Summary
The Leelanau Township Board packet for the October 13, 2026 meeting covers Supervisor Barbara Conley's report along with department reports, financial statements, and attachments for the Firefighters' Union contract, HomeStretch affordable housing MOU, Woolsey Airport fee schedule and consultation panel, data center moratorium ordinances, and a Deputy Sheriff contract renewal. Many items are listed for board discussion or future vote rather than decided within this document.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Supervisor reported that attorney Seth Koches drafted an MOU and Agency Agreement for HomeStretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation to develop attainable housing on approximately 3.5 acres of the Township-owned parcel at 824 N. Warren St. Developer Jon Stimson suggested changes to the draft, and the latest version is presented as a resolution for board discussion; if approved, it would proceed to the HomeStretch Board. The board will also decide whether to support a 2% Grand Traverse Band funding application from HomeStretch for the project (application materials cite an estimated project cost around $6,946,474, including a Land Bank financing figure of $3,258,536 and an MSHDA Michigan Neighborhood Grant of $1,200,000). The Parks and Recreation Committee (per Barb Conley's September 16 report) discussed a separate proposal from New Community Vision for attainable housing near Braman Park, including a potential land swap, but unanimously agreed it was too early for a recommendation and that the matter should go through the full Township Board.
Public Comments
No public comment record for the October 13, 2026 meeting itself is included in this packet. A letter from Bill Rastetter, Tribal Attorney for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, requests that the Township release decades-old recorded agreements (1998–2007) tied to the former "Timber Shores" property, which the Tribe now holds under deed restrictions preserving it permanently; Seth Koches will draft a release agreement if the board agrees. A letter from attorney Andrew Blodgett (Parker Harvey) notifies Village of Omena Plat property owners that Dale Manty and Elizabeth Tucker Manty, along with James and Susan Morrison, intend to file suit to have the undeveloped "Center Street" removed from the plat and added to their properties; the Township has not objected. A letter of interest was received from applicant Kim Todd for the vacant Parks and Recreation Committee chair position, citing the value of public outdoor spaces.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Committee chair Tom Mayhew resigned in September; an applicant (Kim Todd) has submitted a letter of interest, and the board will decide whether to further advertise the position. The Parks and Recreation report (Barb Conley, September 16) noted the committee's unanimous agreement to send the New Community Vision/Braman Park housing land-swap idea to the full board rather than act on it, a request that leftover gravel at Braman Hill be spread to repair rain damage, hope for a new grant for Woolsey, a request for a crosswalk sign at Omena Beach once road work is complete, and plans to move forward with postcards publicizing the Parks & Rec community survey; Dan Tompkins reported that TART Trail, the DNR, and the Leelanau Conservancy are interested in assisting with the 5-year plan.
Infrastructure Projects
Woolsey Airport: terminal drainage and foundation work has begun; the Supervisor proposes a new appointee (Jason Manley, FAA-certified flight instructor) to the Airport Consultation Panel; a proposed fee schedule for parking, hangar rental, grounds/facility rental and camping (effective April 1 each year) is presented again for board action, along with related rental and camping permit forms. NLTUA sewer enforcement: a property divided into three parcels in the sewer district was sold to a new owner who obtained Health Department and Township permits in 2022; NLTUA voted to require connection to the sewer at a distance of 1,000 feet, and the board will discuss a legal opinion from Seth Koches in closed session. A resolution is proposed asking the Leelanau County Road Commission to direct part of its new state Neighborhood Road Fund money (reportedly $272,227.40 received by the Commission) toward the Omena Point Road reconstruction project.
