Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met on October 21, 2025, with Supervisor Tom Laureto, Clerk Pam Laureto, and Treasurer Don Lewis present; Trustees John DePuy and Bob Hawley were absent. The Board approved routine financial items, adopted Zoning Ordinance 5.1, approved disposal of old rescue tools, appointed a new Emergency Services Advisory Commission member, and declined to pursue Tree City, USA membership while encouraging the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce to continue its own beautification efforts.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Later, during the second public comment period, a member of the public spoke against the Tree City, USA proposal, stating the township does not need additional ordinances. A representative of the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) said the Chamber would like to pursue an Arbor Day event on its own.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board discussed ongoing water infiltration issues at the Township Hall. Prior drainage work resolved flooding on the east side of the building, but rainwater from a neighboring parking lot continues to breach the sill and infiltrate carpet on the west side. Treasurer Don Lewis volunteered to speak with the neighbor about the issue. No formal action or vote was taken.
Other Business
Mr. Sack and two GLCC members proposed a Glen Arbor business district beautification initiative, including township membership in Tree City, USA, which would require a Tree Ordinance, annual Arbor Day event, dedicated tree funding, and a Tree Board. The Board expressed personal appreciation for trees but concluded that implementing and maintaining the program was beyond township capacity, and welcomed the GLCC to pursue the beautification goals independently.
The Board adopted Zoning Ordinance 5.1 after reviewing comments from the Leelanau County Planning Commission (motion by T. Laureto, support P. Laureto; carried unanimously). Kathy Fordyce, nominated by Empire Township, was appointed to the Emergency Services Advisory Commission effective January 1, 2026, to complete the term ending December 31, 2028 (motion by T. Laureto, support D. Lewis; carried unanimously). No Planning Commission report was given due to B. Hawley's absence. D. Lewis reported that B. Hawley is doing well and hopes to attend the December meeting.
Financial Summary
- Cash on hand (9/30/25): General Fund $999,931.82; Emergency Services Fund $1,643,097.18; GLFD Debt Service Fund $10,056.41; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $49,684.74; Tax Collection Fund $2,403,920.73; Park Debt Service Fund closed.
- General Fund bills (9/17/25–10/21/25) totaled $23,845.08; September payroll $21,157.45 — approved unanimously (motion D. Lewis, support T. Laureto).
- Emergency Services bills (9/10/25–10/14/25) totaled $1,747,392.20, including an upfront payment for a new ladder truck (yielding $68,000 in savings) and a $74,000 payment for a mini pumper chassis; September payroll $125,064.94 — approved unanimously (motion P. Laureto, support D. Lewis).
- Supervisor Laureto noted the State's changes to State Shared Revenue will result in the Township receiving over $2,000 less in FY26.
Action Items
- Treasurer Don Lewis to speak with the neighboring property owner regarding stormwater drainage affecting the Township Hall's west side.
- GLFD to dispose of old rescue tools to the Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center Public Safety Program, contingent on a Hold Harmless Agreement.
- Kathy Fordyce's Emergency Services Advisory Commission appointment to take effect January 1, 2026.
- GLCC to independently pursue business district beautification and Arbor Day event planning.