5/14/2024 - Leelanau County | Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held an executive session on May 14, 2024, focusing on various administrative matters including infrastructure projects, public safety, grant applications, and personnel changes. Key decisions included the acceptance of a marine safety grant, approval of contracts for the Sheriff's Office, and the creation of a Finance & Accounting Department.

Public Comments

Several individuals provided public comment during the meeting, including Harry Steffens, Lois Bahle, and others. They addressed various agenda-specific concerns, though specific concerns or responses from the Board were not detailed in the document.

Infrastructure Projects

The following infrastructure-related topics were discussed: - **Tower Update**: A Public Hearing is scheduled for June 13, 2024, regarding the Leelanau Tower Project to enhance communication in Leelanau Township. - **Former Leelanau Memorial Hospital**: The demolition project has been awarded to Bay Area Demolition and will be completed within 63 days, funded through a State of Michigan grant. - **Leland Dam Repairs**: The Board recommended waiving the bidding process to contract with Michigan Fluid Power for repairs, not to exceed $17,000.

Action Items

The Board took the following actions: - Approved contracts with the Cherryland Humane Society for service dates spanning from January 2025 to December 2026. - Recommended acceptance of the Marine Safety Program Grant for $45,100. - Approved Senior Services' recommendations for in-home caregiving services. - Approved an intergovernmental agreement for a multi-county Materials Management Plan, in conjunction with Grand Traverse and Benzie counties. - Authorized the creation of a Finance & Accounting Department with additional staffing.

Other Business

- The Board discussed proposals for increased staffing in the Parks and Recreation Department and authorized the appointment of David King to the Leelanau County Land Bank Authority. - A plan was also discussed for extending the contract for Veterans Affairs with Grand Traverse County, which needs to be addressed in the budget process.

Financial Summary

The Board recommended approval of claims and accounts totaling $164,804.51 and post-audit claims amounting to $2,163,130.29. Increased expenses for the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund were approved, totaling an amended budget of $10,000.

Action Items

- The Board directed Interim Administrator Lewis to investigate computer issues raised during public comments. - Follow-ups were assigned to continue discussions regarding the Finance Department’s structure and to monitor upcoming grant applications for potential funding.