The Leelanau Township Board met on June 11, 2024, to discuss various community matters. Key outcomes included the acceptance of multiple financial approvals, a resolution to renew emergency services funding, and recommendations for personnel appointed to the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation. The board also addressed public concerns regarding EMS funding and discussed several infrastructure matters, including ongoing projects and long-term planning.
Public Comments
Public comment included concerns from four speakers regarding cuts to EMS millage. They expressed dissatisfaction and noted that a letter about this issue was sent and will be included in the records.
Infrastructure Projects
The meeting touched on various infrastructure projects:
- **T-Mobile Cell Towers**: Leelanau County Commissioner Ty Wessell reported that T-Mobile will be installing two cell towers south of the area to enhance internet services.
- **Emergency Services Update**: Hugh Cook reported the need to replace two trucks, a brush truck and a tanker, along with replacing rusting boilers in the fire department.
- **Omena Cemetery Project**: Jessica Wilson mentioned efforts to manage land erosion in the cemetery, with initial quotes for cleanup ranging from $12,000 to $15,000.
- **Woolsey-DNR Land Swap Proposal**: Ian Dawkins received approval to seek permission from the DNR for a land swap, which would allow the township to consolidate ownership of airport land.
Other Business
Various additional agenda items were addressed:
- *Promotions and Appointments*: Andrew Frank was promoted to lieutenant, and several candidates were confirmed for the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee.
- *General Fund and Emergency Services Millage Renewals*: The board discussed renewing the General Fund Millage to support multiple township services and proposed adjustments to the EMS millage, ultimately agreeing on a slightly reduced rate.
- *Dust Control and Sidewalk Proposal*: Dust control expenses were approved, and plans for a new ADA sidewalk at the airport were agreed upon, with costs not exceeding $5,800.
Financial Summary
- Approval of bills included payments amounting to $55,256.56.
- General Fund Millage set to raise approximately $276,396 in the first year at a rate of $0.4828 per $1,000 of taxable value.
- Renewal of the Emergency Services Fund Millage was proposed, with anticipated revenue of about $1,717,457 based on a rate not to exceed $3.00 per $1,000 of taxable value.
Action Items
- Prepare the ballot for the General Fund Millage renewal and Emergency Services Fund millage adjustments.
- Finalize the quotes for the Omena Cemetery cleanup and continue discussions about the land swap with the DNR.
- Follow up on the training schedule for software conversion regarding financial records.
- An upcoming request for local government approval for a Tasting Room license will need to comply with zoning requirements and land use permits before moving forward.
Source Document
This summary was AI-generated from the official meeting record. The full source document is the authoritative version.