Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met January 21, 2025, chaired by Steve Yoder, with all seven commissioners present. The Board approved a revised stipend arrangement for the County Clerk and Chief Deputy Clerk, adopted the 2025-2029 Community Parks and Recreation Plan, approved a Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application for Veronica Valley Park, appointed an interim magistrate for the 86th District Court, and held a closed session on pending BATA litigation.
Public Comments
Agenda-specific comment period: Steve Mikowski and Steve Plamondon spoke; Commissioner Wessell called for adherence to agenda-specific topics. Written comments were submitted and are available via the county's agenda link, though contents were not summarized in the minutes. Later in the meeting, a second public comment period included Steve Mikowski and Bill Weisner. No specific concerns or board responses were detailed in the minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board adopted Resolution #2025-002, approving the 2025-2029 Community Parks and Recreation Plan, following a public hearing held December 17, 2024. The Board also approved preparing a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Development Grant for the Veronica Valley Park Lower Pond Trail Project, an estimated $100,000 project with a 50/50 match between the Trust Fund and the County (7-0). Commissioner Campbell suggested the project package should have included a pavilion for easier approval, though this was not adopted. The Board also approved (6-1, Bunek opposed) a not-to-exceed $6,500 contract with MCSA Group, Inc. to prepare and submit the grant application, funded from Special Projects account #101.100.101.967.000.
Infrastructure Projects
Administrator Lewis reported a Public Hearing on a Special Land Use Permit for a cell tower in Leelanau Township was scheduled for Thursday; no final reports had been received. Lewis also updated on Point Broadband, expressing confidence the project would be complete by August 2026; Commissioner Campbell raised concerns about consultant Chris Scharrer continuing work without a contract after it expired December 31, 2024. Commissioner Allgaier noted the southwest corner remains incomplete and a consultant will be needed. The Board approved (6-1, Bunek opposed) Change Order #1 with Easling Construction for the Leland Dam Pedestrian Bridge project, $5,902.00, funded from account #805.000.000.775.000. The Board also approved a Machin Engineering agreement for construction administration services on the Leland Dam Pedestrian Project, not to exceed $4,000.00. The Board approved (6-1, Bunek opposed) the FY2025 Conservation District Water Quality Monitoring work order, not to exceed $5,000.00.
Other Business
The Board approved the sale of K-9 Keno to Allison Merrill for $8,000.00. Michael W. Slancik was approved as Interim Non-Attorney Magistrate for the 86th District Court beginning January 24, 2025. The Board approved the FY25 CVSF Grant application as amended. Board and committee appointments were accepted, with the Housing Action Committee left in limbo pending incoming Administrator Dyer's evaluation. The Board went into closed session regarding BATA litigation (5-2, Bunek and Campbell opposed); both later stated a preference to have heard public comment first.
Financial Summary
Financial items approved included: a $12,000.00 anonymous donation to the Sheriff's Office; FY2025 Amendment #25-001 and Fund Transfer #25-001; Claims and Accounts of $472,661.40; and Post Audit Claims and Accounts of $1,796,982.17. The Board approved continuing the stipend for the Clerk and Chief Deputy Clerk at $25/hour for five hours per week until the pay period ending May 30, 2025, with the estimated $4,383.20-$4,400.00 cost coming from the Administration budget rather than Interim Administrator Lewis's pay (5-2, Walter and Robbins opposed). A truck purchase (2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, $54,172.50, plus up to $2,500.00 for plow installation) was approved from the Motor Pool account.
Action Items
Commissioners Wessell and Allgaier indicated the Board should revisit the stipend arrangement in February with more detailed benchmarks; Commissioner Robbins pushed for the Administrator, Finance Director, and Clerk to develop a solid plan with clear goals. Administrator Lewis is to provide an update on Point Broadband and southwest corner consultant needs by the February meeting. A County Commissioner representative is to be appointed to the Materials Management Planning Committee. Facilities/Maintenance is to prepare RFPs for a new mower and for mechanical engineering services regarding the Government Center cooling tower and jail air handling/humidification.