Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners Executive Board Session, chaired by Ty Wessell, met December 10, 2024, and approved numerous recommendations to move to the Board's Regular Session on December 17, 2024. Key actions included approval of the MSU Extension agreement, MMRMA insurance renewal, a Sheriff's Office recruit request, and several finance, drain, IT, HR, and administrative items. Several items (Solutions For You contract, Brownfield Authority resolution, Boards and Commissions appointments) were tabled for further action at the December 17 Regular Session.
Public Comments
Three individuals spoke during public comment: Steve Mikowski, Bill Wiesner, and Lois Bahle. The minutes do not detail the content of their remarks. Written comments were also submitted and made available via a link to meeting handouts, but their content is not summarized in the minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Interim Administrator Lewis announced that a public hearing on the Parks & Recreation Master Plan will be held before the Regular Session on December 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Infrastructure Projects
Drain Commissioner Steve Christensen presented a resolution to relinquish jurisdiction and control of the Brewery Creek Drain to Elmwood Township, per Elmwood Township Resolution 16 of 2024. The Board recommended approval (Ayes 6, Noes 0). The Board also recommended approving a contract renewal with GEI Consultants of Michigan, pending legal review (Ayes 6, Noes 0).
Regarding the Leelanau Tower (cell tower) project, the Board recommended amending the Progressive AE professional services agreement, increasing the not-to-exceed amount from $5,300.00 to $7,800.00, with funds from Account #101.100.101.967.000 (Ayes 6, Noes 0).
Chairman Wessell noted unresolved traffic changes expected from roundabout construction at M72 and M22 in 2025. Interim Administrator Lewis explained that utility companies must relocate lines and equipment before construction begins in spring 2025.
Other Business
The Board recommended approval of the BLDHD Early Childhood Services agreement (2025–2030), MISAIL aerial imagery agreement, VMware licensing renewal, Materials Management Planning Committee By-Laws (5-1, O'Rourke opposed), Earned Sick Time Policy (effective Feb. 8, 2025), Personnel Policy #1.07 update, 2025 Non-Union Wage Schedule (3% increase), Netlink printer/copier maintenance agreement, and a Veterans Services agreement with Grand Traverse County. Commissioner O'Rourke reported the Northwest Regional Airport Authority tentatively approved its 2025 budget.
Financial Summary
- MSU Extension Agreement: $141,730.00 (Account #101.615.257.801.000)
- MMRMA Coverage: $258,480.00 (Account #101.830.871.954.000)
- VMware Renewal: $10,968.96 (Fund #636)
- Netlink Maintenance: not to exceed $19,529.40
- Progressive AE Amendment: increased from $5,300.00 to $7,800.00
- Veterans Services Agreement: $56,618.00 annually
- Brownfield Authority: motion to retain $100,000.00 forfeited deposit (Varley Kelly property) was withdrawn
- Claims and Accounts approved: $142,623.80
- Post Audit Claims and Accounts approved: $4,099,340.40
Action Items
- Solutions For You contract extension/renewal moved to Regular Session, December 17, 2024.
- Brownfield Authority Resolution #2008-026 moved to Regular Session, December 17, 2024.
- Boards and Commissions Appointments recommendations moved to Regular Session, December 17, 2024.
- Lew Wolters (C&M Insurance) to attend Regular Session, December 17, 2024, for further explanation of health/benefits cost analysis.
- Public hearing on Parks & Recreation Master Plan scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.