Summary
The Leelanau Township Board (Supervisor Barbara Conley presiding) met May 13, 2025 with all five members present. The Board approved bills of $36,167.29, approved a $6,000 grant-writer contract for the Woolsey Airport, approved insurance renewal not to exceed $36,000, and took action on a workforce housing PILOT ordinance, a proposed Verizon cell tower, and Township facility rental fees. Two millage renewal resolutions (police services and facilities/roads/equipment) were prepared for the November 2025 ballot. This packet also includes a Neighbors Goods LLC small-winemakers license request for Board action at the June 10, 2025 meeting.
Public Comments
Chauntel Lorenz and Chase Passick of Honor Bank introduced themselves and their services. Eric Potes read a statement on legal deed restrictions and grant conditions limiting Buster Dame Park to recreational use. Carmen Van Nieuwkerk continued Potes' remarks, raising concerns about a potential land swap and government transparency. Chris McCann thanked Conley for her housing meeting work, voiced support for the PILOT ordinance, and noted the Village Council would discuss using West Street property for housing and forming a Housing Commission. Abigail Charter, granddaughter of Buster Dame, shared family history and urged preserving the park for recreational use only. In second public comment, Eric Potes thanked McCann and again urged transparency and park protections.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Conley presented a workforce housing PILOT ordinance reviewed by legal counsel; the Board tabled further action pending Planning Commission review. Conley also reported discussions with Yarrow Brown of Housing North on a support-services contract (~$30,000 for 1.5 years), potentially split with the Village; this was not budgeted, and Brown was invited to the next meeting. Trustee Schwind clarified no decision has been made to convert Buster Dame Park to housing and that the land-swap idea is off the table.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Schwind reported the Parks and Recreation Commission (met April 16) is fundraising for the Woolsey Airport, exploring landing fees and grant options, and discussing the Braman Hill pergola project, which may exceed its original budget. The Board approved (voice vote 5-0) the 6th Annual Bay to Braman Bolt race for August 30, 12:00–1:00 p.m. The Board approved (voice vote 5-0) Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department coliform monitoring of Omena Beach at no cost, with the Township posting advisory signs. The Board approved (voice vote 5-0) a shaded pickleball-court area at Braman Hill not to exceed $2,500.
Infrastructure Projects
Verizon representative Ben Varney (via Zoom) proposed a 199-ft monopole tower with a 65x65-ft compound at Braman Hill Park; the Board agreed Verizon could proceed with a survey and coverage map. Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins proposed a ~$225,000 green building addition including water/sewer hookups; Conley requested at least three bids, and bid approval was tabled to a May 27 special meeting.
Other Business
The Board approved (voice vote 5-0) the Zoning Assistant job description and advertisement (10 hrs/week). ESTA Section VIII funeral-leave changes were approved (5-0). Facility rental fee schedules were adopted (5-0). The Township Annual Report was completed pending attorney-requested corrections. Two Anishinaabek historical markers (Peterson Park, Omena Beach) were noted as previously approved at no cost. A Board retreat was proposed. The packet includes a resolution for Board consideration to support a Neighbors Goods LLC small-winemakers license application.
Financial Summary
- Bills approved: $36,167.29 (roll call 5-0)
- WRB Consulting (Woolsey grant writer): $6,000, covered by grant funds (roll call 5-0)
- Insurance renewal (Hartleb Agency): not to exceed $36,000 (roll call 5-0)
- VFIS accident/sickness policy: $3,556 (roll call 5-0)
- Braman Hill shade structure: not to exceed $2,500 (voice vote 5-0)
- Green Building addition estimate: $225,000 (bids pending)
- Facilities/Roads/Equipment millage renewal resolution: 0.3000 mills, estimated $152,082 in first year
- Police services millage renewal resolution: 0.2500 mills, estimated $126,735 in first year
- May 2025 check register total: $142,655.80 (66 disbursement checks $135,614.70; 6 tax checks $7,041.10)
- MTA annual dues invoice: $7,537.54
Action Items
- Verizon to complete a coverage map and property survey before further Township approval of the proposed tower.
- Green Building addition bids (at least three) to be reviewed at the May 27 special meeting.
- PILOT ordinance to go to Planning Commission for review.
- Housing North contract terms and cost-sharing with the Village to be further discussed; Yarrow Brown invited to next meeting.
- Treasurer Ugalde to schedule a meeting with auditors regarding BS&A software issues before the next tax collection.
- Supervisor Conley to pursue completion of the Employee Handbook.
- Zoning Assistant position to be posted on the Township website and in the Enterprise newspaper.
- Ongoing public concern and Board attention on Buster Dame Park's recreational-use restrictions and calls for transparency, raised repeatedly by residents Eric Potes, Carmen Van Nieuwkerk, and Abigail Charter.