Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board met on March 18, 2025, with Supervisor Tom Laureto presiding; Trustee John DePuy was absent. The Board approved the amended agenda, prior meeting minutes, and payment of General Fund and Emergency Services bills and payroll, all by unanimous vote. The Board approved new boat electronics for the fire department and discussed ongoing issues including WI-FI tower equipment removal, missing revenue sharing from American Tower, and lack of Sheriff coverage for 2025 events.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Clerk Laureto reported that arrangements have been made to remove the inactive public WI-FI equipment from the tower, and she is awaiting confirmation that the project is complete. Supervisor Laureto stated he is still pursuing missing revenue sharing owed from American Tower. He also plans to arrange for correct County signage and fire lane painting at the Boat Ramp and LeBear Resort.
Other Business
The Board discussed the lack of Sheriff coverage for 2025 events, noting the Leelanau County Road Commission will not grant permits without proof of proper coverage. The M-22 Challenge has hired the Michigan State Police for its event, and the two Race Day events will be covered by the NPS. The Board will explore hiring coverage for the 4th of July Parade. Clerk Laureto reported new front doors have been installed at the township office, with a new ADA-accessible threshold on order. Trustee Hawley, as Planning Commission representative, reported the Commission held a public hearing on three proposed Zoning Ordinance changes, submitted to the County for review and expected before the Board next month; the Commission is also separating Accessory Buildings and Storage Containers from Accessory Dwelling regulations. Supervisor Laureto noted he, Chief Ferguson, and the Empire Township Supervisor are beginning union negotiations with the Glen Lake Firefighters Local 5086, with a new agreement to begin 4/1/2026.
Financial Summary
Fund balances as of 2/28/25: General Fund $1,114,238.47; Park Debt Service Fund $1,488.05; Emergency Services Fund $3,713,884.89; Fisher Lake SAD Fund $49,348.90; GLFD Debt Service Fund $101,884.59; Tax Collection Fund $1,217,428.52. General Fund bills (2/19/25–3/18/25) totaled $6,281.51, with February payroll of $20,290.75, approved unanimously (motion D. Lewis, support B. Hawley). Emergency Services bills (2/12/25–3/11/25) totaled $78,387.16, with February payroll of $112,136.30, approved unanimously (motion P. Laureto, support B. Hawley). The department received a $10,000 check for the sale of the Empire Township Engine. A State Appropriations request has been submitted to Rep. Coffia and Sen. Damoose's offices.
Action Items
- Clerk Laureto to confirm completion of WI-FI equipment removal from the tower.
- ADA-accessible threshold installation to be completed at township office.
- Board to explore hiring Sheriff/police coverage for the 4th of July Parade.
- Supervisor Laureto to continue pursuing missing revenue sharing from American Tower.
- Supervisor Laureto to arrange correct County signage and fire lane painting at the Boat Ramp and LeBear Resort.
- Union negotiations with Glen Lake Firefighters Local 5086 to continue, with new agreement effective 4/1/2026.
- Zoning Ordinance changes to come before the Township Board next month following County review.