Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a Special Session on June 9, 2026, chaired by Steve Yoder, with all seven commissioners present (Robbins, Walter, Bunek, Wessell, Campbell, Allgaier, Yoder). The meeting focused on personnel and administrative matters, including a closed session on attorney-client privileged communication, the appointment of an interim county administrator, authorization to investigate complaints related to county administration, and authorization for a media statement. All motions passed unanimously 7-0.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at either opportunity during the meeting.
Other Business
The Board entered closed session (Motion #149) pursuant to MCL 15.268(h) to discuss a written attorney-client privileged communication from Corporation Counsel dated June 8, 2026, on a motion by Walter, seconded by Allgaier, passing 7-0. Closed session began at approximately 1:04 p.m. and open session resumed at 2:35 p.m. (Motion #150, Bunek/Allgaier, 7-0). A brief recess followed to await motions from Legal Counsel, with the meeting resuming at 2:43 p.m.
The Board appointed Lauren Cypher as Interim County Administrator, effective immediately, to serve up to August 18, 2026, or until further Board action (Motion #151, Walter/Robbins, 7-0). The Board authorized the Board Chair to direct County Legal Counsel and other outside professionals to investigate certain complaints related to county administration and report findings and recommendations to the Board (Motion #152, Campbell/Robbins, 7-0). The Board also authorized the Chair to provide a media statement on behalf of the Board and to address other common personnel practices (Motion #153, Allgaier/Robbins, 7-0).
In Commissioner Comments, Allgaier thanked Lauren Cypher for her help and good work, with Bunek concurring. Campbell noted an upcoming Ethics Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, given the number of presented changes, and asked that everything be ready. Allgaier asked whether it should be rescheduled; Interim Administrator Cypher responded that it is scheduled and posted, and she would check on its status.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher to perform County Administrator duties through August 18, 2026, or until further Board action.
- Board Chair to direct County Legal Counsel and outside professionals to investigate complaints related to county administration and report findings/recommendations to the Board.
- Board Chair to issue a media statement on behalf of the Board and address other common personnel practices.
- Interim Administrator Cypher to confirm status/readiness of the upcoming Ethics Committee meeting scheduled for Friday.