Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met in special session on October 9, 2026, with Chairman Steve Yoder presiding. Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier was absent with prior notice. The Board took action on CDBG Program Income guidelines and approved a one-year contract extension with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) for housing rehabilitation services. The meeting was brief, lasting approximately seven minutes, with no public comments offered.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board approved updated CDBG Program Income Guidelines, authorized required MSHDA submissions, and confirmed the Fair Housing Coordinator designation. Commissioner Wessell moved approval, seconded by Bunek; the motion carried 6-0 with Allgaier absent (Motion #247). During discussion, Commissioner Campbell noted that Leelanau Christian Neighbors is undergoing a self-evaluation and space expansion, and suggested that NMCAA services could be routed through Leelanau Christian Neighbors as a help center to increase awareness of available funds.
The Board then formally adopted Resolution No. 2026-014 (Motion #248), approving the updated CDBG Program Income Guidelines, authorizing submission of required documentation to MSHDA, and confirming that the Leelanau County Administrator is designated as the County's Fair Housing Coordinator. A roll call vote passed 6-0 with Allgaier absent. The resolution noted the County received more than $35,000 in CDBG Program Income, requiring compliance with federal and MSHDA procedures, with funds intended for emergency housing rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income owner-occupied households.
The Board approved a one-year contract extension with NMCAA in the amount of $47,576.92 for housing rehabilitation services (Motion #249), moved by Wessell and seconded by Bunek, carrying 6-0 with Allgaier absent.
Other Business
During Commissioner Comments, Campbell explained the reasoning behind the recycling fee structure, noting it was designed to avoid charging agricultural parcels without dwellings. Bunek noted that local businesses such as grocery stores typically do not use County recycling sites, having their own bins. Wessell added that this is likely true for contractors as well.
Financial Summary
- CDBG Program Income received: more than $35,000, subject to federal and MSHDA compliance requirements.
- NMCAA contract extension approved: $47,576.92 for one year, for housing rehabilitation services.
- Funds are restricted to eligible activities, including emergency housing rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income owner-occupied households.
Action Items
- County officials (Board Chair, County Administrator, and appropriate staff) to sign and submit all required documents to MSHDA for CDBG Program Income compliance, subject to review by administration and legal counsel.
- County Administrator confirmed as ongoing Fair Housing Coordinator unless changed by future Board action.
- NMCAA to proceed with housing rehab services under the newly extended one-year contract.