Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, chaired by Steve Yoder, met November 12, 2025, and approved numerous recommendations advancing to the full Board, including insurance renewals, IT upgrades, recycling agreements, a Parks & Recreation appointment, and several administrative policies. Claims and post-audit accounts were approved, and staff were directed to prepare comparative salary data for elected officials.
Public Comments
During the public comment period, Jim White, Jim Kobberstad, Allen Woods, Bill Wiesner, and John Gallagher III spoke in person; written comments were also submitted and are available on the county website. Commissioner Robbins stated he had apologized to Jim White and had reached out to Mr. Spinniken, noting he had the chance to speak with Spinniken on Veteran's Day. Robbins also apologized to Finance Director Hartesvelt for a late voucher submission. No agenda-specific public comment was made earlier in the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board voted 6-1 (Bunek opposed) to appoint Kathy Dawkins to the Parks & Recreation Commission for a partial term ending December 31, 2025, followed by a full three-year term through December 31, 2028.
Other Business
The Board approved a bulletin board installation outside the MSU Extension office (7-0) and accepted a donated canvas print of the Bingham Bridge for the basement conference room (7-0). Commissioner Campbell asked whether Housing North had reported updates recently; Administrator Dyer said he had seen nothing. Campbell also asked about LCFCC follow-up on Opioid contract funds. Commissioner Bunek reported the Northwest Regional Airport Authority is pursuing $45 million in bonds for a new terminal and parking structures, ahead of schedule. Cooling Tower RFP and Audit Services RFP items, along with the Appropriations Act Resolution and 2026 Budget Rules, were forwarded to the November 18, 2025 Regular Session. A public hearing on the 2026 budget is set for November 18, 2025 at 6:45 p.m.
Financial Summary
- MIDC Grant #E20260075-00 approved: total $421,123.76 ($368,032.63 state, $53,091.00 county match from General Fund).
- Contract with Paul Jarboe (Jarboe & Pfeil) as Indigent Defense Coordinator: $60,000.00, Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026.
- Tire Recycling Agreement amendment with ERG: not to exceed $22,000.00, from Recycling Fund #230.
- MGT of America cost allocation contract renewal: $7,500 (2025), $7,750 (2026), $8,000 (2027), with two optional years up to $8,000.
- Mileage/per diem payment to Commissioner Robbins: $1,136.86 (Robbins abstained).
- Harris Local Government chart of accounts conversion: $1,600.00 from Contingency.
- MAC annual dues: $12,000.00.
- Claims and Accounts approved: $267,380.75.
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved: $16,677,467.97.
Action Items
- Commissioner Campbell's handout on policies, conflict, and grievances to be discussed at the December Executive Session; Commissioner Robbins requested to review all referenced policies.
- Committee of the Whole for Board/Commission appointments set for December 9, 2025, following Executive Session.
- Staff to prepare a comparative salary report for elected officials/deputies, for review at the December 9, 2025 or January 13, 2026 Executive meeting, with Board action the following week; any approved raises take effect January 1, 2026.
- Cooling Tower RFP and Audit Services RFP vendor approvals moved to November 18, 2025 Regular Session.
- Public hearing on 2026 budget scheduled for November 18, 2025, 6:45 p.m.