Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met in Executive Board Session on May 13, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder, with all seven commissioners present (Walter arrived at 9:34 a.m.). The Board approved numerous grant applications, contracts, and personnel policy updates, deferred two items to the May 20 regular session, and approved claims and accounts totaling $212,596.75 plus post-audit claims of $3,073,948.63.
Public Comments
During the agenda-specific comment period, Carrie Eder and Lois Bahle spoke in person; the minutes do not detail their remarks. Later in the meeting, Steve Mikowski, Bill Wiesner, and Josh Barnum spoke during general public comment; written comments were also submitted and are available via the county's agenda link, though their content is not summarized in the minutes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Commissioner Alan Campbell raised a Housing Fees Affordability discussion item, with Building Safety Official Amber Weber present. Commissioner William Bunek requested that the Building Safety Committee meet to discuss the issue and make a recommendation; Weber asked for full Board guidance first. Chairman Yoder noted commissioner consensus to schedule a Building Safety Committee meeting on the topic. Separately, a 2% allocation application for Home Sweet Home Nonprofit Housing Corporation ($12,000, with 50% match to assist in home purchases) was approved for submission to the Grand Traverse Band, 6-1 (Bunek opposed).
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved purchasing fish from Laggis Fish Farms, not to exceed $8,566.00, to restock ponds at Veronica Valley County Park for Kids Fishing Day (7-0). A 2% allocation of $18,006.00 for Parks and Recreation Commission disc golf updates and a beginner/putter course at Myles Kimmerly Park was also approved for submission to the Grand Traverse Band.
Infrastructure Projects
Administrator Jim Dyer reported T-Mobile will activate its lease this month at the Maple City cell tower. A late-added item on a Maintenance Water Level Monitoring Project, tied to an EGLE survey requiring well level monitoring equipment, was moved to the May 20 regular session for further action (7-0).
Other Business
The Board approved: the FY26 Community Corrections grant application/resolution ($315,200); a millage rate not exceeding the maximum allowable levy; two resolutions amending the Money Purchase Plan; the 2025 Remonumentation Grant ($33,383); remonumentation peer group agreements with three surveying firms at $800 each and with Leelanau Land Surveying; surveyor services agreements with four firms; a dumpster placement for an invasive species collection event; updated job descriptions for several positions; an amendment to Personnel Policy 1.07; the CVSF FY26 grant application ($52,300); and declaring vehicles/tires as surplus for auction. A 2% Policy Draft discussion was moved to the May 20 regular session, 6-1 (Campbell opposed). Additional 2% allocations approved include $20,981.13 for the Sheriff's Office, $18,000.00 for Probate and Family Court, $5,000.00 for the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Safe Haven Program, and $15,000.00 for Inland Seas Education Association (6-1, Bunek opposed).
Financial Summary
Approved funding included: $315,200 Community Corrections grant; $33,383 Remonumentation grant; $800 each to three surveying firms; $52,300 Veteran Services grant; $8,566.00 for fish purchase; various 2% allocations ($20,981.13, $18,006.00, $18,000.00, $5,000.00, $15,000.00, $12,000.00); claims and accounts of $212,596.75; and post-audit claims of $3,073,948.63.
Action Items
A Building Safety Committee meeting will be scheduled to discuss housing fees affordability, per Commissioner Bunek's request. The 2% Policy Draft and the Water Level Monitoring Project will be addressed at the May 20, 2025 regular session. Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt agreed to provide Commissioner Campbell with the 2024 Budgetary Status report for comparison purposes.