Summary
The Leelanau Township Board met August 13, 2024, with Mike McMillan presiding. The board approved minutes (as amended), an unpaid check run of $53,489.33, and the 2023-2024 audit as presented by Mike Cool of UHY. Action items included approval to begin the MLCC process for Bohemian Cellars, air duct cleaning at $2,772, cemetery tree removal in Omena up to $1,300, and the appointment of Hugh Scott to the Planning Commission (Yea: 4, Nay: 1). The packet also includes a Fixed Asset Capitalization Policy shown as adopted at the September 10, 2024 board meeting.
Public Comments
During initial public comment, a resident raised concerns about Planning Commission training and procedures, thanked Jessica Wilson and JoLisa Ugaldes for election work, and objected to an action item made without prior notification regarding a Planning Commission appointment tied to the cell tower matter, citing possible conflict of interest for the Commission.
In the second public comment period (three-minute limit), one speaker proposed lowering the speed limit on Omena Point Road rather than adding a sidewalk. Another speaker asked about funding for airport repairs. A comment attributed to Hugh referenced a $66,000 grant for a new monitor.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dan Toole reported that Woolsey Airport fundraising, begun in late spring, has raised $100,000 plus an additional $20,000, with $500 raised at a Fly-In event and $20,000 placed in an endowed fund with the Foundation. The board discussed the need to engage a grant writer and diversify funding, including a possible donation box at the Marina for a landing fee. The airport roof was flagged as a priority for upcoming board attention.
Infrastructure Projects
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed communication tower on Kitchen Road; the hearing will resume after Commission review, prior to a vote on a special land use permit. On Omena Point Road, the Road Commission rated the safety issue a 3 out of scale, noting there is no homeowners association; the board is developing a plan for such neighborhoods. Core samples and borings for the Cherry Homes Road project have been completed, with the plan now underway. The Northport Sportsman's Club lease was found to be missing signed paperwork; a new lease agreement has been drafted and will be brought to the board for approval in September. A mobile speed sign purchase was moved from action to discussion after MDOT indicated an existing pole could not be used for the $4,000 option; McMillan will negotiate with the Sheriff about using a county-owned temporary trailer sign instead.
Other Business
Reports were given by County Commissioner Ty Wessell (expanded high-speed internet access), NLTUA (progressing smoothly), Emergency Services' Hugh Cook (12 runs in two days; new boilers installed at the Fire Hall), Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins (operations normal), and Clerk Jessica Wilson (new deputy clerk Kathy Spear hired, focused on elections; payroll fully transitioned). The 7-year CIP Facility Recommendations discussion is a starting point, to be revisited in September.
Financial Summary
The board approved an unpaid check run of $53,489.33 (roll call: Dunn, Murray, Harder, McMillan, Wilson all yea; nay: 0). The 2023-2024 audit was approved unanimously. Air duct cleaning was approved at $2,772, and cemetery tree service with A-1 Tree Service was approved up to $1,300. A separate unpaid check run report (dated 09/11/2024) totaled $12,184.05. The August check register showed $110,668.59 in check disbursements and $2,198,798.08 in tax fund distributions, for a combined report total of $2,309,466.67. Four financial policies (Capitalization, Credit Card, ACH, and Investment) are being finalized, with Gina Harder tasked to prepare township-specific language; the Capitalization Policy was shown adopted at the September 10, 2024 meeting.
Action Items
- Gina Harder to complete draft language for the Capitalization, Credit Card, ACH, and Investment policies for board action next month.
- Mike McMillan to negotiate with the Sheriff regarding use of a county mobile speed trailer sign.
- Finalized Northport Sportsman's Club lease agreement to be brought to the September board meeting.
- 7-year CIP Facility Recommendations to be revisited in September.
- Planning Commission to resume the public hearing on the Kitchen Road communication tower before a special land use permit vote; public concerns about conflict of interest and lack of notification on the related Planning Commission appointment were raised and should be monitored going forward.