Summary
The Leland Township Board met September 14, 2026, and approved routine items including the Treasurer's Report, the August 10 minutes, and several appointments to the Parks & Rec Committee. The Board renewed the Michigan Township Par Plan for $53,087.00, authorized signing of the 2026 L-4029 Tax Rate Request, and approved the Hancock Park Soccer Club's request to use Hancock Field. A presentation on the Leland road masterplan/streetscape drew extensive public questions, and concerns continued over the condition of Oxford Drive.
Public Comments
Kathy Dawkins stated she, as ZBA chair, did not authorize the Zoning Administrator to give a report and said she would provide her own ZBA report; she later apologized for her remarks about the lack of a report from Sara Schroeder. Nancy Duck announced a League of Women Voters candidate forum on September 27, 2026, 7-9 p.m., at the Leelanau Government Center. Elizabeth Hill and April Schwaegerle both reported on the poor condition of Oxford Drive. Steve Mikowski repeated his longstanding request (stated as the "361st month") for a referendum on Zoning Ordinance 96-1 and asked the Board of Appeals to correct a 17½ inch side yard setback variance error dating to 1983. Lawrence Bunek said fixing Oxford Drive should be a priority. Keith Ashley raised concern about inexperienced new ZBA members regarding a "Youth for Christ" matter and suggested Susan Och as a ZBA candidate; he also spoke on cemetery records maintenance. Lee Cory urged the Board to pay Tom Grier's invoice and asked where masterplan comments should be sent (Mitchell directed comments to Greg Kuntz, Clint Mitchell, or Nate Elkins, due within the month). Larry Acker questioned ZBA membership numbers/term expirations and asked Steve Scales to reveal his permanent address. Lynn Dunn suggested a one-way street sign as a possible solution in the streetscape plan.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Greg Kuntz reported two new committee members, a clean-up schedule with the main building to be cleared in October, and that Hancock's layout will remain unchanged following meetings with Leland School. A resident nonprofit is forming to raise funds, which may require amending the lease agreement. Scales noted new members had not yet been assigned functional responsibilities under the committee's new plan. Kuntz's term ends in November. The Board appointed Jackie Zeits, Mike Keen, and Mary Lingaur each to 3-year terms on the Parks & Rec Committee expiring September 2029 (each motion carried 5-0), and approved the Hancock Park Soccer Club's field-use request (5-0).
Infrastructure Projects
Nate Elkins presented a Leland streetscape/road masterplan vision; questions arose about parking counts, pedestrian/car safety, funding, and church parking restrictions. Comments are due this month via Kuntz, Mitchell, or Elkins. The Board also discussed its annual request to the LCRC for 2027 local road funding; up to $50,000 in matching funds may be available, though the LCRC prioritizes through roads. Leland has 30 miles of local roads, with an estimated $3 million needed to repair all poor roads. Mitchell said the Township supports Oxford Drive residents but the LCRC has declined to repair it as a non-through road.
Other Business
Chief Besson reported the Fire & Rescue Department is now fully staffed after two full-time hires. Sara Schroeder submitted a written Planning Commission report; Lee Cory also read a report. Scales noted the Schomberg drain remains problematic and costly. Harbor activity (per Brookfield) is slowing after a strong summer. Alan Campbell reported County budget requests: the Brownfield Authority requested $100,000 without an identified project; a drain district requested $33,000; the young child program, having used $800,000 of its $1 million budget, is seeking a renewal millage for another $1 million. Keith Ashley discussed updating cemetery records.
Financial Summary
- Michigan Township Par Plan renewed 9/1/2026–9/1/2027 at $53,087.00 (approved 5-0).
- Potential consortium fee on motels/hotels/STRs could bring $500,000 to the Township, per Mitchell.
- Up to $50,000 in matching LCRC road funds may be available; estimated $3 million needed for all poor local roads.
- County budget requests: Brownfield Authority $100,000; drain district $33,000; young child program used $800,000 of $1 million budget and seeks renewal millage for another $1 million.
- Bills and accounts for August 11–September 14, 2026 approved 5-0.
Action Items
- Comments on the road masterplan/streetscape due to Kuntz, Mitchell, or Elkins by end of month; Kuntz suggested neighborhood meetings.
- Assign new Parks & Rec committee members to functional responsibilities per the new committee plan.
- Continue pursuing LCRC funding/repair for Oxford Drive; residents encouraged to keep dialogue with LCRC.
- Kathy Dawkins requested a phone number directory and suggested committee terms specify exact dates.
- Unresolved concerns flagged: ZBA member inexperience regarding the Youth for Christ matter, Steve Mikowski's repeated zoning ordinance referendum and setback variance request, and payment of Tom Grier's invoice.