Summary
The Leelanau Township Board held a regular meeting with Supervisor Barbara Conley presiding; Treasurer JoLisa Ugalde was absent. The Board approved numerous contracts and resolutions, including the GoGov contract, MERS retirement plan documents, a WRD grant application resolution for Christmas Cove, and budget amendments. Discussions continued on a proposed Verizon cell tower, a Special Assessment District (SAD) for Cherry Home roads, affordable housing on the Warren St. property, and Townhall renovation, with most action items deferred to the December meeting.
Public Comments
Beth Verhey supported Kristy Fisher's affordable housing recommendations, urged a joint housing group with the Village, and asked the Board to slow changes to the Parks & Recreation ordinance regarding Woolsey while preserving dark-sky access. Mark Krueger supported creating the Cherry Home roads SAD and updating the Local Road Improvement Policy, noting the township lacks the estimated $4M needed for the poorest local roads. Elizabeth Mallek raised concerns about AT&T 5G coverage gaps and stressed completing a sewer capacity study before selecting affordable housing sites, supporting an 80-20 housing mix. Doug Whitley strongly supported the Braman Hill tower. Tom Wellmen and Mike Germain sought clarification on SAD voting thresholds; Germain cited a roughly 50-50 survey split and concerns over the $2.6–$2.7M project cost. Eric Potes suggested using social media for outreach, explained water bill increases from Buster Dane field maintenance, and supported a proposed 26-unit affordable housing development. Greg B asked about the distinction between parcels and lots for SAD purposes, which was clarified by staff.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board discussed a proposed housing development on the Warren St. property, including RFP preparation, potential grant funding, and possible partners such as Home Stretch, Habitat for Humanity, Mawby, and Housing North. An RFP was strongly recommended, with further discussion and action planned for December. No vote was taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board discussed reviewing the Parks and Recreation Ordinance, including clarification of the Airport Ordinance and recreational ordinance provisions related to Woolsey. Action was deferred to December.
Infrastructure Projects
Ben Varney (Pyramid Network Services) presented plans for a 195-ft Verizon monopole tower on Township hill property at Braman Hill, with lease revenue of approximately $900/month and no construction cost to the township; DNR/National Park Service easements will be reviewed. No vote was taken, but the Board directed Supervisor Conley to contact the DNR and expressed interest in proceeding to an option agreement. The Township Attorney's office outlined the statutory SAD process for Cherry Home roads, citing a Road Commission estimate of $2.87 million and a prior $200,000 CIP allocation for engineering; action was tabled until December.
Other Business
The Board approved a Township paid holiday for the Friday after Thanksgiving and discussed hiring an architect and appraisal for the Townhall, with further action deferred to December.
Financial Summary
The Board approved: BS&A software invoice ($23,173); Legendary Lion website contract ($324); Stryker maintenance contract ($3,206.40, EMS budget); RAB Assessing contract (up to $2,000); firefighter turnout gear (up to $48,000, funded by $42,000 grant plus $6,600 previously approved); and the unpaid check run report ($50,584.58). Budget amendments totaling $595,800 in debits and $375,118.13 in credits were approved, covering fees, EMS patient service revenue ($199,550), equipment ($340,000), and principal payment ($235,000).
Action Items
- Personnel Manual discussion tabled; no action taken.
- Supervisor Conley to contact DNR regarding land restrictions for the Braman Hill tower site.
- SAD for Cherry Home roads: action held until December meeting.
- Warren St. housing RFP: discussion/action planned for December.
- Townhall move/rehab: discussion/action planned for December.
- Parks and Recreation Ordinance review: discussion/action planned for December.
- Road Improvement Policy review: discussion/action planned for December.
- Clerk's office to provide an updated Chart of Accounts.