Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met August 20, 2024, with Chairman Ty Wessell presiding and all present commissioners (O'Rourke, Rexroat, Wessell, Ross, Allgaier, Lautner) voting unanimously on all motions; District #1 remains vacant. The Board approved a new Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program via Resolution #2024-014, appointed members to the Cherry Capital Airport Joint Zoning Board via Resolution #2024-015, committed ARPA funds to the Point Broadband contract, approved Leland Dam bridge repair design, and extended Interim Administrator Richard Lewis's contract through May 2025. A closed session was held regarding an attorney-client privileged legal opinion and an MMRMA insurance claim.
Public Comments
Lois Bahle spoke during agenda-specific public comment regarding the importance of information about wells; Commissioner Lautner later thanked her for the input. During general public comment, Keith Ashley and Bill Wiesner spoke in person; written comments were also submitted and made available via the county's meeting handout link, though their contents are not detailed in the minutes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board approved (Motion #222) a one-year contract extension with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) for housing rehabilitation services, pending review by Corporate Counsel. Motion by Rexroat, seconded by Allgaier; approved 6-0.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved (Motion #218) the first amendment to the agreement with Midway Electronics, Inc. for construction of the Leelanau Township communications tower, pending final Corporate Counsel approval; approved 6-0. The Board also approved (Motion #220) committing approximately $862,897 in remaining ARPA funds plus interest toward the $1,800,000 unfunded balance of the Point Broadband contract, with the remainder (approximately $937,103) to come from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund as invoices are presented; approved 6-0. For the Leland Dam, the Board approved (Motion #230) the "Classic" design by Machin Engineering for bridge and walkway repair and authorized Interim Administrator Lewis to solicit material pricing; approved 6-0. Lewis reported the Leland Dam hydraulics repair would be completed by September 9, 2024.
Other Business
The Board heard updates from BATA (Eric Lingaur, John Sommavilla) and the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department (Dan Thorell, Michelle Klein, who announced Dodie Putney's retirement). The Board dissolved the Finance and Personnel Committees (Motion #226), approved renaming the Human Resources Director position to Human Resources Manager (Motion #231), and approved an RFP for electrical panel inspection/repair (Motion #233; Rexroat abstained). A Special Session was set for August 28, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to address the Administrator search and Facilities Director position.
Financial Summary
Approved expenditures included: $4,470 for a replacement Sheriff's vehicle (General Fund); $4,382.86 retroactive salary adjustment for IT Director Liana Wilson; $400,000 General Fund transfer to the Land Bank Authority for blight elimination at 201 S. High St., Northport; $3,000 for a Fidlar Technologies vital records hosting agreement; and 2% Grant contracts totaling $15,000 (Inland Seas Educational Association), $50,000 (Housing North), and $3,680 (Leelanau County Historical Preservation Society). Claims and Accounts of $652,537.78 and Post Audit Claims and Accounts of $1,934,214.60 were approved. Budget Amendment #24-010 and Fund Transfer #24-004 were also approved.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Lewis to request CPA firm proposals for financial audit services covering fiscal years 2024-2027 and seek a one-year extension proposal from Rehmann.
- Lewis to send invitations to Commissioner candidates for the August 28, 2024 Special Session on the Administrator search and Facilities Director position.
- Finance Director Catherine Hartesvelt to research and report back on why vendor Safety Net invoices exceeded routine monthly fees.
- Lewis to contact MMRMA to initiate a special legal services assignment regarding Claim #2402726.
- Commissioners encouraged to identify a Leelanau County elected official to serve on Grand Traverse County's Material Management Plan committee, per Commissioner Ross.