Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met June 17, 2025, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding. The board approved routine bills and payroll, authorized Fire Chief Ferguson to spend up to $87,000 on a new pick-up truck and vehicle conversion after a plow truck's engine failed, and voted to pursue purchase of a new ladder truck through Pierce's Dealer Allocated Stock program at approximately $1.7 million, pending a state appropriations grant decision expected in October. The board also approved a computer/IT upgrade for the Deputy Treasurer's office.
Public Comments
A resident asked whether permits are required for a commercial fireworks display on July 4th; the Supervisor responded that commercial displays are not allowed in the Township. Another resident distributed a handout with photos and proposed painting one set of tennis courts for pickleball use, suggesting shared use based on alternating open-play days; no board decision was recorded. A third resident presented comparative data showing surrounding Leelanau and Benzie county towns have speed limits below Glen Arbor's 35 MPH, noted faded pavement striping, and suggested relocating the bike lane between the sidewalk and parked cars. Several members of the public later concurred that the speed limit should be lowered, and one asked that the issue be placed on a future agenda. A Chamber of Commerce representative thanked Trustee Bob Hawley for helping Glen Arbor achieve Tree City designation.
Other Business
Trustee Hawley reported the Planning Commission completed work on accessory buildings and is drafting Chapters 3 and 4 of the Master Plan, expected ready for review in October. Trustee Hawley and Trustee DePuy commented that the bike lane relocation is not feasible due to insufficient road space, and that bicyclists must follow the same rules as vehicles. Supervisor Laureto read a thank-you note to the Fire Department and announced pavement marking work began the prior day, to be completed over two evenings.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand as of 5/31/25: General Fund $1,088,118.86; Emergency Services Fund $3,522,406.37; GLFD Debt Service Fund $9,053.44; Park Debt Service Fund $1,488.53; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $49,665.16; Tax Collection Fund $5,364.46. General Fund bills (5/21–6/17) totaled $144,918.01, including a $99,745.00 Elmer's invoice for the new parking lot; May payroll was $20,243.24. Emergency Services bills (5/14–6/10) totaled $76,391.82, including final payment on boat electronics (covered by a Glen Lake Fire and Rescue Association donation); May payroll was $116,803.92. All bill/payroll payments were approved unanimously. The board approved up to $87,000 for a new truck/conversion and pursuit of a $1.7 million ladder truck, with a $2.3 million state appropriations grant request pending.
Action Items
Clerk Laureto to submit road closure/permit requests to M-DOT for the July 4th parade and finalize the alternate route handout. Yacht Solutions scheduled to adjust boat electronics. Health care plan renewal and union negotiations ongoing for the Fire Department. Decision on the $2.3 million state appropriations grant for the ladder truck expected in October.