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 reports and bills, adopted Zoning Ordinance 5.1, approved disposal of old rescue tools, appointed Kathy Fordyce to the Emergency Services Advisory Commission, and declined to pursue Tree City, USA membership while welcoming the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) to continue its own beautification efforts.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered earlier in the meeting. Later, a member of the public spoke against the Tree City, USA proposal, stating the Township does not need additional ordinances. A member of the GLCC said the Chamber would like to pursue an Arbor Day event on its own.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Mr. Sack and two GLCC members proposed a Glen Arbor business district beautification effort, including Township membership in Tree City, USA, which would require a Tree Ordinance, an annual Arbor Day event, dedicated tree funding, and a Tree Board or Department. Board members said they personally value trees but concluded that implementing and maintaining the program was beyond the Township's capacity. The Board welcomed the GLCC to pursue its beautification goals independently; no formal action was taken by the Board on this item.
Other Business
- Water infiltration at the Township Hall's west side, caused by runoff from a neighboring parking lot, remains unresolved after prior drainage work fixed the east side; Treasurer Lewis volunteered to speak with the neighbor.
- ESAC recommended disposal of old Jaws of Life rescue tools; the Board (motion D. Lewis, support T. Laureto) approved disposal to the Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center Public Safety Program, contingent on a Hold Harmless Agreement, carried unanimously.
- Supervisor Laureto noted the Township will receive over $2,000 less in State Shared Revenue in FY26.
- The Board reviewed Leelanau County Planning Commission comments and adopted Zoning Ordinance 5.1 (motion T. Laureto, support P. Laureto, carried unanimously).
- Kathy Fordyce, an Empire Township nominee, was appointed to the Emergency Services Advisory Commission effective January 1, 2026, for the term ending December 31, 2028 (motion T. Laureto, support D. Lewis, carried unanimously).
- Chief Ferguson reported 64 fire/EMS calls in September (527 year-to-date), new state training reporting requirements, the ladder truck now on order, and ongoing union contract negotiations.
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 (9/17–10/21/25) totaled $23,845.08; September payroll was $21,157.45, both approved unanimously. Emergency Services bills (9/10–10/14/25) totaled $1,747,392.20, including an upfront ladder truck payment yielding a $68,000 savings and a $74,000 mini pumper chassis payment; September payroll was $125,064.94, approved unanimously.
Action Items
- Treasurer Lewis to contact the neighboring property owner regarding runoff causing water damage at Township Hall.
- GLFD to finalize disposal of old rescue tools to Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center via Hold Harmless Agreement.
- Kathy Fordyce's ESAC appointment takes effect January 1, 2026.