Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met September 15, 2026, with all seven members present. The Board approved a cooling tower RFP with Spicer Group, set millage rates for Early Childhood, Senior Services, and Road funds, approved a Huntington commercial purchasing card program, selected DZ Strategy Management over Guidehouse for strategic planning services, upheld an administrative decision on a Facilities Director absence, and approved a staffing adjustment in the Finance Department. A special session was scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026 to address CDBG guidelines, the Tri-county Materials Management Plan, and the NMCAA contract.
Public Comments
Under the 1-minute Topics of General County Concern, Dana Getsinger, Steve Tostige, Tim Lodge, and Steve Mikowski spoke. Under the 3-minute Agenda Specific comment period, Tim Lodge, Jim Cantwil, and Kristy Burns spoke. Later in the meeting, Patrick Roach, Mike Awrey, Tim Lodge, Bill Wiesner, Jim White, and Steve Mikowski spoke during public comment. Written comments were submitted and are available via the linked record, though the minutes do not summarize their content. No specific concerns or county responses were detailed in the minutes.
Infrastructure Projects
Spicer Group's Aaron Wosek presented a Cooling Tower update via handouts. The Board suspended its rules to add the item to the agenda (Motion #229, 7-0) and approved Spicer Group to create an RFP for Cooling Tower upgrades (Motion #230, 7-0). The Board also approved a new Verizon tower lease agreement at the Central Tower site to replace the existing lease on May 1, 2028, and a second amendment to the Verizon lease at the Maple City Tower site, both pending corporate counsel approval. The Little Glen Lake Drain Assessment payment of $20,500.00 was approved, funded from Contingency. The Lake Bluffs Drain Remediation item was tabled pending a legal opinion from corporate counsel; Drain Commissioner Chet Janik briefed the Board and was thanked for his work.
Other Business
Interim Administrator Cypher gave an update including upcoming public hearings, a November 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m. meeting for Benefit Broker presentations, and a statement addressing criticism of the Senior Planner hiring process, asserting it was compliant and thorough. She also requested Board consideration of an employment contract as she seeks the permanent Administrator position. Commissioner Wessell requested her statement be shared with all Commissioners. Commissioner Campbell publicly defended Cypher and the newly hired Senior Planner against earlier criticism, calling for apologies; Commissioner Allgaier disagreed with his characterization but declined to debate it further. The Board approved submission of the FY27 County Veteran Service Fund grant application ($57,500.00). The Board approved moving forward with Enterprise Resource Planning RFP demos with BS&A, Concourse, and Tyler Technologies, with Commissioners Bunek and Walter designated to attend. The Board upheld the Administration's decision treating Facilities Director Patrick Roach's July 23, 2026 travel as an absence from work (4-3).
Financial Summary
Key approved items: Little Glen Lake Drain Assessment, $20,500.00 (from Contingency); FY27 CVSF Grant Application, $57,500.00; Guidehouse strategic planning proposal, $49,350.00, failed 2-5; DZ Strategy Management strategic planning agreement, $34,475.00, approved 5-2 (funds from Capital Outlay Account #101.100.101.970.000); Claims and Accounts, $208,787.31, approved 7-0; Post Audit Claims and Accounts, $5,684,575.36, approved 7-0. Millage rates approved for levy December 1: Early Childhood .2000, Senior Services .2500, and Road at the full allowable .5000 (6-0, Wessell briefly absent). Finance Director Risbridger stated the Finance Department staffing adjustment (from four to three positions) will decrease the 2027 budget and represents a cost savings, reflected in the proposed 2027 budget.
Action Items
Interim Administrator Cypher to finalize staff accountant job description, coordinate with legal and the union (memo of understanding required), and bring the job description and union letter back to the Board in October before any hire is made. Finance Director Risbridger to advertise and recruit for the position, with internal posting for five days per union contract. Drain Commissioner Janik and Administrator Cypher to await legal opinion on Lake Bluffs Drain Remediation before returning to the Board. Finance Director Risbridger to resend a reimbursement voucher email to Commissioner Robbins regarding a $140.00 invoice. Agreement with Northern Michigan Community Action Agency moved to the October 9, 2026 special session for action.