Summary
The Leelanau Township Board meeting held on April 14, 2026, focused on the approval of various action items including millages for police, roads, and parks, as well as the establishment of a review committee for a housing proposal request (RFP). Key decisions included setting millage rates for the August ballot, appointing a new Planning Commission member, and discussions concerning parks and infrastructure improvements. The board also addressed operational concerns and future planning efforts for housing and airport management.
Public Comments
No public comments were recorded in the minutes of this meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The board approved a review committee for the housing RFP related to the property at 824 N Warren St. The review committee will consist of the following members:
- Jessica Wilson (Township Board representative)
- Kristi Fischer (Planning Commission representative)
- Josh Mills (superintendent from Frankfort and Housing North board member)
- Nora Dunlop (Director of Housing Development for Goodwill Northern Michigan)
- Ann Marie Mitchell (local realtor and housing advocate)
An alternative member, Brayton Farr (Chamber of Commerce president), was also appointed.
A pre-bid informational meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2026. Susan Leithauser-Yee’s assistance through the Housing North contract has been noted as critical to this process.
Parks and Recreation Matters
An amendment to the Parks Ordinance was discussed and subsequently approved to clarify which permits need to be brought before the Board. It was proposed that facilities can be reserved at Peterson Park, Buster Dame Park, and Braman Hill Recreational Area.
Infrastructure Projects
The board discussed several infrastructure projects, including:
1. **Cellular Coverage Study**: A proposal from Newkirk Electric for a limited study on cellular signal strength for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile at 15 locations, estimated at $3,100.
2. **Cherry Homes Road Agreement**: Approval to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the Leelanau County Road Commission for an engineering study for road improvements at Cherry Homes, with costs expected to be covered by the township.
3. **Roads and Parks Millage Proposals**:
- A Police Services millage renewal at 0.25 mills for four years, estimated to raise $155,751 in the first year.
- A Facilities and Parks millage proposal at 0.5 mills for six years, estimated to raise $311,503.
- A Local Road millage request at 0.3 mills for six years, estimated to raise $186,902.
Other Business
- Approval of various contracts for mowing and EMS services.
- The resignation of a Planning Commission member, Meg Jean, with a new appointment of Manmeet Kaur Dhami to continue until June 2027.
Financial Summary
The meeting covered several financial proposals for respective millages. Notable amounts include:
- Police Services Millage: 0.25 mills, raising approximately $155,751.
- Facilities and Services Millage: 0.5 mills, estimated to raise about $311,503.
- Local Roads Millage: 0.3 mills, expected to generate around $186,902.
Action Items
1. **Housing RFP Process**: The board is tasked with finalizing the review committee and preparing for the pre-bid meeting.
2. **Parks Ordinance Amendment**: Implementation of new permit guidelines for township parks.
3. **Contract Approvals**: The supervisor is authorized to negotiate with the Sportsmen's Club for a new contract.
4. **Infrastructure Studies**: A decision to approve the conducting of the cellular coverage study and agreement with the Road Commission for the Cherry Homes road engineering study.
5. **Millage Ballot Language**: Preparation for language approval to be placed on ballots in the upcoming August election.