3/19/2024 - Leelanau County | Regular Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a regular session on March 19, 2024. Key decisions included approvals for various grants, the setting of a salary range for the County Administrator position, and the endorsement of millage proposals for road maintenance and early childhood services to be placed on the August 2024 ballot. The Board also conducted a closed session regarding collective bargaining negotiations and upheld decisions related to public safety and infrastructure projects.

Public Comments

Several members of the public spoke, including Susie Quinlan, Lois Bahle, Bill Wiesner, Kathy Dawkins, John Popa, and Steve Mikowski. Major concerns revolved around local governance, infrastructure needs, and public service recognition. Specific responses from the Board to these concerns were not detailed in the minutes.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

The Board approved a resolution to provide the County Land Bank with funding of $112,274.04 for attainable housing initiatives, derived from unused CDBG Non-Program Income funds. This funding aims to address property management and development challenges faced by the Land Bank.

Parks and Recreation Matters

The Board approved a request from the Parks and Recreation Commission to submit a RAP grant application for engineered wood fibers to be placed under playground equipment at Myles Kimmerly Park. The project's total cost is approximately $9,000, with 50% covered by the grant. Discussion clarified that the application would be considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission at the next meeting for project approval.

Infrastructure Projects

The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Leelanau Township for the construction of a communications tower, as well as the adoption of the E-911 Service Plan, which aims to enhance the County's emergency response system. Additionally, the Board endorsed a resolution to place a Roads and Highways Maintenance Repair millage renewal proposal on the August 2024 ballot.

Other Business

The Board conducted various standard approvals including the consent agenda and financial accounts. They also discussed corporate counsel policies concerning how Commissioners may contact attorneys, highlighting the need for clear communication protocols.

Financial Summary

The Board approved several financial items, including: - Claims and accounts totaling $282,720.09. - Post audit claims amounting to $2,595,908.63. - Grant allocations for various local organizations including $5,000 to Child and Family Services of NW Michigan and $34,000 to Leelanau Christian Neighbors.

Action Items

- Public housing initiatives to be monitored with the Land Bank's funding applied. - Follow-up required for the Parks and Recreation's RAP grant project approvals. - The HR Director is to review Policy No. 1.02 as requested by Commissioner Ross to ensure clarity and compliance. - Further updates for the salary range for the County Administrator as discussed and evaluated at future sessions.