Summary
The Leelanau Township Board met December 9, 2025, with all members present (Wilson, Ugalde, Gans, Schwind, Conley). The Board approved multiple resolutions including 2026 meeting dates, township holidays, a mobile app publication, and two resolutions advancing attainable housing at 824 N. Warren St. A resolution to contract with an architectural/engineering firm for a new township hall was tabled until the January 12, 2026 meeting. Significant public comment focused on a proposed cell tower at Braman Hill, with numerous residents urging caution or opposition.
Public Comments
Bob Carroll raised health concerns about wireless radiation from the proposed Braman Hill cell tower, citing ProPublica, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Environmental Health News, and offered materials for review. Paul Rebori echoed these concerns, noted discrepancies in tower footprint sizing, and urged pausing the process to consider alternative sites farther north. Pairs Morse argued the tower may violate Article 18 of the zoning ordinance and the Master Plan's designation of Braman Hill as a scenic/steep slope area, and urged compliance with the dark sky resolution. Elizabeth Mallek, citing telecommunications experience, recommended the Board request a peninsula-wide coverage study rather than a single tower. Bonnie Shinner and Carmen Van Nieuwkerk also opposed the Braman Hill site, with Shinner suggesting expansion of the existing fire station tower instead. Jim M. (for Ruth Overdier) questioned the definition and long-term affordability safeguards for "attainable housing" tied to the Warren Street proposal, requesting answers before an RFP is released. Tom Wellman and Mark Krueger both suggested studying renovation of the existing library building as an alternative to new township hall construction; Krueger also flagged that ~$2 million in MDOT road commission funding is not yet reflected in the county budget, risking cost shifts to the township. Jen Pasanski (Bohemian Cellars) sought clarification on agenda placement for a previously approved tasting room address change.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board approved a resolution to use part of the 5-acre parcel at 824 N. Warren St. for attainable housing, and a second resolution to develop an RFP soliciting bids for housing at that parcel (042-234-018-00); both passed by roll call vote 5-0. Trustee Schwind noted the parcel could be subdivided for multiple uses, including continued recycling operations, a possible new township building, and housing, but said no decisions have been finalized. Elizabeth Mallek urged completing a water/utility capacity study before proceeding, citing concerns usage may already exceed permitted limits. A contract with Housing North for housing-readiness assistance was reviewed, running January 2026–January 2027, up to $20,000 for the 12-month period billed hourly, with township approval required for costs beyond that amount.
Infrastructure Projects
Extensive discussion centered on a proposed cell tower lease with Towers LLC at Braman Hill; Supervisor Conley will contact Towers LLC to schedule a site visit. No lease vote was taken. The Board approved closing out the MDNR Buster Dame/7th Street land use swap, authorizing Supervisor Conley to finalize it (voice vote 5-0).
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved the 2026 Winter Carnival to be held at Braman Hill, including a $100 insurance expense (roll call vote 5-0).
Other Business
The Board reviewed the Personnel Manual introduction and Appendix A, agreeing work hours are set by department heads. Working meetings for the FY2026 budget were set for March 3 and March 24, 2026 at 5:30 pm, eliminating a previously discussed April 7 date. The Planning Commission report noted 2025 work on the Kitchen Road cell tower and Master Plan revisions, with 2026 zoning ordinance updates planned.
Financial Summary
Approved expenditures included: Accident Fund (Workers Compensation) renewal, $66,255; Winter Carnival insurance, $100; LTFD backup cameras from EMS funds, $11,250; CSI invoices for LTFD equipment repair/maintenance from EMS budget totaling $16,527.46 (invoices: $1,460.55, $5,368.48, $5,070.96, $3,863.19, $764.28); ESO software for LTFD from EMS budget, $3,724.26. The Housing North contract totals up to $20,000 over 12 months. All financial motions passed by roll call vote 5-0 (Wilson, Ugalde, Gans, Schwind, Conley).
Action Items
Supervisor Conley to contact Towers LLC to schedule a site visit regarding the Braman Hill lease. The architectural/engineering firm resolution for the new township hall, tabled at this meeting, is to be addressed at the January 12, 2026 meeting. The Housing North contract and Warren Street housing RFP are pending further action; Jim M. (for Ruth Overdier) requested affordability safeguards be addressed before the RFP is released. A water and utility capacity study was recommended by Elizabeth Mallek before further housing decisions proceed.