Summary
This packet supports the Leelanau Township Board's September 9, 2025 meeting and includes the prior August 12, 2025 regular meeting minutes, Supervisor Barbara Conley's September 9 report, and supporting financial/assessing documents. Major upcoming items include setting 2025 millage rates, a YouthWork Industries contract for a Braman Hill mountain bike trail, a PA 218 resolution amendment, an assessor job description, poverty exemption policy revisions, and a HomeStretch housing proposal for Warren St. property. At the August 12 meeting, the Board approved bills of $57,135.30, hired an EMS employee with a $3,000 signing bonus, switched health insurance broker to Total Benefit Systems/Blue Cross Blue Shield and retirement administration to MERS, and approved up to $152,700 for Woolsey Terminal repairs with engineer Mark Krueger.
Public Comments
At the August 12 meeting, Ann Harper urged shoreline overlay zoning and Master Plan completion and announced a "Limiting Light Pollution" event. Tom Wellman (Cherry Home Shores) said the Road Commission had not addressed cost-saving proposals and asked the Township to continue the Special Assessment District and pursue bonding. Beth Verhey thanked the Board for attainable housing efforts and asked that Woolsey Airport's park/dark-sky value be recognized. In closing comments, Eric Potes, Mark Krueger, and Dan Toole thanked the Board. A written letter dated September 4, 2025 from Mike McMillan proposed that the Board rescind or revise its 2024 Woolsey Airfield funding resolution, noting the matching-fund group has not raised sufficient funds, and suggested contacting Al Noftz for an alternative perspective to Mark Krueger's.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
A community housing meeting held August 26 (co-sponsored by the Township, Village, and Housing North) drew about 30 attendees to discuss tax tools like Brownfield Redevelopment, Land Bank Authorities, and PILOT agreements for affordable rents. Jon Stimson was scheduled to present a HomeStretch proposal for Township land north of the Firehall on Warren St. at the September 9 meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board planned to nominate/appointed Eric Potes to the Parks & Recreation Committee (term ending December 2025). The 1987 Parks ordinance needs updating. A tree was planted at the dog park at no Township cost, and Bob Newell proposed additional trees at the dog park and cemetery, funded by donations and a 50/50 ReLeaf Michigan match. Parks & Rec Chair Jon Thatcher requested approval of a YouthWork Industries contract ($7,486.25 estimate) to build a mountain bike trail at Braman Hill, with volunteer support from Bike Leelanau and NMMBA.
Infrastructure Projects
Woolsey Air Terminal: bids were reviewed, with Hallmark Construction's low bid at $255,088. The Board approved (5-0) up to $152,700 for reduced-scope repairs, engineer Mark Krueger overseeing, with option to add roof work if funding allows. Cherry Home Shores Road: Road Commission's $2,875,700 estimate versus the HOA's ~$1.6M alternative; a September 2 meeting produced agreement on cost and scope, with next steps being a Special Assessment District request and bonding investigation.
Other Business
Health benefits switched to Total Benefit Systems as broker, offering two plans plus Delta Dental/Vision, effective January 1 (BCBS). Retirement administration moved to MERS. A State Tax Commission PA 660 audit found multiple deficiencies (ECFs, office accessibility policy, online access, Board of Review training, personal property canvass, exemption process); a Corrective Action Plan is due within 60 days of the July 16, 2025 notice. County broadband, recycling relocation, and Emergency Services reports were also reviewed.
Financial Summary
Bills of $57,135.30 approved; Stryker Medical equipment $14,320.25 approved; Accident Fund payment $39,339.84 approved. Budget amendments approved 5-0. A $1M CD matured earning $43,684.18 interest; fund balance ~$3.5M (March year-end). Proposed 2025 millage rates: EMS 3.0336 (~$1,889,948.55), Library 0.4847 (~$301,970.62), Police 0.2423 (~$150,954.16), Roads/Facilities 0.2907 (~$181,107.61), extra voted 0.4724 (~$294,307.65). August check register totaled $185,365.18; a September 10 unpaid check run totaled $16,776.61.
Action Items
Submit Corrective Action Plan to State Tax Commission. Board to vote on 2025 millage levies, YouthWork contract, 218 Agreement modification, assessor job description, and poverty exemption guideline amendment. Unresolved conflict noted: Mike McMillan's letter requesting rescission of the 2024 Woolsey Airfield funding resolution, contrasting Al Noftz's and Mark Krueger's perspectives on the project.