Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met in Executive Session on September 8, 2026, with Chairman Steve Yoder presiding; Commissioner William Bunek was absent with prior notice. The Board approved a one-time $800.00 retention payment to retired Deputy Wayne Kalchik, approved millage rates for the FY2026 L-4029, approved two Verizon tower lease agreements, approved a $57,500.00 CVSF grant application, approved use of the Huntington purchasing card platform, approved a $34,475.00 strategic planning contract with DZ Strategy Management, scheduled two public hearings for October 9, 2026, approved a $47,576.92 NMCAA housing rehab contract extension, upheld an administrative decision regarding Facilities Director Patrick Roach's travel, and approved claims and accounts totaling $196,986.78.
Public Comments
Steve Mikowski spoke under the 1-Minute Topic of General County Concern. Tim Lodge spoke under 3-Minute Agenda Specific comment; Commissioner Wessell requested the Board waive rules to allow Lodge to speak longer. Steve Tostige and Jim White also sought to speak under 3-Minute Agenda Specific comment; Chairman Yoder denied White's request since the related agenda item had been removed. Commissioner Campbell stated that if agenda items are removed, speakers should still be allowed their allotted time. In a second public comment period, Tim Lodge, Steve Mikowski, and Bill Wiesner spoke. Written comments were submitted and are available via the linked meeting materials, but their contents were not detailed in the minutes.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved a new Verizon tower lease agreement at the Central Tower site to replace the existing agreement effective May 1, 2028, authorizing Chairman Yoder to sign pending corporate counsel approval (6-0). The Board also approved a second amendment to the Verizon tower lease at the Maple City Tower site (6-0). Regarding the Lake Bluffs Drain Remediation, Interim Drain Commissioner Chet Janik and Solon Township residents James Cantwell and Kristi Burns presented; a motion to allocate $8,500.00 from Special Projects was withdrawn by Commissioner Wessell after Chairman Yoder said legal counsel would first review County liability. The item was instead moved to the September 15, 2026 Regular Session (6-0). The Board also approved paying the Little Glen Lake Drain Assessment of $20,500.00 from Contingency funds (6-0).
Other Business
MAC Executive Director Steve Currie gave a PowerPoint update. The Board discussed Interim Administrator Cypher's goals, with Commissioners praising communication but calling for continued transparency and work/life balance for staff. The Board agreed to move forward on an Administrator Recruitment RFP template with legal counsel, returning in October. Consensus was reached to interview three benefits brokerage firms before December 31, 2026, and for Cypher to research Opioid Settlement Funds steering committee structure, returning in October. The Enterprise Resource Planning RFP and a Cooling Tower update (Aaron Wosek, Spicer Group) were moved to the September 15, 2026 Regular Session. Commissioner Robbins was noted as receiving a Habitat for Humanity Award. A motion to release the Whistleblower Complaint Investigation Summary was removed from the agenda (5-1, Campbell opposed).
Financial Summary
- Little Glen Lake Drain Assessment: $20,500.00 from Contingency, approved 6-0.
- Kalchik retention payment: $800.00, approved 6-0 via roll call.
- CVSF FY27 grant application: $57,500.00, approved 6-0.
- DZ Strategy Management contract: $34,475.00 from Capital Outlay account #101.100.101.970.000, approved 4-2 (Allgaier and Walter opposed).
- NMCAA housing rehab contract extension: $47,576.92, approved 6-0.
- Claims and Accounts: $196,986.78, approved 6-0.
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts moved to September 15, 2026 Regular Session.
Action Items
- Cypher to work with the Clerk's Office to schedule interviews with three benefits brokerage agencies before December 31, 2026.
- Cypher to research Opioid Settlement Funds steering committee structure and report back in October.
- Legal counsel to develop an Administrator Recruitment RFP template, returning to the Board in October.
- Lake Bluffs Drain Remediation, Enterprise Resource Planning RFP, and Cooling Tower update items moved to the September 15, 2026 Regular Session.
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts moved to September 15, 2026 Regular Session for approval.
- Legal counsel to review County liability regarding the Lake Bluffs Drain before further Board action.