Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on March 18, 2025, to approve minutes, discuss various consent agenda items, and make decisions on financial allocations and personnel matters. Key outcomes included the approval of several 2% allocation applications, the acceptance of amendments to employment agreements, and adoption of policies related to earned sick time and personnel. The board expressed gratitude to Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis for his service and welcomed incoming Administrator James Dyer.Public Comments
- Deb Kuhn spoke during the public comment period, but specific concerns or responses were not documented.Affordable Housing Initiatives
- The board approved a motion allowing the Home Sweet Home nonprofit housing corporation to apply for a 2% grant allocation of $12,000 for an affordable housing project for the Spring 2025 cycle. The vote was 5 in favor, with Commissioner Bunek voting against due to concerns about the benefits to local government.Parks and Recreation Matters
- The board adopted Resolution #2025-003 to submit an application for a MI DNR Trust Fund grant totaling $50,000 for accessibility improvements at Veronica Valley County Park, with a matching local contribution of $50,000. The motion passed unanimously. - Additionally, a motion was approved to allow the Parks and Recreation Commission to apply for a 2% grant allocation of $18,006 for upgrading the disc golf course at Myles Kimmerly Park, receiving unanimous support.Infrastructure Projects
- A change order for the Leland Dam pedestrian bridge construction was approved in the amount of $1,402.42, with funding sourced from Fund #805 Leland Dam Fund. The motion passed unanimously.Other Business
- Several consent agenda items were approved, including appointments, 9-1-1 surcharge status, and updates to various administrative agreements. The board also discussed personnel policies and the upcoming transition to the new County Administrator.Financial Summary
- The board approved various budget amendments and transfers, including: - Approval of fiscal year 2025 amendments #25-004 and #25-005, which are expected to improve the transparency of fund transfers. - Approval of claims and accounts totaling $300,605.42, and post-audit claims amounting to $2,546,486.79, both passing unanimously.Action Items
- The following actions were assigned: - Support for the MI DNR Trust Fund Grant submission for Veronica Valley County Park improvements. - Approval for multiple 2% allocation applications for various organizations including the Sheriff’s Office, Probate and Family Court, and Parks and Recreation. - Follow-up on the amendments to the incoming County Administrator's agreement and personnel policies.This meeting underscored the board's commitment to supporting community services, enhancing local infrastructure, and ensuring transparent financial processes.