Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met November 19, 2024, approving routine business including the October 15 minutes and Treasurer's Report. Major actions included authorizing Fire Chief Ferguson to proceed to detailed design (Step 3) for the Fire Station #1 remodel at a cost of $22,000, approving a Naloxone distribution box at the Township Hall, and voting down a request to lower speed limits on Dunns Farm Road. Board members also took their oath of office for new terms beginning November 20.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered during the general comment period. Later in the meeting, three residents spoke regarding traffic speeds on Dunns Farm Road, offering suggestions on desired speed limits and enforcement/monitoring methods; their input was considered during board discussion. Separately, Trustee Hawley reported that at the Planning Commission meeting, all public comments from attending neighbors opposed a proposal by Matt Ames to rezone the former Fisher Store (M22 building) as commercial, citing concerns about parking, traffic, and the future Heritage Trail placement.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Treasurer Lewis met with Elmers regarding complaints from tennis players about the new court. Elmers confirmed a three-year warranty on the asphalt and will follow up on the warranty terms for the court painting.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Laureto reported extensive resident concern (about 30 emails) over speed limits on S. Dunns Farm Road. A 7-day speed study (including Memorial Day weekend) of 13,263 vehicles showed an average speed of 48 mph and an 85th percentile speed of 54 mph. A Leelanau County Sheriff's report showed 24 crashes with no fatalities or injuries on the road from 2014–2024, and GLFD confirmed no hospital transports from crashes there. Motion by J. DePuy, supported by B. Hawley, to request the Road Commission reduce the speed limit to 45 mph failed 3-2. Supervisor Laureto also met with Brendan Mullane of the Road Commission to discuss township road responsibilities.
Other Business
Clerk Laureto administered oaths of office to board members for terms beginning November 20. Upcoming vacancies on four boards/commissions were discussed, with members asked to submit candidate names to the Supervisor before new terms begin January 1, 2025. Clerk Laureto is obtaining quotes for parking lot repairs and has arranged for Michigan Gutter to repair GFL-caused damage and install gutters over the kitchen stairs.
Financial Summary
Cash on hand (as of 10/31/24): General Fund $923,943.64; Park Debt Service Fund $102,503.55; Emergency Services Fund $2,802,970.42; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $25,433.74; GLFD Debt Service Fund $3,945.98; Tax Collection Fund $155,703.31. General Fund bills (10/16–11/19) totaled $42,664.03; October payroll was $27,829.74; both approved. Emergency Services bills (10/9–11/12) totaled $176,847.86, including a ~$41,000 ambulance down payment and $49,000 for structure gear (grant-reimbursed); approved. The Board approved $22,000 for detailed drawings/specs for the Fire Station #1 remodel, and $12,654.00 to Allen Supply for new Township Hall front doors and hardware.
Action Items
Board members to submit candidate names for four board/commission vacancies to the Supervisor before January 1, 2025 terms begin. Clerk Laureto to continue obtaining parking lot repair quotes for next year's budget. Elmers to report back on the tennis court painting warranty. Chief Ferguson to proceed with detailed drawings/specs for the fire station remodel; chassis payment for the mini-pumper truck due around January 1.