Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a Special Session on August 7, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder, primarily to review County Administrator James Dyer's four-month evaluation. All seven commissioners (Robbins, Walter, Bunek, Wessell, Campbell, Allgaier, Yoder) were present. The Board moved into closed session at Dyer's request to discuss the periodic evaluation, then returned to open session, voted to support Dyer's efforts, and voted to make the evaluation documents public.
Public Comments
During the first public comment period (agenda-specific, 3 minutes), Steve Ruttle, Steve Mikowski, and David Kiessel spoke; written comments were also submitted and are available via the county's agenda link. During a second public comment period (5 minutes) following the open session discussion, Steve Mikowski spoke again. The document does not specify the content of these comments or any Board responses.
Other Business
Commissioner Wessell thanked Chairman Yoder for organizing the review session and thanked Administrator Dyer for his self-evaluation. Commissioner Campbell read a prepared statement relaying a conversation with Sheriff Michael Borkovich, who described a strong working relationship with Dyer, valuing his legal background and open-door approach, while respecting the separation between the Sheriff's Office and the Board. Commissioner Robbins reported reaching out to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and to Dyer about placing welcome signs ("Welcome to Leelanau County" / "Welcome to Traverse City") at the new roundabout. Commissioner Allgaier asked that administration send an email regarding special session requests. Commissioner Campbell asked whose responsibility handles special session requests; Commissioner Wessell replied that this has historically been handled by the administration office working with the Clerk's Office on room availability.
Action Items
Motion #229: Board voted 7-0 (Bunek, Campbell, Robbins, Walter, Wessell, Yoder, Allgaier) to enter closed session under MCL 15.268(1)(a) to discuss Dyer's periodic evaluation, per his request. Closed session ran from 9:44 a.m. to 10:56 a.m.
Motion #230: Board voted 7-0 to resume open session.
Motion #231 (Campbell/Robbins): Board voted 7-0 to support Dyer's efforts and express appreciation for the growing relationship, looking forward to continued work with him.
Motion #232 (Walter/Robbins): Board voted 7-0 to make the Leelanau County Performance Appraisal Report (July 2025) and Administrator Self Evaluation (August 4, 2025) available to the public; both documents were posted to the county's agenda link.
Follow-up: Commissioner Allgaier requested an email be sent from administration clarifying the process for special session requests; no formal action or assignment was recorded in response.