Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a Special Session on February 11, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder, with all seven commissioners present (Robbins, Walter, Bunek, Wessell, Campbell, Allgaier, Yoder). The board approved scheduling a public hearing on the DNR Trust Fund Grant Application and held a closed session regarding union negotiations. No substantive decisions were announced upon return to open session.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. Following the closed session, Bill Wiesner spoke during the second public comment period, but the minutes do not record the content of his remarks or any board response.
Other Business
Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis explained that state law requires 30 days' notice for a public hearing on the DNR Trust Fund Grant Application, necessitating board approval at this Special Session to meet the timeline. Motion #060-02112025 by Commissioner Wessell, seconded by Commissioner Robbins, to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. regarding the DNR Trust Fund Grant Application passed 7-0 (Ayes: Wessell, Yoder, Allgaier, Bunek, Campbell, Robbins, Walter).
The board also considered entering closed session to discuss strategy and negotiation for collective bargaining under MCL 15.268(1)(c). Motion #061-02112025 by Commissioner Bunek, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, to enter closed session with Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis, incoming Administrator James Dyer, Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt, Chief Deputy Clerk Jennifer L. Zywicki, HR Manager Jennifer Kain, Sheriff Mike Borkovich, and Undersheriff Jim Kiessel present, passed by roll call vote with all seven commissioners voting yes. Commissioner Campbell offered comments on the meeting prior to the vote. Closed session began at 2:02 p.m.; the board resumed open session via Motion #062-02112025 by Commissioner Wessell, seconded by Commissioner Campbell, passing 7-0, with open session resuming at 3:26 p.m. No specifics of the closed session discussion were disclosed.
Action Items
- Public hearing on the DNR Trust Fund Grant Application scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
- Union negotiation strategy discussed in closed session; no further public action reported.