Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met April 15, 2025, with all seven commissioners present. The Board approved a lengthy consent agenda, adopted the MIDC FY26 compliance/cost analysis, approved construction of a lactation room and a Government Center roof repair, increased Marine Patrol seasonal hours, and approved large claims and accounts totals. Commissioner Robbins made a personal statement about healing from events beginning May 11, 2021.
Public Comments
No agenda-specific public comment was offered. During general public comment, Keith Ashley (Leland Township), Dana Getsinger, Jean Petersen, Stephen Mikowski, Bill Wiesner, Kathy Dawkins, and Renee Wyler spoke in person. Written comments were also submitted and are posted on the county website; the minutes do not summarize their content. Commissioner Robbins referenced Mr. Mikowski directly in his later statement about healing from a 2021 incident, apologizing to the Clerk and expressing hope the Board and public could move forward.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Administrator Jim Dyer reported attending his first Landbank meeting and discussed potential shared ownership, with the Landbank, of property currently owned by Suttons Bay Public Schools that has potential for obtainable/affordable housing (Peninsula Housing). No formal action was taken; Dyer described the County's role as a facilitator.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved amended Parks & Recreation Commission Bylaws as recommended by that Commission on March 18, 2025 (Motion #130). Related equipment purchases (a mower and a replacement tractor) were approved but are addressed under Other Business/Financial Summary.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved Amendment No. 2 to the Cherryland Electric Cooperative tower space lease (Motion #134), restating $162,200.00 received from Cherryland, a $40,550.00 refund due to Cherryland, and $121,650.00 credited for 25 years of tower lease rent on three towers. Two dam-related items were approved: framework/roofing repair of the Dam Control Room roof by Easling Construction, not to exceed $7,172.00, with a bid-policy waiver (Motion #140); and additional Machin Engineering services for the Leland Dam pedestrian bridge deck replacement, not to exceed $3,000.00 (Motion #141).
Other Business
Approved items included: reappointment of Jane Keen to the Jury Board (through 4/30/2031); purchase of 20 Mitel IP phones for $7,735.00; amended credit card applications naming Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt and Administrator Dyer as authorized users; MSU Extension agreement for $141,731.00; engagement of SpyGlass Group for a telecom cost analysis; acceptance of a $1,000.00 BASA contribution to Senior Services; purchase of a mower ($33,900.00) and a replacement Kubota mower ($23,966.23, partly covered by a $16,084.87 MMRMA claim and a $2,000.00 salvage credit); tires for the Drain Commissioner truck ($633.96, approved 5-2 with Robbins and Walter opposed); MERS signatory Resolution #2025-005; and release of an RFP for the Material Management Plan, amended to specify use of EGLE grant funding "only" (Campbell's amendment). Commissioner Wessell reported Northern Lakes Community Mental Health faces an $8 million budget cut and suggested a future Board briefing. Chairman Yoder appointed himself and Commissioner Bunek to a law enforcement radio encryption committee, with a plan expected by October 2026.
Financial Summary
Claims and accounts totaling $280,246.65 and post audit claims and accounts totaling $3,242,531.32 were approved. A $1,000.00 addition for lactation room flooring/casters was noted, and the lactation room construction (Panel Built, Inc.) was capped at $13,000.00, to be funded as a Special Project with a budget amendment expected in May 2025. Government Center roof repair by Story Roofing was approved at $6,196.00 from account #470.000.000.775.000.
Action Items
- Attorney Paul Jarboe to provide the number of hearings and clients handled by Court Appointed Attorneys.
- Administrator Dyer to meet with Steve Scales on Friday at 10:00 a.m. regarding Schomberg Drain concerns.
- Finance Director Hartesvelt to bring a budget amendment for the lactation room in May 2025.
- Commissioner Wessell requested Northern Lakes Community Mental Health be brought before the Board in May or June.
- Encryption committee (Yoder and Bunek) to report back with a plan by October 2026.
- Note of ongoing sensitivity: Commissioner Robbins publicly addressed unresolved tension stemming from a May 11, 2021 incident, apologizing to the Clerk and calling for the Board to "heal," referencing prior conflict involving Mr. Mikowski and other commissioners.