Summary
The Leelanau Township Board's July 15, 2026 meeting agenda, as outlined in the Supervisor's Report, covers millage levy decisions, the Woolsey Airport terminal roof, a proposed Braman Hill communications tower, EMS and Parks and Rec funding requests, and continued review of attainable housing proposals for 824 N. Warren Street. Presentations were scheduled from County Commissioner Ty Wessel, Scott Sheehan and Travis Kemp (on a zoning communication tool), and housing consultant Susan Leithauser Yee.
Public Comments
No public comment session is described in this report. A public hearing on renting Braman Hill land for a communications tower is planned for August 11, with a proposed 15-minute presentation by Ben Varney on behalf of "The Towers," followed by public comment. Resident Michael Levan submitted a proposal to rent a township tennis court to teach lessons every Saturday for a fee; this is a resident request pending a board decision on whether a permit can be granted, not yet a board decision.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Three proposals were received to build attainable housing on township land at 824 N. Warren Street; an ad hoc panel found only two of these fitting the township's needs. The board is expected to discuss next steps, with a possible finalist selection for contract negotiations at the August meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The board will consider a $300 Parks and Rec request for a SurveyMonkey membership to gather public input for the Parks and Rec Plan, up to $10,000 for maintenance of the Braman Hill tennis and pickleball courts (twice-yearly resurfacing), and final Parks/Facilities millage language (0.5 mill) for the November ballot.
Infrastructure Projects
The board will vote on a roof type for the Woolsey Airport terminal: a 30-50 year mod-bit/polyurethane roof ($24,000-$44,920) versus a historically accurate standing seam metal roof ($84,000-$102,000), per engineer Mark Krueger's recommendation. The Woolsey land exchange with Michigan DNR is set to close July 22; the board is asked to approve up to $2,400 in closing costs (estimated at $2,050), funded from Woolsey airport capital improvement funds. Ian Dawkins' cellular reception study will be presented ahead of the August 11 public hearing on renting Braman Hill land for a communications tower. Braman Hill road gravel maintenance ($5,000) was already purchased and requires board approval via a budget amendment moving funds from Christmas Cove (231-443-970.778) to Braman Hill (231-443-970.776).
Other Business
The board will finalize the Assessing Assistant position description (three candidates have applied) and continue review of the township's purchasing policy adopted in February, addressing what expenses department heads may approve without board review.
Financial Summary
Based on taxable value of $647,910,499, projected millage yields are: operating millage $315,338; Fire/EMS millage $1,954,487; extra voted operating millage $304,324; library millage $312,228. Police millage (0.25 mill) goes to the August ballot; roads (0.3 mill) and facilities/parks (0.5 mill) to the November ballot. Other items: EMS memberships (NFPA $225; Vector Solutions $3,542.34) and an 800MHz maintenance fee of $6,150; unpaid check run of $24,879.62; budget amendments to be presented by the Clerk.
Action Items
Reply to the county on millage levies by September 30; finalize roads and Parks/Facilities millage language for the November ballot; finalize the Assessing Assistant position description; decide the Woolsey terminal roof type; hold the August 11 public hearing on the Braman Hill communications tower; approve the Braman Hill budget amendment; approve EMS dues/fees and the 800MHz fee; approve the SurveyMonkey membership; approve DNR closing costs by July 22; approve the unpaid check run; act on Michael Levan's tennis court permit request; advance discussion on the 824 N. Warren Street attainable housing proposals toward an August finalist decision.