Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met March 18, 2025, with Commissioner Mark Walter absent. The Board approved a series of 2% grant allocation applications for the Grand Traverse Band spring 2025 cycle, adopted a resolution supporting a $50,000 MI DNR Trust Fund grant for Veronica Valley County Park, approved amendments to incoming Administrator James Dyer's employment agreement extending it through March 30, 2028, and took action on the Leelanau Township communication tower project, including terminating agreements with Midway Electronics, Inc. and the Township. The Board also honored outgoing Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis for his service.
Public Comments
During the agenda-specific comment period, Deb Kuhn spoke in person; written comments were also submitted and are available on the county website. During the general public comment period, Steve Mikowski and Bill Wiesner spoke in person, with additional written comments submitted. Specific concerns raised by these speakers were not detailed in the minutes beyond noting their participation.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board approved (5-1, Bunek opposed) allowing Home Sweet Home Nonprofit Housing Corporation to apply for a $12,000 2% grant allocation for an affordable housing project. Commissioner Bunek questioned how this funding decision helps local government departments.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board unanimously adopted Resolution #2025-003 authorizing submission of a $50,000 MI DNR Trust Fund grant application for accessibility improvements at Veronica Valley County Park, including a universally accessible walkway, barrier-free parking, and signage. If awarded, the County would provide a 50% local match ($50,000) for a total project cost of $100,000. A public hearing preceded the vote, with Tiffany Smith of MCSA Group presenting the project overview. The Board also approved (6-0) allowing the Parks and Recreation Commission to apply for an $18,006.00 2% grant to upgrade the disc golf course at Myles Kimmerly Park. Commissioner Campbell requested a future discussion involving potential partners such as Suttons Bay Public Schools.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Cherryland Electric Cooperative tower space lease agreement and authorized termination of the intergovernmental agreement with Leelanau Township for the communication tower project. The Board also approved the Notice of Termination Agreement with Midway Electronics, Inc., authorizing Interim Administrator Lewis to sign. Commissioner Bunek requested a full accounting of costs be sent to Leelanau Township and its Planning Commission. Commissioner Allgaier confirmed the County now owns the tower and its components. Incoming Administrator James Dyer reported attending a meeting regarding a potential alternate tower site at the former wind turbine location in Northport, involving the Village of Northport, Leelanau Township, and Emergency Management; Commissioner Campbell raised questions about ownership and intent. The Board also approved a $1,402.42 change order with Easling Construction Company for the Leland Dam Pedestrian Bridge project, funded through Fund #805.
Other Business
The Board approved Craig L. Wright as Attorney Magistrate for the 86th District Court, maintained status quo for 9-1-1 surcharge collections, adopted a MERS Defined Benefit Plan amendment excluding administrators hired after 3/31/2025 (Resolution #2025-004), approved an updated Earned Sick Time Act Policy #8.04, and adopted updates to Personnel Policy #1.07. The Board authorized legal counsel to proceed in the BATA vs. Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County lawsuit. Veterans Services was authorized to submit a Letter of Intent for the FY26 County Veterans Services Fund grant.
Financial Summary
The Board approved a $39,597.75 truck purchase for the Drain Commission from Williams Chevrolet, waiving bid requirements, funded from Motor Pool Fund Account #661.000.000.970.000. Several 2% grant allocation applications were approved: Sheriff's Office ($20,981.13 for an accident investigation total station), Probate and Family Court (up to $18,000 for bikes/equipment/trailer), Inland Seas Education Association ($15,000 for Leo Creek Preserve, passed 5-1 with Bunek opposed), Home Sweet Home ($12,000, 5-1 with Bunek opposed), Parks and Recreation ($18,006.00), and Child & Family Services ($5,000 for Safe Haven). The Board approved FY2025 Amendment #25-004, Amendment #25-005, and Fund Transfer #25-002. Claims and accounts of $300,605.42 and post audit claims and accounts of $2,546,486.79 were approved.
Action Items
Commissioner Bunek requested a full cost accounting of the tower project be provided to Leelanau Township and its Planning Commission. Commissioner Campbell requested a future discussion regarding the 2% allocation process and nonprofit partnerships, suggesting outreach to Suttons Bay Public Schools. Incoming Administrator James Dyer is to continue exploring the alternate tower site near Northport. Errors identified in Personnel Policy #1.07 (page 30, Regular FT section) are to be corrected, with the document returning to the Board if substantive changes are needed.