Summary
The Leelanau Township Board of Trustees met March 11, 2025, with all members present. The board approved several sets of minutes, approved bills of $19,624.56, adopted a 2024-2025 budget amendment, approved Policies 1-3 as amended, approved a road improvement resolution for Omena Point Road, and approved buying back cemetery plots. Discussions continued on housing, cell service, the assessor search, and liability/bonds contract renewal.
Public Comments
In the first comment period, Rick Cross asked the board to read "the mandate for leadership," noting the book is hard to find and suggesting a PDF version. Elizabeth Mallek raised concerns about housing pressure from companies looking to build in the township, urged the board to address short-term rentals and housing readiness, and asked the board to pause land swap discussions in favor of alternatives.
In the second comment period, Betsy thanked the board, said the public supports housing efforts, but was concerned that April 9 would be the only public hearing on housing. She cautioned against proceeding with a land swap and removing restrictions before obtaining appraisals for the two parcels, and noted Parks and Recreation had been told not to proceed with Buster Dame. Schwind responded that April 9 is not the only opportunity for public comment. Doug submitted a written essay summarizing the last three years and asked that it be added to the minutes; Schwind confirmed it would be included. Conley acknowledged Betsy's comments, noting that if the village proceeds with the property, restrictions on Buster Dame may not be changeable again.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Correspondence from Elizabeth Mallek addressed housing and a proposed land swap. An informational housing meeting is scheduled for April 9, 5:30-7:30 pm, at Northport Public School Small Gym, covering public land surveys and public housing needs.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Schwind reported the next Parks and Recreation meeting is April 19 at 5:30. A $6,000 LCTF grant application for Parks and Rec was discussed informationally. New application forms for parks reservations were tabled until April.
Infrastructure Projects
Cell service update: Verizon remains interested in building or joining a tower; T-Mobile has also shown interest, with a specific site under consideration. A meeting on this topic is set for March 18 at 11:00 am at the Township Office. Correspondence from Doug Whitley regarding "the tower journey" was noted. The County Commissioner report noted the broadband project is 93% complete.
Other Business
The board tabled Policies 4-6 and the ESTA policy for April. Candidates A, D, and E were invited for assessor interviews, with a special meeting proposed for candidate E on the 17th at 5:30. The liability and bonds contract, ending in May, is being rebid with three quotes sought, to be revisited in April.
Financial Summary
Bills of $19,624.56 were approved unanimously. The 2024-2025 budget amendment was approved unanimously. The 2025-2026 budget was discussed without final action. A $6,000 LCTF grant for Parks and Rec was discussed informationally.
Action Items
Special assessor interview meeting with candidate E on the 17th at 5:30. Liability/bonds contract quotes due for April meeting. ESTA policy and parks reservation forms tabled for April. Housing informational meeting April 9. Cell tower meeting March 18. Board to revisit Buster Dame/land swap and appraisal concerns raised by public commenters.