Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met August 13, 2024, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay, Chairman Ty Wessell presiding. All commissioners present except District #1 (vacant); Commissioner Allgaier left at 11:16 a.m. The Board approved several administrative, financial, and personnel actions, including funding for a Sheriff's Office vehicle replacement, a Land Bank blight-elimination transfer, an IT Director wage correction, and an extension of Interim Administrator Richard Lewis's contract to May 2025.
Public Comments
During the first public comment period, Steve Mikowski spoke; written comments were also submitted and are available via the county's meeting handouts link. In the second public comment period, Steve Mikowski, Allan Campbell, and Bill Wiesner spoke in person, with written comments again submitted separately. The minutes do not detail the specific content of these comments.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Planning Director Gail Myer presented a proposal for a one-year contract extension with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) for housing rehabilitation services. On a motion by Allgaier, seconded by Ross/Rexroat, the Board recommended approval, pending corporate counsel review (6-0). Separately, the Board approved 2% grant contract distributions including $50,000 to Housing North (motion by Ross, seconded by Allgaier, 6-0).
Infrastructure Projects
Interim Administrator Lewis reported an estimate of $26,500 to repair the Old Settler's well and water line, to be included in 2025 Capital Projects budget discussions. The Board approved (motion by Allgaier, seconded by O'Rourke, 6-0) the First Amendment to the agreement with Midway Electronics, Inc. for construction of the Leelanau Township cell tower, pending corporate counsel approval. The Board also approved (motion by Allgaier, seconded by Ross, 6-0) committing approximately $862,897 in ARPA funds plus roughly $937,103 from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund toward the $1,800,000 Point Broadband contract balance. Chairman Wessell noted the Point Broadband project is progressing in Leelanau and Suttons Bay Townships.
Other Business
The Board approved an RFP for electrical panel inspection/repair (Lautner motion, 6-0), a $400,000 General Fund transfer to the Land Bank Authority for blight elimination at 201 S. High St., Northport (Allgaier motion, 6-0), and an RFP for financial audit services for 2024-2027 plus a one-year Rehmann extension quote (Rexroat motion, 6-0). NRAA Zoning Board appointments were deferred to the August 20 regular session. The Finance and Personnel Committees, created October 2, 2023, were dissolved (Rexroat motion, 5-0). Discussion continued on retitling the Human Resources Director position to "specialist," with Lewis directed to redraft the title and report back August 20 (Rexroat motion, 5-0).
Financial Summary
- Sheriff's vehicle replacement: not to exceed $4,470.00, funded from General Fund Sheriff's Office budget.
- IT Director Liana Wilson: retroactive lump sum salary adjustment of $4,382.86.
- 2% Grant Contracts: $15,000 to Inland Seas Educational Association, $50,000 to Housing North, $3,680 to Leelanau County Historical Preservation Society.
- Land Bank transfer: up to $400,000.00 (General Fund), reimbursed upon grant receipt.
- ARPA/Point Broadband: approximately $862,897 (ARPA) and $937,103 (DTR Fund) toward $1,800,000 contract.
- Claims and Accounts approved: $532,397.17.
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved: $1,934,214.60.
Action Items
- Interim Administrator Lewis to finalize response to Leelanau Township Planning Commission on Special Land Use Permit and distribute to Board.
- Lewis to bring BS&A financial software purchase request forward in September 2024.
- Grant Policy update to be presented for approval in September.
- Budget Amendment to be processed for the Sheriff's replacement vehicle once purchased.
- Lewis to redraft the Human Resources position title and report back at the August 20 regular session.
- Special meeting planned for late August to address Facilities Director job description and County Administrator/CFO search process.