Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on July 16, 2024, with Chairman Ty Wessell presiding and District #1 vacant. The Board approved a consent agenda covering grants, budgets, and plans, accepted the FY2023 county audit, approved several late-added agreements including a tower review contract and the MMP Interlocal Agreement, adopted the E-911 Service Plan resolution, and approved claims and accounts totaling $366,813.38 plus post audit claims of $1,826,408.69. Catherine Hartesvelt was announced as the new Finance Director effective July 15, 2024.
Public Comments
During agenda-specific public comment, Keith Ashley, Patty Lesch, Steve Stier, Don Spinniken, Harry Steffens, Alexis Wittman, and Scott Perry spoke in person. Written comments were also submitted and are on file with the Clerk's Office. During general public comment later in the meeting, Steve Mikowski, Keith Ashley, and Jackie Anderson spoke in person, with additional written comments filed. The minutes do not detail the specific content of these comments.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved an agreement with MCSA Group, Inc. of East Grand Rapids, MI, to update the 2020-2024 Leelanau County Community Parks and Recreation Plan for 2025-2029, for up to $14,600.00, funded from account #101.850.756.801.000.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved a proposal from Progressive AE for professional planning services to review the Leelanau Township Tower Special Land Use Permit application, not to exceed $5,300.00, funded from the Special Projects Communications Tower Fund (Capital Outlay #468.000.000.970.000). Commissioner Ross made the motion, seconded by Allgaier; approved 6-0.
The Board also adopted Resolution #2024-013, the E-911 Service Plan Adoption Resolution, updating the county's Emergency 911 Service Plan per PA 32 of 1986. A public hearing had been held June 27, 2024, with no changes made to the plan. Approved by roll call, 6-0.
The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement among Grand Traverse, Benzie, and Leelanau Counties, including submission of a Notice of Intent to EGLE and acceptance of County Approval Agency (CAA) responsibilities. Approved by roll call, 6-0.
Other Business
Representative Betsy Coffia and Senator John Damoose updated the Board on legislative efforts and answered questions. The Board accepted 2% Grant awards from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians: $50,000.00 to Housing North for rental preservation, $15,000.00 to Inland Seas Education Association for tall ship retrofit, and $3,680.00 to the Leelanau County Historical Preservation Society for education exhibits. The Board approved MERS delegate appointments: Jim Stachnik/Amanda Krantz as employee delegate and Clerk Michelle Crocker as officer delegate for the October 10-11, 2024 conference. Committee assignments vacated by former Commissioner Kramer were filled: Allgaier (BATA), Ross (Senior Services Advisory), and Lautner (Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition). Commissioner O'Rourke raised questions about disbanding the Personnel and Finance Committees; Wessell stated this will be placed on the August agenda for decision.
Financial Summary
Approved items included the Child Care Fund Annual Plan and Budget of $802,149.90 for FY2024-2025, the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program, Fund Transfer #24-003, Claims and Accounts of $366,813.38, and Post Audit Claims and Accounts of $1,826,408.69. A Sheriff's Office RAP Grant with MMRMA for $3,923.78 was approved to reimburse 75% of training costs for Sgt. Chris Bailey. All financial motions passed 6-0.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Lewis to present a new job description for approval in August.
- Stipends for dual-control duties expected to end by September 17, 2024, pending hiring of an Assistant Finance Director.
- Personnel Committee and Finance Committee status to be placed on the August agenda for final decision, per Commissioner O'Rourke's request.
- Commissioner Lautner to review Executive Session Senior Services presentation for clarification on need assignment totals from January to June.
- Commissioner Allgaier to pursue discussion with Maintenance Director Jerry Culman on a possible 2% grant request for level 2 EV chargers at the Government Center.