Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met April 21, 2026, with all members present. The board approved multiple financial disbursements, promoted Capt. Chad Dykgraaf to a new Assistant Fire Chief position effective May 1, and approved moving forward with the Station 1 fire department renovation and an upgraded phone/internet system. The board also heard a 2025 activity report from the Leelanau County Road Commission and discussed a potential township purchase of adjacent property.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either designated Public Comment period. Leelanau County Road Commission Manager Brendan Mullane, accompanied by Commissioner Garth Greenan, gave a presentation on 2025 road commission activities, budget, and state funding; board members asked questions which were answered.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Clerk Laureto reported that the Glen Arbor Women's Club Running Bear Run committee requested supplementing the Garden Restrooms with additional porta potties. Laureto suggested placing them along the sidewalk near the parking lot at the Township Park, and board members concurred.
Infrastructure Projects
The board approved proceeding with the Station 1 renovation project, which has been ongoing since June 2024, after all bids, vendor selections, and project quotes were finalized. Construction is planned to begin in June. Motion by J. DePuy, support D. Lewis, carried unanimously, authorizing the Clerk to sign the contract in the Supervisor's absence.
The board also approved upgrading the township's IP phone system and internet speed after Treasurer Lewis, Clerk Laureto, and Capt. Dykgraaf met with vendor Utel. The new package costs $318.65 per month (phones $183.65, internet $135.00), a savings versus the current $413.72 monthly bill. Motion D. Lewis, support B. Hawley, carried unanimously.
Other Business
B. Ihme presented information on a possible township purchase of the adjacent Martin Company property. The board discussed the potential need for a public bond vote and a full-time maintenance position; Treasurer Lewis and Ihme will bring further information to the board. The Planning Commission did not meet in March. Trustee DePuy announced he will miss the May meeting, and Supervisor Laureto will be traveling in Cuba from April 24 to May 1.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand as of 3/31/26: General Fund $1,190,582.98; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,824.13; Emergency Services Fund $2,666,536.17; Tax Collection Fund $42,210.20; GLFD Debt Service Fund $109,828.72. General Fund bills (3/29–4/21) totaling $33,052.32 and March payroll of $21,734.50 were approved (Hawley/DePuy, unanimous). Emergency Services bills (3/29–4/14) totaling $88,097.28 and March payroll of $134,194.36 (elevated due to year-end PTO payout) were approved (DePuy/Lewis, unanimous).
Action Items
- Clerk Laureto to bring ADA website compliance vendor quotes to next month's meeting.
- Treasurer Lewis and B. Ihme to bring additional information on the Martin Company property purchase to the board.
- Contract and compensation for the new Assistant Fire Chief (Chad Dykgraaf) to be finalized at the May meeting.
- Station 1 renovation construction slated to begin in June.