Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met April 21, 2026, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding. The board approved routine minutes, financial reports, and several personnel and infrastructure actions, including promoting Capt. Chad Dykgraaf to Assistant Fire Chief, approving an IP phone/internet upgrade, and authorizing the Station 1 renovation project to proceed. No public comments were offered at either opportunity during the meeting.
Public Comments
Public comment was invited twice during the meeting; none was offered either time.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Clerk Laureto reported that the Glen Arbor Women's Club Running Bear Run committee requested supplementing the Garden Restrooms with Porta Potties. Laureto suggested placing them along the sidewalk near the parking lot at the Township Park, and board members concurred with this suggestion.
Infrastructure Projects
Brendan Mullane, Leelanau County Road Commission Manager, joined by Commissioner Garth Greenan, gave a presentation on 2025 Road Commission activities, budget, and State funding; board members asked questions that were answered.
The board discussed an IP phone system upgrade with Utel, reviewed with Treasurer Lewis, Clerk Laureto, and Capt. Dykgraaf. The new system eliminates the fax line and costs $183.65/month for phones plus $135.00/month for increased internet speed (applying to the Township and the fire department's two locations), totaling $318.65/month, compared to the current $413.72 bill. Motion by D. Lewis, support B. Hawley, to proceed with the internet speed increase and IP phone package carried unanimously.
Other Business
- B. Ihme presented information on the Martin Company property adjacent to Township Hall, which the company has offered to sell to the township. The board discussed a possible public bond vote and need for a full-time maintenance person; Treasurer Lewis and B. Ihme will bring further information at the April meeting.
- Chief Ferguson recommended promoting Capt. Dykgraaf to Assistant Fire Chief. Motion by B. Hawley, support J. DePuy, approved the position and promotion effective May 1st; a contract and compensation will be finalized in May.
- Chief Ferguson reported all bids for the Station 1 renovation (ongoing since June 2024) have been received and vendors selected; construction to begin in June. Motion by J. DePuy, support D. Lewis, authorized proceeding and allowed the Clerk to sign the contract in the Supervisor's absence; carried unanimously.
- Planning Commission did not meet in March.
- Clerk Laureto shared that the Glen Lake Community Library Board seeks renewal of its operating millage on the August 4th ballot.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand as of 3/31/26: General Fund $1,190,582.98; Emergency Services Fund $2,666,536.17; GLFD Debt Service Fund $109,828.72; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $73,824.13; Tax Collection Fund $42,210.20.
General Fund bills (3/29–4/21) totaled $33,052.32; March payroll was $21,734.50; both approved unanimously (motion B. Hawley, support J. DePuy).
Emergency Services bills (3/29–4/14) totaled $88,097.28; March payroll was $134,194.36 (higher due to PTO payout); approved unanimously (motion J. DePuy, support D. Lewis).
Action Items
- Clerk Laureto to bring additional ADA website compliance quotes to next month's meeting.
- Treasurer Lewis and B. Ihme to bring further information on the Martin Company property purchase at the April meeting.
- A contract and compensation for the new Assistant Fire Chief position to be finalized at the May meeting.
- Trustee DePuy will be absent from the May meeting; Supervisor Laureto will be in Cuba from April 24 to May 1.