survey data (94% agree first responders/teachers should be able to live locally; 90% agree varied housing supports economic development; 88% agree more housing options are needed). She proposed a joint housing committee with the Village, a work session with the Village Council and both planning commissions, and a presentation from Housing North. She also urged hiring a grant writer for Parks and Recreation, and a meeting with the County Administrator on cellular service.
Elizabeth Mallek objected to the proposed land swap between the Township and Village involving the Buster Dame ballpark and 7th Street DPW yard property, arguing sewer fees make affordable housing infeasible within the Sewer Assessment District (SAD). She urged retaining the ballpark and letting the Village build housing on 7th Street instead.
William Harper sent two letters criticizing Supervisor Barb Conley over the new Facilities Manager duties, suggesting she resign. Conley responded, clarifying the Facilities Manager is not a new position but an expanded, full-time role for Ian Dawkins, compensated more than the Supervisor, with details to be discussed at the meeting.
Dr. Lisa Meils wrote objecting to Conley removing the Sportsman's Club/shooting range item from the published agenda without prior notice.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Verhey proposed a joint Township-Village housing committee, a special work session with the Village Council and planning commissions, and use of the Buster Dame ballpark site for attainable housing, along with expediting the Master Plan with consultant support and budgeting for future zoning ordinance changes. Mallek opposed using the ballpark for housing, citing SAD sewer hookup costs of nearly $20,000 plus yearly fees approaching $2,000 with 8% increases, and instead proposed developing 7th Street or parcels outside the SAD.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Verhey urged the board to hire a grant writer to pursue state and foundation grants for the Woolsey project and a historical marker, noting the Community Foundation holds special funds for Woolsey, and called for greater capital investment beyond routine maintenance.
Infrastructure Projects
Verhey urged a meeting with the County Administrator regarding cellular service, referencing the previously proposed Kitchen Road tower and the County's original commitment to three towers, noting ARPA funds can no longer be used. Mallek's letter detailed SAD sewer costs affecting development feasibility.
Other Business
Correspondence addressed a dispute over the Facilities Manager position (Ian Dawkins) versus Supervisor Barb Conley's duties, with salary discussions planned for the meeting. Dr. Meils raised concerns about removal of the Sportsman's Club/shooting range item from the agenda.
Financial Summary
Mallek cited SAD sewer hookup costs of almost $20,000 and yearly fees approaching $2,000 with 8% increases. Conley noted the Facilities Manager will be compensated more than the Supervisor, with salaries to be discussed at the meeting.
Action Items
Proposed: schedule a work session with the Village Council and planning commissions on housing (Verhey); Planning Commission to expedite Master Plan with consultant support and budget for zoning ordinance changes (Verhey); consider hiring a grant writer for parks projects (Verhey); meet with County Administrator on cellular service alternatives (Verhey); discuss Supervisor and Facilities Manager duties/salaries at the meeting (Conley).