Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met in special session on August 28, 2024, chaired by Ty Wessell, to discuss the process for hiring a new County Administrator and to consider a new Facilities Director position. The Board voted to have Interim County Administrator Richard I. Lewis work with the Michigan Leadership Institute on the search, with a goal of completing it by the end of December, and approved a new Facilities Director job description and wage scale effective immediately.
Public Comments
During the first public comment period, Rick Robbins, Alan Campbell, Scott Perry, Tim McCalley, and Steve Yoder spoke; the minutes do not detail the content of their remarks. Commissioners O'Rourke, Allgaier, and Ross thanked the speakers and audience for engaging on the topic. During a second public comment period, Rick Robbins spoke again; Chairman Wessell responded that he heard Robbins's "caution" and said the Board would not rush the administrator search if the December goal could not be met responsibly.
Other Business
Commissioners discussed a proposed Sheriff's boat tour; Chairman Wessell noted the Sheriff had reached out about interested parties touring the new boat. Clerk Michelle Crocker stated that if Commissioners attend, the tour would need to be publicly posted.
During Commissioner comments, Commissioner Lautner raised concerns about how the Board had previously treated a former young Commissioner who struggled with her schedule, stating there was "no sympathy" and specifically referencing an incident where Commissioner Ross admonished her. Commissioner Ross responded that it was "learning by mistakes" and that balancing Board demands is difficult. Commissioner O'Rourke commented that the Leelanau Enterprise does not publish what is required of a commissioner, making it harder for newcomers.
Action Items
- Schedule Administrator interviews in November and December, with Interim Administrator Richard I. Lewis remaining to overlap with the new hire (Board consensus).
- Interim Administrator to utilize the Michigan Leadership Institute to assist with the Administrator search, per Motion #241-08282024 (amended), approved 5-0 with Commissioner Rexroat absent.
- County Administrator job description to be reviewed and brought before the Board at the September Executive Session.
- Goal set to complete the Administrator search by the end of December, per amended Motion #241A-08282024, approved 4-1 (Ross voting no) with Rexroat absent.
- Facilities Director position, job description, and wage scale to be posted and made effective immediately, per Motion #242-08282024, approved 5-0 with Rexroat absent.
- Upon retirement of the current Maintenance Director, that position is to be changed to Maintenance Supervisor.