Summary
This document is a written correspondence submitted by resident Allan Dalzell to the Leelanau Township Board ahead of the September 9, 2025 meeting, addressing the Township's prior pledge of $100,000 toward restoring the stone building (Woolsey building) at the airport. No board decisions are recorded in this document itself; it is a letter requesting the board slow down and reconsider the project.
Public Comments
Allan Dalzell submitted a written letter to all township board members regarding the Woolsey building restoration project. He referenced a February 14, 2024 Enterprise article reporting that the board's original $100,000 pledge was intended as seed money, not to be spent until SWAT raised additional funds. Dalzell notes that at that time two public comments opposed the expenditure, and that Mr. Krueger was quoted saying there would be no start to the project until $300,000 was available. Trustee Murray reportedly stated the $100,000 was a one-time gift.
Dalzell states that at the most recent board meeting, the presenter (whom he believes was Mr. Krueger) suggested the Township might contribute even more money. He also references a board member's comment that the public needs to know the Township supports the project so more contributions come in; Dalzell counters that the public is already aware and is declining to donate.
Dalzell proposes, as his own suggestion, that the $100,000 be used instead to build a memorial pavilion honoring the Woolsey family, arguing the current building has little useful value. He also notes other funding priorities he believes are more important, including contributions requested for the NCV, an upcoming library funding request, and the loss of the community room at the fire station, as well as needed maintenance of hangar buildings. No board response to this letter is included in the document.
Other Business
Dalzell requests that his memo be included in the September meeting packet and published on the township website if possible.
Financial Summary
- Prior Township pledge: $100,000 contribution toward restoring the stone building at the airport, originally intended as seed money.
- Mr. Krueger previously stated (per the 2/14/24 article) that no work would start until $300,000 was available.
- Trustee Murray stated the $100,000 is a one-time gift.
- At the most recent board meeting, the presenter suggested the Township might contribute additional funds beyond the original $100,000; no vote or decision is recorded in this document.
Action Items
- Allan Dalzell requests board members review and discuss the Woolsey building funding matter before the next meeting and contact him with feedback.
- Dalzell requests his memo be included in the September board meeting packet and posted on the township website.
- Dalzell urges the board to "slow down" on committing further funds to the Woolsey building project, given prior public opposition and the $300,000 threshold previously cited by Mr. Krueger.