Summary
The Northport Village Council held its regular meeting on June 18, 2026, adopting the FY 2026-27 Budget and Millage Rate (Resolution 2026-13), authorizing a Mill Pond Dam millage proposal for the November 2026 ballot (Resolution 2026-8), amending the Attainable Housing Facilities Exemption Ordinance (Resolution 2026-14), approving an addendum to the Village Manager's Letter of Agreement (Resolution 2026-15), awarding the Rose Street Culvert Replacement Project to Walton Contracting, approving removal of the wind turbine monopole, authorizing listing of the West Street property for sale, and approving a water system video camera purchase. All roll call votes on these items passed unanimously (7-0).
Public Comments
During the initial Public Comment period, Campbell McLeod (High Street) spoke in support of restoring a free-flowing stream at Mill Pond and urged the Village to provide factual public information on the dam's condition, estimated project costs, millage impacts, and alternatives if the millage fails. Elizabeth (Betsy) Mallek (Northport Township) requested additional information on cost estimates for dam repair versus removal and asked Council to disclose the source and basis of those estimates.
In the Second Public Comment period, Mallek reiterated her request for clear information on the basis for the project estimate and costs of both replacement and removal options. McLeod again urged factual communication about the millage and project costs, and suggested that the Rose Street culvert project account for the possibility of a future free-flowing stream if the dam is eventually removed.
Written correspondence was received and acknowledged from Vickie Slot and Elizabeth (Betsy) Mallek, both regarding the Mill Pond, though the minutes do not summarize their specific content beyond subject matter.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Cook, to adopt Resolution 2026-14, amending Ordinance No. 141 (Attainable Housing Facilities Exemption Ordinance). Village Manager Ottenwess explained the amendment clarifies eligibility to allow owner-occupied dwellings to qualify for the exemption, provided any unit receiving the exemption is leased to an income-qualified household per the ordinance. The amendment also revises the definition of "Attainable Housing Property" to clarify eligible residential rental property types under the Michigan Attainable Housing Facilities Act. A roll call vote passed 7-0, and Resolution 2026-14 was adopted.
Infrastructure Projects
Mill Pond Dam Millage: Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Harper, to adopt Resolution 2026-8, placing a Mill Pond Dam millage proposal on the November 2026 ballot. Trustee Cavendish supported the millage concept but raised concerns about timing, urging further public discussion on costs, grants, environmental factors, alternatives, and historic preservation before seeking voter approval. Trustee Harper supported placing the measure now, citing years of discussion and rising costs. Trustee Ager agreed, noting that if the millage fails she would support dam removal while preserving area history through other means. Village Manager Ottenwess reviewed the basis for the $1.5 million project estimate (prior engineering studies, inflation, design/permitting, bond issuance, and other costs) and noted November would likely yield the highest voter turnout. Trustee Cook supported placing the issue before voters and raised sediment management questions applicable regardless of outcome. Trustee Dean shared concerns about public understanding of costs, questioned whether grant opportunities were driving the ballot timing, and raised concerns about non-resident taxpayers being ineligible to vote. Cavendish requested continued public discussion regardless of the outcome. A roll call vote passed 7-0 (Harper, Rubel, Cavendish, Cook, Ager, Dean, McCann all voting Yes); Resolution 2026-8 was adopted.
Rose Street Culvert Replacement Project: Trustee Cavendish moved, supported by Trustee Dean, to award the project to Walton Contracting for both Schedule A (Culvert Replacement) and Schedule B (ADA Sidewalk Improvements). The engineer's estimate was $336,759; the original low bid from Elmer's exceeded $677,000, while Walton's revised bid totaled approximately $377,000, attributed to sourcing a precast culvert from an MDOT-approved manufacturer at lower cost. Engineer Patrick Machin expressed confidence in Walton's qualifications. Schedule B (ADA sidewalk/ramp improvements) is not grant-eligible but was recommended to be completed concurrently for pedestrian accessibility. Cavendish amended her motion to include both schedules, accepted by Dean. Roll call vote passed 7-0; Walton Contracting was awarded both schedules.
