Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, meeting in Executive Board Session on November 12, 2024 with Chairman Ty Wessell presiding (District #1 vacant), approved numerous Sheriff's Office, Senior Services, Emergency Management and Administration recommendations for the November 19 Regular Session. The most contentious item was a proposal to cease stipends for the Chief Deputy Clerk and County Clerk; after extended debate the Board directed Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis to draft a revised compromise proposal for the November 19 meeting.
Public Comments
During agenda-specific public comment, Sam Getsinger, Dr. Bob McCormick, and Rick Robbins spoke in person; the minutes do not record the content of their remarks. During general public comment, Harry Steffens, Christine Kramer, Renee Wyler, Steve Mikowski, Jim Kobberstad, and Bill Weisner spoke in person, and additional written comments were submitted and posted online, though their content is not summarized in the minutes. During the stipend discussion, Commissioner Ross noted that a legal concern about hourly wages versus stipends "was brought up in public comment," though no commenter is named for that specific point.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
As part of the Grand Traverse Band (GTB) 2% Tribal Grant applications for the Winter 2024 cycle, the Board (motion by Allgaier, second Ross, 6-0) recommended submitting applications including Habitat for Humanity's home build in Leelanau County ($50,000.00), Homestretch Housing and SEEDS' affordable housing build in Suttons Bay ($34,947.00), and Housing North's Leelanau County Zoning Atlas Project ($50,000.00). These are grant applications for GTB consideration, not county-funded approvals.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Motion by Rexroat, seconded by Ross, to set a public hearing on the Leelanau County Parks and Recreation Plan (February 2025) for December 17, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers passed 6-0.
Infrastructure Projects
Motion by Rexroat/Allgaier approved the First Amendment to the Tower Space Lease Agreement with Verizon at the Maple City tower site (6-0). Motion by Rexroat/Allgaier approved the Third Amendment to the Tower Space Lease Agreement with AT&T at Maple City, Omena, and Northport sites, pending legal counsel approval (6-0). Motion by Allgaier/O'Rourke approved a three-year Motorola Solutions maintenance contract for 9-1-1 dispatch radio consoles and NICE radio recorder equipment (6-0). Motion by Allgaier/O'Rourke approved allowing T-Mobile to use County electrical power at the Central Tower site for one month in exchange for $750.00 (6-0).
Other Business
Approved: uniform/gun allowance for non-union Sheriff's personnel; 5-year inmate food service agreement with Canteen Services Inc.; Livescan fingerprint unit purchase ($10,298.00); MCOLES employed recruit program for Police Academy starting January 27, 2025; Veteran's Affairs contract with Grand Traverse County ($56,618.00/year, 2025-2028); MERS service credit purchase for Jennifer L. Zywicki (~$12,785.00, employee-paid); multiple Senior Services agreement renewals (foot care at $35/service; medication management at $37.50/15 min with 3% annual increase; dental services; Family Coordinating Council, $2,000; Meals on Wheels, $75,000; ShareCare, up to $100,000 combined; Catholic Human Services Senior Companion Program, up to $8,000); out-of-state travel approval for Senior Services Director to a 2025 conference in Orlando; Rehmann Robson service agreement (not to exceed $5,700.00); 2025 tire and mattress recycling agreements with ERG and BARC; GTB 2% grant application list (also including Energy Futures Task Force, dispatch consoles $125,445.19, Leelanau Christian Neighbors Food Pantry $57,800.00, Sheriff body cameras $75,650.00, VFW accessibility $53,000.00); purchase of 129 staff chairs from Staples ($48,501.86); and MAC annual dues ($12,000.00). The Equalization Apportionment Report (L-4402) and the Appropriations Act Resolution/Budget Rules were moved to the November 18-19 Regular Session. A Committee of the Whole on Boards and Commissions was set for December 10, 2024.
Financial Summary
Claims and accounts totaling $190,806.68 were approved (motion Lautner/O'Rourke-Rexroat, 6-0). Post audit claims and accounts totaling $15,836,153.87 were approved (motion Lautner/Rexroat, 6-0). The 2025 Budget Hearing was scheduled for November 19, 2024 at 7:15 p.m.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Lewis to draft a revised, tailored proposal on compensation for Clerk's Office assistance (stipends vs. hourly) for the November 19 Regular Session; this remains a point of ongoing conflict, particularly between Commissioner Rexroat and Commissioners Lautner/Allgaier/Lewis, and involves County Clerk Michelle L. Crocker's office.
- Equalization Apportionment Report (L-4402) moved to November 18, 2024 Regular Session.
- Appropriations Act Resolution and Budget Rules moved to November 19, 2024 Regular Session.
- Committee of the Whole on Boards and Commissions recommendations set for December 10, 2024.
- Interim Administrator Lewis to provide the Board with December meeting schedule information pending the County Administrator interview process.