Summary
This Leelanau Township Board packet for September 8, 2026 includes consent-agenda department reports and minutes from the August 11 regular meeting and the August 13 special meeting on a proposed Braman Hill cell tower. Key decisions included approving an attainable-housing agreement with Homestretch for Township-owned land at 842 N. Warren St., approving EMS equipment and airport terminal repair spending, limiting Parks and Recreation's 5-year-plan mailing budget to $1,000, adopting budget amendments, and holding an extensive public hearing on the Verizon/Braman Hill tower lease without a final vote recorded. The Board also approved Deputy Beck's patrol schedule on September 8, 2026, and reviewed a draft 2027-2030 law-enforcement services agreement and a Leelanau County Road Commission contract for Omena Point Road repairs.
Public Comments
At the August 11 meeting, Mark Krueger, Allan Dalzell, and later Elizabeth Mallek offered public comment, with no specifics recorded. At the August 13 special meeting on the Braman Hill tower, extensive comments were submitted:
- Eric Potes suggested expanding the existing tower or siting a new one in Northport's industrial area, and reported successful 911 contact from Christmas Cove despite normally poor reception.
- A detailed critique of the lease terms (later referenced by Elizabeth Mallek as raised by Hugh Scott) questioned lack of a maximum-height/consent clause, no removal bond or deadline, 24-hour access conflicting with park hours, tree-clearing conflicting with the parks ordinance, and asked whether the lease could be made effective only after land-use approval.
- Krista Holmstrom submitted a letter opposing the Braman Hill site, citing packet discrepancies, 24-hour access, winter maintenance, and inconsistent enclosure-size figures.
- Mike McMillian and Noah Dorsman questioned whether Braman Hill was the only viable site given fast-changing technology and a possible 2-3 year build timeline.
- Barbara Bona and Erica Halstead described alternative connectivity options (boosters, broadband) and urged exploring other carriers.
- Vickie Slot raised RF-radiation health concerns; Marsha Buehler asked when the Board would answer residents' questions; Doug Whitley and Elizabeth Mallek urged the Board to pause and further review the lease.
Supervisor Conley and Verizon representative Ben Varney responded that the tower would raise coverage roughly 120 feet above the existing AT&T structure, could not guarantee full coverage, and that the existing Village-owned tower is capped at 175 feet by ordinance. Conley said the Township had not sought an RFP but was approached by Verizon's contractor.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Schwind moved for the Township to enter an agreement with Homestretch for attainable-housing construction on approximately 3.25 acres of the Township-owned parcel at 842 N. Warren St. Seconded by Treasurer Ugalde. Roll call: Aye – Ugalde, Schwind, Conley; Nay – Clerk Wilson. Motion carried.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee requested up to $5,000 to mail questionnaires, engage consultants, and print the next 5-year plan. Trustee Schwind moved to approve only up to $1,000 for mailing and printing; seconded by Ugalde. Roll call unanimous, motion carried.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board reviewed the long-running Braman Hill communications tower proposal (approx. 185-195 feet) with Verizon, including site history since November 2025, an August public hearing, and unresolved lease concerns (see Public Comments); no final vote is recorded. Airport: Board approved a company to paint the Woolsey terminal dome roof for up to $5,000 (Schwind/Conley, unanimous) and approved payment of $17,398.13 to Hallmark Construction for terminal repairs. Roads: A County Road Commission agreement was included for Omena Point Road (approx. 2,060 ft) reconstruction, estimated at $196,094.30, with the Township paying 100% of Molon Asphalt's actual cost, due upon invoicing around October 30, 2026.
Other Business
The Board considered two draft ordinances imposing a 12-month moratorium on data center applications (non-zoning and zoning versions). Supervisor Conley nominated members for a new Woolsey Memorial Airport Consultation Panel. The Board approved Deputy Beck's seasonal patrol schedule and reviewed a draft 2027-2030 law enforcement services agreement with the County Sheriff. A closed session was held under MCL 15.268 to evaluate the Assessor's performance.
Financial Summary
The August 12, 2026 unpaid check run of $46,508.87 was approved unanimously. Other approvals: EMS equipment, $20,083.73; various budget amendments across multiple GL lines (e.g., $947,000 equipment line, $268,656.98 delinquent tax activity); assessor mailing/printing costs up to $5,000 (initially approved, rescinded, then re-approved). The draft 2027 Sheriff services agreement lists $129,637.00 for that year. Assessor Barry Wauldron's MAAO training reimbursement was approved by Supervisor Conley at an estimated $1,252.36.
Action Items
Assessor Barry Wauldron must complete required MAAO training by October 31, 2026. The Board must finalize decisions on the Braman Hill cell tower lease, addressing public concerns about access hours, height limits, removal bonds, and effective date tied to land-use approval. The 2027-2030 Sheriff services agreement and data center moratorium ordinances remain pending formal adoption/signature. Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins is to complete bids for airport terminal painting.