8/13/2026 - Leelanau Township Board | Special Meeting on Braman Hill Cell Tower

Summary

The meeting addressed the proposed lease agreement for a communications tower at Braman Hill Recreation Area, focusing on the potential terms and upcoming obligations for Leelanau Township. Concerns about the lease included provisions on height limits, regulatory obligations, FAA requirements, and financial implications. The board discussed public comments, acknowledged specified requests, and reviewed possible amendments to the lease agreement to protect the township's interests.

Public Comments

Three key speakers raised concerns about the proposed lease with The Towers, LLC for a 199-foot communications tower at 9995 N Morningside Drive. They questioned the potential height increase beyond 199 feet, the absence of restrictions in the lease, and the implications of the FAA's necessary filings. Main concerns included the township's responsibilities and potential risks associated with the agreement, highlighting: - The lack of a maximum height restriction in the lease. - Irrevocable commitments by the township that could affect future land use decisions. - The need for prior FAA determination before finalizing the lease to assess any hazards related to the airport's operations.

Infrastructure Projects

The proposed communications tower lease raised discussions on various infrastructural implications: - Height discussions centered around the fact that without a specified maximum height in the lease, any future modifications or replacements could exceed township regulations. - The need for FAA filings before any agreements were solidified was emphasized, along with the township's obligations concerning air navigation and safety around Woolsey Memorial Airport.

Other Business

Other agenda items largely revolved around detailing the public comments and recommendations regarding the lease agreement. The importance of ensuring the township's regulatory powers remained intact was continually underscored, with requests for modifications to the lease to ensure such safeguards.

Financial Summary

The lease agreement proposed a rental fee of $900 per month, with annual increases of 1%, for a total potential revenue of approximately $700,000 over the 54-year term. However, no revenue-sharing model was included regarding any carrier income generated from the tower. There were requests to reassess these figures, suggesting a more favorable escalator rate and a share of sublicense revenues.

Action Items

- Strike the provisions in the lease that authorize the tenant to apply for permits on behalf of the township and ensure future applications are reviewed separately. - Establish a maximum overall height and require township consent for any height alterations. - Confirm FAA filings and results prior to executing the lease. - Reassess economic terms of the lease to adopt better escalator rates and revenue-sharing options. - Engage the Woolsey Memorial Airport Consultation Panel for advisory input on the proposal. - Conduct an independent valuation of lease terms before acceptance and finalize environmental representation clauses.