Summary
The April 14, 2026 Leelanau Township Board packet outlines a full slate of action items: three ballot millage resolutions for the August election, formation of a review committee for the 824 N Warren St. housing RFP, a Parks Ordinance amendment, a Township Board policy update, several contracts (cell coverage study, Cherry Homes road engineering, EMS services, airport mowing, MTA renewal), and a planning commission appointment. Most items are presented for Board consideration rather than as completed votes, except the Parks Ordinance, which was previously adopted February 10, 2026 by roll call (Yeas: Wilson, Ugalde, Schwind, Gans, Conley; Nays: none).
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board is asked to approve a review committee for the 824 N Warren St. attainable housing RFP, consisting of Jessica Wilson (Township Board), Kristi Fischer (Planning Commission/employers), Josh Mills (Frankfort City Superintendent, Housing North), Nora Dunlop (Goodwill Northern Michigan), and Ann Marie Mitchell (realtor/housing advocate), with Brayton Farr as alternate. A pre-bid informational meeting is set for April 28, with proposals due June 15, review team meeting June 22, finalist presentations June 30, and final selection mid-July 2026. The RFP seeks development of ~3.5 acres for units serving 50–120% AMI, with density of 8–26 units/acre. Separately, New Community Vision (NCV) reported on conceptual planning for up to 30 attainable units on the former Timber Shores/Camp Haven property, based on stakeholder listening sessions emphasizing ownership housing, 2–3 bedroom units, and environmental stewardship.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board will consider amending the Parks Ordinance to add Buster Dame Park to the list of reservable facilities (alongside Peterson Park and Braman Hill), clarify that permits apply to structures/buildings, and delete the current 50-person permit requirement, renumbering subsequent sections. The Board must also decide when permits require Board approval versus administrative approval. Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported routine seasonal maintenance across Braman Hill, Buster Dame, cemeteries, Christmas Cove, Omena Beach, Peterson Park, and the Township Office.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board will consider a $3,100 contract with Newkirk Electric Associates to study cellular coverage (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) at 15 township locations, with a closeout report due within 7 days of completion. The Board will also consider an intergovernmental agreement with the Leelanau County Road Commission for a $59,574.80 engineering study of Cherry Homes roads (Township to pay 100% of design costs). Separately, the Planning Commission's 2025 Annual Report noted it denied a Special Land Use Permit for a 200'-3" wireless communications tower at 11015 N. Kitchen Rd. on April 13, 2025, after considerable public input for and against.
Other Business
Items for consideration include renewing Jon Hedgcock's Woolsey Airport mowing contract at $95/hour, approving Manmeet Kaur Dhami to fill Meg Jean's vacated Planning Commission seat (term ending June 2027), authorizing the Supervisor to negotiate a new Sportsmen's Club contract at Braman Hill, approving township truck flatbed repairs (insurance-covered, sole-source vendor), EMS contracts including Vector Solutions ($1,348) and MES Compressor Service, and renewing the MTA bond ($298) and Premium online learning package ($1,900). The draft Woolsey Airport Ordinance and draft Annual Report are slated for Board discussion/approval in May.
Financial Summary
Ballot measures for August 4, 2026 include: Police Services Millage renewal at 0.25 mills (rolled back to .2423), estimated $155,751 in year one; Facilities Millage of 0.50 mills for six years (2026–2031), estimated $311,503 in year one, addressing ~$2,000,000 in needed park/facility repairs; and Local Roads Millage of 0.30 mills for six years, estimated $186,902 in year one, addressing $4,236,500 in needed road repairs (cost-shared 25% Township/25% residents/50% Road Commission).
Action Items
- Board to approve ballot language for three millages ahead of August 2026 election.
- Board to approve housing RFP review committee; pre-bid meeting April 28; proposals due June 15; final selection mid-July.
- Board to finalize Parks Ordinance amendments regarding Buster Dame Park and permit thresholds.
- Supervisor authorized (pending Board approval) to negotiate new Sportsmen's Club contract with attorney input.
- Airport Ordinance and Annual Report scheduled for Board action in May 2026.