Wind Turbine Monopole Removal: Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Cavendish, to approve Eisler Demolition's proposal for monopole removal, contingent on funding from Leelanau Community Energy. The Village had received $23,300 from Leelanau Community Energy for this purpose. Ottenwess reported the original June 25 schedule had changed but work remains expected within the proposal timeframe, with staff coordinating decommissioning of electrical connections. Trustee Dean asked about a previously returned escrow deposit; Ottenwess clarified it was separate and had been returned per the existing agreement. Roll call vote passed 7-0; the proposal was approved.
Water System Video Camera Purchase: Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Dean, to approve an estimate from Anavon Technologies not to exceed $15,000 (Water Fund) for cameras at the water tank and well houses. Discussion included potential use of Starlink versus cellular connectivity; Trustee Harper raised cost concerns about satellite service. Ottenwess clarified the $15,000 covers only camera equipment/installation, not Starlink hardware or service, and staff would continue evaluating connectivity options. Anavon was recommended based on successful past performance with the Village's marina camera system. Roll call vote passed 7-0; approved.
Other Business
Council amended the agenda to add a second Public Comment period at the end of the meeting and removed Item 9a (Office Chairs Purchase) from the agenda after Trustee Harper's motion, supported by Trustee Ruble; Trustee Ager wanted to discuss it, but others suggested addressing it at a future work session. Motion to remove carried, and the amended agenda was approved.
Under the Consent Agenda, Trustee Cavendish asked about tires not collected during the Village clean-up event; Village Manager Ottenwess explained the waste hauler would not collect tires this year and that clearer communication on accepted materials would be provided in the future. Trustee Ager asked about the final cost of the clean-up event; Ottenwess reported the final invoice had not yet been received. The Consent Agenda was approved 7-0.
The Planning Commission Liaison Report (Trustee Cavendish) noted ongoing work on the Village Master Plan and zoning ordinance amendments. Village Manager Ottenwess reported the Commission's review of the R-2S Shoreline Residential District, with a public hearing anticipated later in the summer, and noted the Commission has begun reviewing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations, with recommendations expected in coming months. Cavendish explained the R-2S district was created in the 2024 zoning update but not reflected on the adopted zoning map; the Commission is evaluating options to align the map and ordinance while minimizing impacts on affected property owners.
Resolution 2026-15 (Addendum to Village Manager's Letter of Agreement) was approved on a motion by President McCann, supported by Trustee Ager; substantive discussion occurred in a prior Closed Session, with no additional discussion in Open Session. Roll call vote passed 7-0.
Trustee Cavendish moved, supported by Trustee Harper, to approve a proposal from Team Dakoske (presented by Navneet Dhami) to list and market the Village-owned West Street property (two parcels) without requiring an upfront survey/lot split; a purchaser buying only one parcel would bear the lot-split cost. Trustee Dean asked the purpose of selling; President McCann explained the parcels are underutilized Village assets and sale proceeds would fund future capital improvement projects. Motion carried; the Village Manager was authorized to execute the listing agreement.
Council Comments included discussion on providing factual, neutral information regarding the Mill Pond millage without advocacy. Trustee Ager noted long-term maintenance considerations of retaining versus removing the dam. Trustee Rubel expressed concern about social media discussion and suggested a factual information source. Trustee Cook asked about sediment management if the dam were removed. Village Manager Ottenwess stated staff would develop a dedicated Village website page with background documents, engineering reports, and millage information.
Financial Summary
- Resolution 2026-13 adopted the FY 2026-27 Budget and Millage Rate as presented (Roll Call: 7 Yeas, 0 Nays).
- Mill Pond Dam project estimate: $1.5 million, based on prior engineering studies, inflation adjustments, design/permitting costs, bond issuance expenses, and other anticipated costs; to be funded via a proposed millage on the November 2026 ballot.
- Rose Street Culvert Replacement: engineer's estimate $336,759; original low bid from Elmer's exceeded $677,000; Walton Contracting's revised bid totaled approximately $377,000 for Schedule A and Schedule B combined. Schedule B improvements are not grant-eligible.