Summary
This packet compiled minutes from the Leelanau Township Board's January 14, February 11, March 11, and March 18, 2025 meetings, along with supporting documents, ahead of the April 8, 2025 meeting. Major actions included hiring assessor Barry Wauldron, approving FY 25-26 budget and salary resolutions, denying a cell tower special use permit, and continuing discussion of a housing collaboration with the Village of Northport.
Public Comments
Recurring speakers raised concerns over assessing services: Phyllis Rebori and Paul Rebori criticized the current assessor and urged multiple bids; Elizabeth Mallek agreed. Jeff Tropf described over-taxation and threatened a federal complaint. Dan Toole requested a $100,000 allocation for Woosley Airport repairs. Will Harper opposed converting the facilities manager position to salaried status, later submitting a letter rejecting it. Written correspondence included Joan Brovins and Beth Verhey supporting housing at Buster Dame Park (Verhey also urged hiring a grant writer and a cellular "Plan B"), and Elizabeth Mallek urging the Township reclaim the ballpark. Doug Whitley proposed the Planning Commission draft a resolution to raise the road tax rate, to be shared countywide. At the March 18 special meeting, Phyllis Rebori, Paul Rebori, and Betsy Mallek voiced support for hiring assessor candidate Barry Wauldron.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board discussed a Joint Housing Commission with the Village of Northport, exploring swapping deed restrictions from the 7th Street property so Buster Dame Park could be used for housing rather than recreation only. Trustee Wilson suggested forming a group knowledgeable in housing; Gans favored continued Village collaboration. No formal vote was taken; more information was requested.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved use of Braman Hill Park for a Winter Carnival on February 22, 2025 (Schwind/Ugalde, 5-0), with $100 liability insurance reimbursed to the Township. Court Wengreen and Daniel Toole were reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee for 3-year terms (Conley/Gans, 5-0). Parks and Recreation requested $18,000 total for a mountain bike trail ($10,000), skate park halfpipe ($6,000), and pickleball/tennis shade shelter ($2,000), plus an AED for Peterson Park and $10,000+ for the Woosley Airport terminal. A $6,000 LCTF grant was also being pursued.
Infrastructure Projects
The Planning Commission denied a special use permit for a communication tower on Garthe and Kitchen Road. The Popp Excavating invoice of $23,145.93 for the Woolsey Lake sewer project was approved (5-0). Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported the Township Hall lost underground power service and is using a temporary overhead feed pending a permanent Consumers Energy fix. Road discussions covered Cherry Homes (estimated over $1 million to repair) and Omena Point Road, with $200,000 later approved toward Omena Point.
Other Business
Mike McMillian was appointed the joint NLTUA member (5-0). The assessor contract with Michigan Assessing Service ends March 31, 2025; the Board approved advertising the position (not to exceed $650) and, after interviews, offered the position to Barry Wauldron (Gans/Wilson, 5-0). Summer tax collection agreements with Leland, Suttons Bay, and Northport school districts were approved. Policies 1-3 were approved; Policies 4-6 and ESTA policy were tabled.
Financial Summary
Bills of $64,278.86 (January) and $51,470.26 (February) were approved. A $1 million CD was rolled into Huntington for 3 months after pulling $21,250 in interest. The FY 24-25 budget amendment and FY 25-26 budget were approved 5-0; general fund revenue was estimated at $3,000,000, with over $1,000,000 drawn from savings. Salary resolutions set Treasurer at $60,000, Supervisor at $38,262, Clerk at $62,000, and Trustee at $5,146 (all 5-0). A facilities manager salary increase to $60,000 failed 4-1 (Wilson, Ugalde, Schwind, Gans opposed; Conley in favor). Other approved expenditures included Miss Dig ($940.07), Netlink Business Solutions computer security ($37,213.00), and a $6,000 Woolsey Memorial Airport Endowment Fund grant for a grant writer.
Action Items
The Board must finalize the assessor contract with Barry Wauldron and set contract length (Phyllis Rebori recommended one year). Policies 4-6 and the ESTA policy remain tabled for future meetings. Park reservation forms were tabled to April. Supervisor Conley will pursue further information on the Buster Dame/7th Street housing swap and follow up with the Road Commission on Cherry Homes funding. The liability/bond contract (ending in May) requires three quotes before the April meeting.