Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met February 11, 2025, with all seven commissioners present. The board approved the agenda, received updates from the Sheriff's Office, Family Court, and Register of Deeds, and took action on numerous personnel, equipment, grant, and appointment items. Two items - the Drain Commission truck purchase and the Leelanau Township Tower Project - were moved to the February 18, 2025 regular session for further action.
Public Comments
During the agenda-specific comment period, nineteen individuals spoke in person: Dana Getsinger, Robin Jones, Linda Dewey, Bill Wiesner, Scott Richards, Mary Ann Barnes, Carrie Eder, Tricia Fortin, Jim White, Renee Wyler, Katie Dunn, Jillian Avis, Jeanne Pool, Keith Beaudin, Kathy Dawkins, Bob Gohinsky, Heather McCumber, Jim Kobberstad, and Mary Buffalo. Written comments were also submitted and posted online, though the minutes do not summarize their content. A second public comment period drew remarks from Steve Mikowski, Bill Wiesner, Bob Gohinsky, and John Harbottle, with written comments again posted online. Commissioner Allgaier raised concerns about possible loss of Federal Revenue affecting County programs; Commissioner Campbell countered that the issue was more about State of Michigan program changes; Commissioner Bunek stated he disagreed with Allgaier and voiced full support for Sheriff Michael Borkovich.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board voted 7-0 to appoint the County Administrator as Fair Housing Coordinator for Leelanau County, on a motion by Bunek, seconded by Robbins.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board voted 7-0 to appoint Lois Bahle as the Planning Commission representative to the Parks & Recreation Commission for a one-year term ending December 31, 2025 (motion by Allgaier, seconded by Bunek).
Infrastructure Projects
The Leelanau Township Tower Project Discussion was moved, 7-0, to the February 18, 2025 regular session for action (motion by Wessell, seconded by Allgaier).
Other Business
The Board authorized the Chairman to execute a quit claim deed transferring the Leland Dam parcel to Newby Company, Inc. for $1.00 (6-1, Bunek opposed). Appointments were approved for the Land Bank Fast Track Authority (Kim Todd, 4-3), Solid Waste Council (Bill Perkins and Karen Hassevoort, 7-0), Networks Northwest (Alan Campbell) and Building Safety Committee (Steve Yoder), both 7-0. Job descriptions for Building Safety Inspector and IT Technician were adopted 7-0 each.
Financial Summary
- Body camera project approved via Sheriff's budget #101.225.301.970.010 (7-0).
- Vehicle purchases from Lunghamer Ford not to exceed $179,929.00, plus outfitting not to exceed $28,451.33, from the Motor Pool Fund (7-0).
- Drain Commission printer/copier purchase from Netlink, $5,199.00, passed 5-2 (Robbins, Campbell opposed).
- Drain Commission truck purchase ($46,320.00) failed 0-7 and was moved to the February 18 regular session.
- MOOG grant of $13,154.00 accepted, with contract to Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (7-0).
- Out-of-state travel to APA conference approved, not to exceed $2,700.00 (7-0).
- BASA donation of $1,000.00 accepted for Senior Services (7-0).
- Heat pump replacement project approved at $153,000.00 via fund transfer, 6-1 (Campbell opposed).
- 2% Allocation awards from Grand Traverse Band accepted after being separated: Emergency Management consoles $59,545.19 (7-0); Leelanau Christian Neighbors Food Pantry $57,800.00 (5-2, Bunek and Walter opposed); VFW building repairs $12,343.16 (7-0).
- Claims and Accounts approved at $239,272.71 (7-0); Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved at $2,986,912.81 (7-0).
Action Items
Drain Commission truck purchase to be reconsidered at the February 18, 2025 regular session. Leelanau Township Tower Project Discussion to be addressed at the February 18, 2025 regular session. Board appointments to the Northwest Regional Airport Authority remain under discussion, per Interim Administrator Richard Lewis.