11/18/2025 - Leelanau County | Regular Session Minutes

Summary

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on November 18, 2025, where several key decisions were made, including the approval of budget amendments, a new policy on artificial intelligence, and an increase in data speeds for county WiFi. The board also discussed the need for comparative salary reviews for elected officials and their deputies, highlighting potential adjustments to address concerns raised about compensation levels.

Public Comments

In total, five individuals spoke during the public comment period, including David Kiessel, Larry Mawby (representing Peninsula Housing), Frank Clements, Lois Bahle, and Dana Getsinger. Their comments were primarily focused on housing concerns and other agenda items relevant to the county's budget and policy decisions.

Parks and Recreation Matters

The Board appointed Kathy Dawkins to the Leelanau County Parks & Recreation Commission for a partial term ending December 31, 2025, and a full three-year term starting January 1, 2026, expiring December 31, 2028. The appointment was passed with a vote of 6 in favor and 1 against.

Financial Summary

- Total Claims and Accounts approved amounted to $460,031.67. - Post Audit Claims and Accounts totaled $16,677,467.97. - A budget amendment (#25-014) was also approved unanimously.

Action Items

- A report comparing the salaries of elected officials with those of similar counties will be prepared and submitted by December 9, 2025, with actions expected the following week. - The Finance Director will adjust an invoice for the Materials Management Plan to reflect expenses from the Board of Commissioners' Special Projects line item. - An invoice review will address reimbursement related to the Materials Management Plan.