Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met June 17, 2025, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding. The board approved routine business including minutes, bills and payroll, and authorized two major Emergency Services purchases: an $87,000 pickup truck/flatbed conversion and pursuit of a new ladder truck priced at approximately $1.7 million, contingent on a pending state appropriations grant request of $2.3 million. Public comments raised concerns about speed limits and shared use of tennis/pickleball courts.
Public Comments
A resident asked about permit requirements for a commercial firework display on July 4th; the Supervisor stated commercial displays are not allowed in Glen Arbor Township. Another resident proposed painting one set of tennis courts for pickleball use, suggesting shared scheduling based on alternating open-play days, and distributed a handout with photos to board members. A third resident argued the current 35 MPH speed limit is excessive, citing lower limits in surrounding Leelanau and Benzie county townships and noting an April 2024 statute allowing townships to set their own limits; she also raised concerns about faded paint lines and suggested relocating the bike lane between the sidewalk and parked cars. Later in the meeting, several members of the public reiterated support for lowering the speed limit, and one asked that the issue be placed on a future agenda. A Chamber of Commerce representative thanked Trustee Bob Hawley for his work securing Tree City designation for Glen Arbor.
Parks and Recreation Matters
A resident's proposal to paint one set of tennis courts for pickleball use and share court time based on open-play schedules was presented to the board but no board decision or vote was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The Elmer's invoice for a new parking lot totaled $99,745.00, contributing to a larger General Fund bill this period. Supervisor Laureto reported that work on pavement markings began the day before the meeting and would continue over the next two evenings.
Other Business
Clerk Laureto reported progress on 4th of July parade logistics, including road closure/permit submissions to M-DOT, an alternate route map, and Road Commission support with barricades. The Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce reported approximately 15 volunteers secured. Fire Chief Ferguson reported 47 May calls and over 30 already in June, three new part-time hires bringing the department to full staffing, and upcoming events: the Pancake Breakfast (July 6, 8am–12pm) and Open House (July 26, 10am–2pm). The Planning Commission is working on Master Plan Chapters 3 & 4, targeting October for review.
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; 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 donation from the Glen Lake Fire and Rescue Association; May Emergency Services payroll was $116,803.92. The board approved $87,000 for a new pickup truck and flatbed conversion, and approved pursuing a ladder truck (~$1.7 million), with a pending $2.3 million state appropriations grant request, decision expected in October. A new computer and software/security upgrades for the Deputy Treasurer, plus 8GB memory upgrades for three office computers, were approved.
Action Items
Clerk Laureto to finalize road closure and parade permit submissions to M-DOT. Board members asked to review the alternate parade route map. Chief Ferguson to coordinate Yacht Solutions' boat electronics adjustments. Department awaiting October decision on the $2.3 million state appropriations grant for the ladder truck. IT company to proceed with computer/software purchase for Deputy Treasurer and memory upgrades for three office computers.