Summary
The Leland Township Board met on October 12, 2026, with Supervisor Clint Mitchell, Clerk Lisa Brookfield, Treasurer Shirley Garthe, and Trustee Greg Kuntz present (Trustee Steve Scales absent). The Board approved the agenda and amended minutes, approved the Treasurer's Report, accepted a Streetscape design report and parking recommendations from Influence Design Forum as advisory planning guides, approved payment to Machin Engineering for dock design, and accepted the annual Tobin and Co. audit, which found the Township's fiscal position strong. All votes passed 4-0.
Public Comments
Tim Lodge introduced himself as a candidate for Drain Commissioner. Steve Mikowski renewed, for the 362nd month, his request for a referendum on Zoning Ordinance 96-1 and asked the Board of Appeals to correct a longstanding error denying a 17½ inch side yard setback variance, a request made since 1983. Matthew Hogan said there were no funds to execute the Streetscape plan, questioned the process, and said any motion should be explicit. Keith Ashley said the Board had remained inactive on issues he raised, causing legal fees, and alleged the Board stacked the ZBA with members favoring Youth for Christ. Gene Mapes suggested more "no parking" signs rather than more parking. Sarah Mills said the Streetscape plan did not follow the RFP's principles and called a motion to accept it premature; she also urged the Board to pay Tom Grier his invoice in full. Leslie Maclin wanted the plan to cover the entire village and opposed a motion at that time.
In a second public comment period, Matthew Logan noted a wording change from "adopt" to "accept" in the first action item. Lawrence Bunchek said the September 14 minutes were incomplete, missing a motion for Item #2, his name was misspelled, and public comments were not fully recorded; the Board stated both issues were corrected at this meeting. Keith Ashley said letters to the Board were logged as correspondence but never discussed. Sarah Mills questioned how the parking presentation became a vote. Steve Mikowski said Lake Leelanau village was excluded from plan discussions and raised unrealized capital gains. Neil Cory felt the Board should answer questions in real time or in writing. Kathleen Acker said her letter received no acknowledgement and asked that parking signs be included in the plan.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Kuntz reported three new committee members, with one more needed; roles will be assigned at Thursday's meeting. The committee will work with the School on clean-up. Garbage pickup in parks stops November 2, 2026, and bathrooms close November 10, 2026.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved, 4-0, accepting the Leland Streetscape Design report from Influence Design Forum of Traverse City as an advisory Capital Road Infrastructure and Cost Planning Guide. The Board also approved, 4-0, accepting professional parking recommendations from the same firm. Harbor report: a meeting was held, with season sales exceeding $1 million. Sewer report: a work plan was submitted to EGLE for monitor wells, pending EGLE response; alarm systems moved to cell service; four drain fields were flushed. Supervisor Mitchell reported the M-22 project is complete.
Other Business
Fire & Rescue reported a 9/11 tribute, three staff completing advanced EMT training, and two new full-time firefighters hired. Planning/Zoning's Lee Cory discussed the waterfront overlay and public comment process, and asked the Board to pay Tom Grier $10,000. County Commissioner Alan Campbell reported hiring an interim finance director after the former one quit, approval of an $18.4 million county budget, and investigation of needed repairs to the Leland Dam. Correspondence included a letter about a new lakefront organization. There were tax tribunal hearings scheduled regarding Sunset Shores. The Township has openings on the ZBA, Sewer Commission, and Parks & Rec Committee.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer reported $12,618 received from the Sewer Commission and about $8 million in summer tax collections so far. The Board approved payment of $9,670.00 to Machin Engineering for dock design services, reimbursable by the Leland Yacht Club Foundation. Bills from September 15 to October 12, 2026, covering payroll and utilities, were approved. The Tobin and Co. audit for fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, found the Township's finances strong. The county budget of $18.4 million was separately noted as approved by the County Commission.
Action Items
- Sewer Department awaiting EGLE response before beginning monitor well construction.
- Parks & Rec Committee to designate roles at its meeting the following Thursday; one more committee member needed.
- Board of Appeals asked by Steve Mikowski to correct a long-disputed 17½ inch setback variance denial, a recurring request since 1983.
- Concerns raised by Keith Ashley regarding ZBA composition and alleged bias toward Youth for Christ remain unresolved.
- Unaddressed correspondence/letters (including from Kathleen Acker) flagged by residents as needing Board acknowledgement or discussion.
- Tax tribunal hearings regarding Sunset Shores scheduled for the day after the meeting.
- Next meeting scheduled for November 9, 2026.