Summary
The Leelanau Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting on May 27, 2025, chaired by Supervisor Barbara Conley with all members present. Key actions included approving up to 60 hours of UHY auditing work at $200/hour to fix township bookkeeping, approving a permit for the "Rock the Light" 5K/10K race, and authorizing the Facilities Manager to seek bids for green building work. The Board also discussed a potential summer event at Buster Dame Park and heard public concern about park use restrictions.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during the first comment period. During the second comment period, Eric Potes urged the Board not to swap restrictions between Buster Dame Park and the 7th Street property, warning that using a public park for housing would set a precedent for other parks to be repurposed. Potes also noted that the Leelanau County Youth League is seeking to include Buster Dame Park in its rotation, possibly for a Northport team. Jen Wack spoke about her family's history with Buster Dame Park and thanked the Board for considering it for a summer event.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Silvia Gans presented a file listing properties owned by the Village of Northport that could potentially be used for affordable housing and encouraged the Township to pursue similar efforts. She noted the Planning Commission is finalizing the Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved Clerk Wilson to issue a permit for the "Rock the Light" 5K/10K race in Leelanau State Park, sponsored by the Grand Traverse Lighthouse (motion by Trustee Schwind, seconded by Treasurer Ugalde; voice vote 5-0). Eric Potes, Jennifer Wack, and Scott Wack requested use of Buster Dame Park for a summer event featuring an exhibition game by the Pit Spitters, baseball clinics, a Buster Dame tribute, and food/merchandise booths; date to be determined. Supervisor Conley asked for an event plan to be presented at the next Board meeting. Concerns were raised by Eric Potes about potential restriction swaps between Buster Dame Park and the 7th Street property.
Other Business
The Board discussed scheduling a retreat for either June 25 or June 26 (1:00–4:00 p.m.), with the exact date to be set by host Chet Janik. The Board also approved (voice vote 5-0) authorizing the Facilities Manager to obtain bids for work on the green building.
Financial Summary
UHY auditors Mike Cool and Chris Bruggema recommended 6 hours for tax roll reconciliation and up to 40 additional hours for account reconciliation and payroll training, at $200 per hour. The Board approved up to 60 hours of UHY work at that rate (motion by Supervisor Conley, seconded by Trustee Schwind; roll call vote 5-0).
Action Items
- Chet Janik to determine the exact date (June 25 or 26) for the Board retreat.
- UHY to begin up to 60 hours of bookkeeping and payroll reconciliation work at $200/hour.
- Facilities Manager to obtain bids for green building work.
- Event organizers (Eric Potes, Jennifer and Scott Wack) to submit an event plan for the Buster Dame Park summer event at the next Board meeting.
- Ongoing concern flagged by Eric Potes regarding potential use of Buster Dame Park for housing purposes and its impact on youth league scheduling; Board to address at future meetings.