Summary
The packet contains the minutes of the Leelanau Township Board's June 11, 2024 meeting (chaired by Mike McMillan; Georgie Murray absent) along with materials prepared for the upcoming August 13, 2024 meeting, including a liquor license approval request, a policy-review memo, and a duct-cleaning proposal. Major June 11 actions included approval of bills, two millage renewals for the November ballot, several appointment confirmations, and approval of a DNR land swap and airport sidewalk project.
Public Comments
Four residents spoke against proposed EMS millage cuts; a letter on the issue was submitted and will be entered into the record. In a second public comment period, residents raised concerns about the library capital plan, a cell tower and special-use plan, cemetery capital/trust funds, the Early Childhood millage, affordable housing versus parkland ("parks giving away"), and objected that the EMS millage rate was too low. Jessica Wilson responded that funding would come from the facility improvement fund, referencing board member Doug Whitley's comment.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Mike McMillan reported the Joint Housing Authority is working on shared language with other jurisdictions, using Frankfort's model as an example, and is coordinating with attorneys. No vote was taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Tom Mayhew was confirmed for a three-year term on the Parks and Recreation Committee (motion by McMillan, seconded by Wilson; carried unanimously). Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported ongoing poison ivy eradication at Peterson Park. The Omena Cemetery slope-erosion project received quotes of $12,000–$15,000 to stabilize the hillside.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved (unanimously, roll call) Ian Dawkins' proposal to pursue a DNR land swap, exchanging 14.4 township acres for 15.3 state acres to consolidate airport land. An ADA sidewalk at the airport (Woolsey site) was approved at $5,800, to be completed before the Fly-In. Dust control for the airport was approved not to exceed $7,000. County Commissioner Ty Wessell reported T-Mobile will add two towers south of the township; a separate cell tower proposal on Kitchen Road is headed to public hearing. A non-trash pickup cooperation proposal with the Village (cost capped at $5,000) failed on a 1-3 roll call vote (McMillan yea; Dunn, Harder, Wilson nay).
Other Business
Andrew Frank was promoted to Lieutenant. Planning Commission candidates Jerry (2 years), Bridget (3 years), and Brian (3 years) were confirmed effective July 1. MTA annual dues of $7,318 were approved. Discussions covered the Early Childhood millage ballot measure, an MI Class investment training, and an initial 7-year Capital Improvement Plan layout.
Financial Summary
Bills approved included an EMC payment of $55,256.56. The General Fund millage renewal (0.4828 mills) was approved for the November ballot, estimated to raise $276,396 in year one. After debate over rates (3.3, 3.25 mills proposed and rejected), the EMS/Fire millage renewal passed at 3.1 mills for the ballot, down from an originally discussed 3.55 mills baseline (original estimate cited: $1,717,457). MTA dues of $7,318 were approved. Sidewalk cost $5,800; dust control capped at $7,000.
Action Items
Ian Dawkins to pursue DNR approval for the Woolsey land swap. Clerk Jessica Wilson to continue BS&A software conversion; audit team expected back June 21. Fire boilers recommended for fall replacement; brush truck and tanker flagged for replacement. Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore recommends the August 13 motion on Bohemian Cellers' tasting room approval explicitly state zoning compliance is still required.