Other Business
Trustee Elizabeth Schwind's resignation took effect October 1; the board has 45 days to appoint a replacement to serve until December 1, 2028, and a draft advertisement is included. Firefighters' Union (IAFF Local 5056) negotiators (Barbara Conley, Jessica Wilson, Hugh Cook) reached a tentative agreement with the union, ratified by members, covering a 10% pay increase effective January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029, plus a new short-term disability benefit; labor attorney Lizzie Mills will explain the agreement remotely. Deputy Sheriff contract: current agreement expires December 31, 2026; the Supervisor seeks board authorization to negotiate revised terms with the Sheriff's Department. Assessor Barry Wauldron's office hours policy was amended to Tuesday–Thursday in-person with Friday remote consultations. An LTFD maintenance-of-licensure MOU has been drafted. Chief Hugh Cook requests permission to sell the old Omena fire truck following purchase of a new one. The board will consider renewing a two-year Stryker EMS equipment maintenance agreement ($17,814.38) and an ESO Solutions software contract ($3,895.99). Data center moratorium ordinances (zoning and non-zoning, one-year duration, drafted by Seth Koches) may be voted on at this meeting. Township hall furniture replacement (tables, chairs) is under board consideration with quotes being gathered from Interphase, Integrity Business, and Excel office furnishings. Health insurance plan options were discussed with TBS contact Jake Lee; a vote on offered plans is targeted for the November meeting.
Financial Summary
Revenue and Expenditure Report (as of 10/31/2026): Total revenues across all funds budgeted at $3,962,281.00, with $566,869.99 received year-to-date (14.31% used); total expenditures budgeted at $4,309,109.43, with $1,663,597.82 spent (38.61% used), leaving a net deficit of $(1,096,727.83) against an amended budget deficit of $(346,828.43). Notable line items include Current Property Taxes ($620,000 budgeted, $0 collected), Communication Tower Rental ($55,167 budgeted, $0 received), and LTFD overtime pay ($180,000 budgeted, $72,348.04 spent). Check runs: September 2026 paper checks totaled $66,245.19 (43 checks); the unpaid check run for 10/14/2026 totals $28,748.01. Budget amendments presented October 13 include increases such as Legal Services (101-247-826.000) and Repair and Maintenance (101-751-930.000) to $20,000.00, and EMS equipment-related entries. The Stryker EMS equipment maintenance renewal totals $17,814.38 over two years; the ESO Solutions software renewal totals $3,895.99. A Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes invoice for collective bargaining legal services totals $5,057.00. At the August 11, 2026 regular meeting, the board approved the unpaid check run of $46,508.87, Woolsey terminal repair funding not to exceed $5,000, Hallmark Construction roof repair payment of $17,398.13, an EMS equipment request of $20,083.73, and Parks and Recreation spending up to $1,000 (reduced from a requested $5,000) for 5-year plan mailings — all by unanimous roll call votes. The September 2, 2026 special meeting included an independent auditor's (H&S) review citing material budget overruns in the General, Police, and Library funds, material weaknesses in segregation of duties and timely processing, and recommendations for monthly reconciliations consistent with Public Act 621.
Action Items
- Board to develop procedures and appoint a new trustee to replace Elizabeth Schwind before the 45-day deadline (application deadline November 5, 2026).
- Board to review and vote on the HomeStretch MOU/Agency Agreement resolution for 824 N. Warren St. and decide on supporting HomeStretch's 2% Grand Traverse Band funding application.
- Board to consider the NLTUA sewer connection enforcement matter in closed session, per legal opinion from Seth Koches.
- Board to consider entering an agreement with the Grand Traverse Band releasing recorded title restrictions on the former Timber Shores property, per Seth Koches' drafting if approved.
- Board to vote on data center zoning and non-zoning moratorium ordinances.
- Board to authorize the Supervisor to negotiate a final Deputy Sheriff contract for return in November or December.
- Board to decide on Woolsey Airport fee schedule, rental/camping permit forms, and the proposed addition of Jason Manley to the Consultation Panel.
- Board to vote on renewing the Stryker EMS equipment agreement ($17,814.38) and ESO Solutions software contract ($3,895.99).
- Board to decide whether to further advertise the vacant Parks and Recreation chair position or select from the existing applicant (Kim Todd).
- Board to vote on the Firefighters' Union tentative agreement (10% raise, 2027–2029 term, short-term disability benefit).
- Board to vote on health insurance plan options in November for a January 1 start.