Summary
The Leelanau Township Board met on October 8, 2024, with Mike McMillan presiding; JoLisa Ugalde was absent. The Board adopted a Farm Stay zoning ordinance, approved several financial resolutions and policies, authorized signing of the Tower Use Agreement pending County Commissioner approval, approved a split-rail fence bid for Peterson Park, and moved forward on the Woolsey Lake Road extension with Popp Excavating. The next regular meeting was set for November 12, 2024.
Public Comments
A resident thanked the Board for its service and also thanked Hugh Cook, suggesting that Township Association members should be challenged with the words "Service, Creativity and Love." The same speaker praised the Planning Commission's vetting of the Farm Stay ordinance. No written letters were noted, and no second public comment period drew any speakers.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported a bid difference of $500 for the Peterson Park split rail fence; Northport Building Supply, the medium bidder and a local company, was selected. Gina Harder moved for Ian Dawkins to proceed with Northport Building Supply up to $4,000, seconded by Denise Dunn; the motion carried unanimously. Dawkins will perform the installation work himself.
Infrastructure Projects
Mike McMillan reported on the Cherry Homes Road core sample results, with estimated repair costs ranging from $600,000 to $8,000,000. The Road Commission requested a Township resolution on financial contribution; no vote was taken, pending further discussion.
The Tower Use Agreement, with revised language, was pending a vote by County Commissioners the same evening. Georgie Murray moved that the Township Supervisor sign the agreement after County approval; Mike McMillan seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
For the Woolsey Lake Road Extension, Gina Harder noted that township policy requires a third bid given the dollar amount; Ian Dawkins and/or Mike McMillan will seek a recommendation from Chris Holton. Gina Harder moved to accept Popp Excavating's proposal for the extension, provided the third bid isn't significantly lower; seconded by Jessica Wilson. Roll call vote: Yea – Wilson, McMillan, Dunn, Murray, Harder.
Other Business
The Board discussed emergency services requesting Township-supplied cell phones (3 phones, 12 emails at $5/month); this will return as a November action item. Georgie Murray presented an update on Policies and Procedures, citing the need for a General Policy Manual, Employee Handbook, Ordinance Book, and revised Medical Handbook. The Northport Sportsman Club Agreement discussion covered lease term options (99-year vs. possible 25-year agreement), to be revisited in November action items.
Financial Summary
The Board approved bills totaling $6,250,392.93 prepaid and $25,349.00 unpaid (unanimous roll call vote). The Treasurer reported two CDs of $1,000,000 each, earning 4.5% and 4.3% respectively. Three financial resolutions were adopted unanimously: Resolution 2024-009 (Post-Audit Bill Procedure), 2024-010 (ACH Authorization), and 2024-011 (Investment and Depository Policy). The Fixed Asset Capitalization, ACH, and Investment Policies were also approved unanimously.
Action Items
- Emergency Services cell phone request to be addressed as a November action item.
- Northport Sportsman Club Agreement (99-year vs. 25-year term) to return for Board action next month.
- Ian Dawkins and/or Mike McMillan to obtain a third bid recommendation from Chris Holton for the Woolsey Lake Road extension.
- Cherry Homes Road repair funding resolution pending further Board discussion with the Road Commission.
- Policies and Procedures manual (General Policy Manual, Employee Handbook, Ordinance Book, Medical Handbook) to be continued by the next Board.