Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, chaired by Steve Yoder, met March 11, 2025, approving the amended agenda, receiving updates on transportation planning and county roads, confirming Craig L. Wright as 86th District Court Attorney Magistrate, extending the incoming administrator's contract to three years, and approving several 2% allocation applications to the Grand Traverse Band. Two closed sessions were held regarding union negotiations and pending BATA litigation, with legal counsel later authorized to act on the litigation matter.
Public Comments
During the agenda-specific comment period, Amedee DeCruydt and Jim White spoke in person. During the general public comment period, Rick Cross, Steve Mikowski, Keith Beaudin, Bill Wiesner, and Tim O'Non spoke in person. Written comments were also submitted and are available via the county's website link, though specific contents were not detailed in the minutes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Commissioner Wessell moved to allow the Home Sweet Home Nonprofit Housing Corporation to apply to the Grand Traverse Band for a 2% allocation of $12,000.00 for the Spring 2025 cycle, seconded by Campbell. The motion passed 5-1, with Bunek opposed and Allgaier absent.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis updated the Board on the project to remove pit toilets from County Parks. A resolution of support for a DNR Trust Fund Grant was discussed but, on motion by Bunek, seconded by Wessell, was moved forward to the Regular Session on March 18, 2025, passing 7-0.
Infrastructure Projects
The Leland Dam Project is under construction and expected to be complete by April 1. Regarding the Leelanau Township Communication Tower, the Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the Tower Space Lease Agreement with Cherryland Electric Cooperative (motion by Campbell, 6-0), authorized termination of the Intergovernmental Agreement for tower construction with Leelanau Township (motion by Bunek, 6-0), and moved the Midway Electronics Agreement Options item to the March 18 Regular Session (motion by Wessell, 6-0). The Point Broadband Project was discussed at length, with Commissioner Campbell raising the idea of an audit given BEAD Program funding availability; Commissioners Bunek and Wessell opposed added oversight, noting only 4% of the county project remains. No formal action was taken.
Other Business
The Board approved staying status quo on the 9-1-1 surcharge collections process (motion by Wessell, 7-0). The Drain Commission truck purchase, MERS Defined Benefit Plan amendment, Earned Sick Time update (moved to March 18), and Personnel Policy 1.07 update were addressed. Commissioner Robbins reported an agreement for Leelanau County to house Grand Traverse County jail inmates, generating estimated revenue of $525.00 per day. Commissioner Robbins also raised the MERS DROP program idea for employee retention; the Board deferred decision until new Administrator James Dyer arrives.
Financial Summary
Approved 2% allocations included: $20,981.13 for the Sheriff's Office, up to $18,000.00 for Probate and Family Court, $15,000.00 for Inland Seas Education Association, and $12,000.00 for Home Sweet Home Nonprofit Housing Corporation. A $10,030.00 allocation for Grand Traverse Community Enrichment failed 3-3. The Board approved Claims and Accounts of $136,397.23 and Post Audit Claims and Accounts of $2,546,486.79. The Drain Commission truck purchase totaled $39,597.75, funded through the Motor Pool Fund Account #661.000.000.970.000.
Action Items
Interim Administrator Lewis is to transfer knowledge of the Point Broadband Project to incoming Administrator James Dyer. Further MERS DROP discussion may occur at a future Work Session with MERS representatives. Legal counsel was authorized to proceed with action discussed in closed session regarding BATA v. Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County.