Summary
The Leelanau Township Board of Trustees held a regular meeting on May 13, 2025, where key discussions focused on public comments regarding local parks and housing initiatives, various reports from township departments, and several approved actions including ordinances related to workforce housing. The board emphasized transparency in governance and the need for improved housing accessibility in the community.Public Comments
Several citizens voiced their opinions during the public comment section: - **Chauntel Lorenz & Chase Passick (Honor Bank):** Introduced their bank's services and expressed a desire to engage with the township. - **Eric Potes:** Raised legal concerns about the restrictions on recreational use at Buster Dame Park, referring to specific binding conditions in the park's deed. - **Carmen Van Nieuwkerk:** Echoed concerns on park usage and brought up the need for governmental transparency. - **Chris McCann:** Supported the PILOT ordinance as a means to enhance affordable housing and discussed future housing commission efforts. - **Abigail Charter (Buster Dame’s granddaughter):** Shared her family's historical connection to the park and advocated for maintaining its recreational use.Affordable Housing Initiatives
- **PILOT Ordinance:** Supervisor Conley presented a workforce housing PILOT ordinance aimed at promoting affordable housing development, which was highlighted as needing further review by the Planning Commission. - **Support Contract with Housing North:** Conley reported on possible collaborative funding for housing services through a contract with Housing North amounting to $30,000, suggesting the creation of a Housing Commission for better management of housing projects.Parks and Recreation Matters
- **Buster Dame Park:** Trustee Schwind confirmed that no land swap for housing would move forward, reaffirming the park's preservation for recreational use. - **Memorial Day Events:** Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported preparations for memorial events at local cemeteries.Infrastructure Projects
- **Verizon Proposed Communications Tower:** Verizon's representative presented plans for a new tower at Braman Hill Park, necessary for improved coverage. The board agreed to evaluate a survey and coverage mapping for the project. - **Green Building Addition:** Plans for expansions to the Green Building were discussed, including a proposed budget of $225,000, with the intention to solicit at least three bids for the work.Other Business
- **Approval of Minutes and Bills:** The board approved previous meeting minutes and bills totaling $36,167.29 unanimously. - **Rental Agreement for Township Facilities:** The board agreed on a fee structure for facility rentals with reduced fees for non-profit organizations.Financial Summary
- **Budget Allocations:** - Approved $94,033 for police services for the year 2023. - Approved a grant writing contract for $6,000 covering Woolsey Airport services, to be funded through grant resources. - Millage renewals were proposed, one for police services to raise $126,735 and another for general facility and road improvements aiming to raise $152,082.Action Items
- **Immediate Tasks:** - Evaluate and finalize the workforce housing PILOT ordinance for further publication. - Prepare for the upcoming board retreat, focusing on strategic planning topics. - Schedule a meeting with auditors for further explanations of ongoing issues with financial reporting software.Several citizens attended via Zoom, and the next meeting is set for June 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM EDT. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.