Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners' Executive Board Session on October 1, 2024, was chaired by Ty Wessell with Commissioners O'Rourke, Rexroat, Ross, Allgaier, and Lautner present (District #1 vacant). The board approved the agenda 6-0, heard updates from Networks Northwest and Housing North, and took action on several grant, appointment, and infrastructure items, forwarding multiple matters to the Regular Session on October 8, 2024.
Public Comments
During agenda-specific public comment, Stephen Mikowski spoke in person; written comments were also submitted and are available via the county's meeting handouts link. During general public comment later in the meeting, Stephen Mikowski and Bill Wiesner spoke in person, with written comments again submitted. No specific concerns or board responses were detailed in the minutes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Housing North Executive Director Yarrow Brown gave a PowerPoint update to the board, answering Commissioner questions; Commissioners thanked Brown afterward. Separately, Commissioner Allgaier stated she believes each township should have a Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance to protect housing and neighborhoods, noting her own township of Cleveland has one.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Ross, after recusing herself as intended Project Manager, allowed a motion by Rexroat (seconded by Allgaier) to accept DTE's offer to plant twenty trees at Veronica Valley Park under the Re-Leaf Tree Planting Program; after a Call the Question (6-0), it passed 4-1 (Lautner opposed, Ross recused). Commissioner Ross also noted an ongoing Parks and Recreation survey, with the QR code available on the county website. A "Parks & Recreation – Disc Golf Course Update" was included in a 2% Grants "Intent to Apply" motion (Allgaier) that failed for lack of a second.
Infrastructure Projects
A motion by Allgaier (seconded by Rexroat) to approve a Bill of Sale between Leelanau County and T-Mobile for the equipment shelter at the Central Tower site, pending legal approval, passed 5-1 (Lautner opposed). Interim Administrator Richard Lewis reported the Leelanau County Dam Authority will meet to recommend action on the Leland Dam Walkway RFP; a motion by Ross (seconded by O'Rourke) moved this item to the October 8 Regular Session, passing 6-0. Chairman Wessell noted the Road Commission requested a joint resolution for state aid for a traffic signal at Gray Road and Cedar Run Road due to M-22/M-72 construction.
Other Business
The board accepted a $1,000 MMRMA RAP grant for a Sheriff's Office safety restraint chair (6-0). The EMPG Work Agreement was approved for chairman signature (6-0). The Apportionment Report L-4402 was approved (6-0). A resolution to terminate the Westshore Brownfield Plan was advanced for final action after public hearing (6-0). Lydia Gulow was appointed Designated Planning Agency under Part 115 (6-0). County Administrator was appointed to the TTCI Technical Committee and Commissioner O'Rourke to the TTCI Policy Board (6-0). The Deputy Medical Examiner appointment, tied to the Grand Traverse County contract timeline, was moved to October 8 (6-0). A motion to waive bid policy for LEC Jail Humidification Replacement with McCardel Culligan failed 3-3.
Financial Summary
Claims and Accounts totaling $109,491.02 were approved 6-0. Post Audit Claims and Accounts totaling $5,899,753.11 were approved 6-0. The RAP grant of $1,000.00 was accepted for Sheriff's Office equipment. A proposed $16,450.28 agreement with McCardel Culligan for jail humidification, funded from Capital Outlay account #101.225.351.970.000, failed 3-3.
Action Items
The Dam Authority will recommend action on the Leland Dam Walkway RFP for the October 8 Regular Session. The Deputy Medical Examiner appointment and the 2% Grants Fall Application Intention were both moved to the October 8 Regular Session for further action.