Summary
The Leelanau County Senior Services Advisory Committee met on June 24, 2025, at the Government Center in Suttons Bay. County Clerk Michelle L. Crocker opened the meeting and turned it over after Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier was elected Chairman (motion by Wessell, seconded by Allgaier, 2-0). The Committee approved the agenda and the September 7, 2023 minutes (both 2-0, Wessell/Allgaier). Key items included updates to dental/vision assistance materials, household income testing policy for minors, a Senior Expo recap, program challenges, and 2026 budget/millage renewal planning.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period.
Other Business
Senior Services Director Lena Vander Meulen presented the department's brochure and 2025 Dental Assistance and Vision Assistance commitment forms. After discussion with Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt and Administrator Jim Dyer, the Committee reached consensus that the vision voucher should state upgrades are not covered, with no changes to the dental voucher.
Vander Meulen raised concerns about household income testing when minors live with seniors receiving asset and means testing. The Committee reached consensus to allow the Senior Services Department to include earnings of all household members, including minors, in means testing.
Vander Meulen reported a successful Senior Expo with 10 fewer vendors than prior years, which allowed better interaction time between vendors and seniors. She thanked Commissioners Wessell and Allgaier for volunteering; Administrator Dyer, attending his first Expo, said he was impressed by participants.
Vander Meulen noted Senior Project Fresh is transitioning to a digital format and is behind schedule; her department is taking the lead on senior sign-ups and could launch its own county program if the state effort does not proceed. In response to a question from Commissioner Wessell, Vander Meulen said the relationship with ShareCare is strong and improving, with updates to be provided at the Board's July Executive Session.
Financial Summary
Vander Meulen outlined 2026 budget considerations, including ballot language needed for a Senior Services millage renewal on the August 2026 election ballot, with a May 2026 filing deadline. The Committee reached consensus that Vander Meulen will present the proposed renewal millage language recommendation to the full Board of Commissioners at its February 2026 meeting. No specific dollar figures were discussed.
Action Items
- Vision voucher language to be updated to specify that upgrades are not covered; no changes needed for dental voucher.
- Senior Services Department to include earnings of all household members, including minors, in income/means testing going forward.
- Vander Meulen to update the Board on ShareCare relationship and numbers at the July Executive Session.
- Vander Meulen to present proposed millage renewal language to the full Board of Commissioners in February 2026, ahead of the May 2026 filing deadline for the August 2026 ballot.