Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission met on May 8, 2025, with Chair Steve Kalchik presiding over members Brigid Hart, Silvia Gans, Hugh Scott, and Gerald Schatz (Brian Mitchell and Kristi Fischer absent). The bulk of the meeting was devoted to a continued workshop review of the Township Master Plan, with numerous sections edited. The April 24, 2025 draft minutes were tabled for more detail. No formal votes were taken except approval of the agenda.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered during the first comment period. During the second public comment period, Elizabeth Malleck asked about a reference to a $130,000 study mentioned earlier in the meeting; Zoning Administrator Patmore's response clarified it was for a sewer system capacity study. Malleck also stated she was anxious to see the final Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Commission reviewed the Township Recreational Facilities section of the Master Plan draft, deciding to reference the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for future improvements.
Infrastructure Projects
The Commission reviewed and edited the Wastewater Treatment section of the Master Plan. A $130,000 sewer system capacity study was referenced during the meeting, and in public comment Zoning Administrator Patmore confirmed this figure pertained to that study. The Recycling section was also reviewed and edited.
Other Business
Commissioner Schatz announced that FEMA's management council was holding a special meeting to determine FEMA's future, which could affect flood insurance and administration relevant to the Master Plan's flood vulnerability sections. The Commission continued detailed Master Plan review, including shoreline adaptation strategies, zoning setbacks, Coastal Wetlands Preservation (needing a wetlands map and historical wetlands map), Natural Vegetation, Failure of Armoring, Township Hall and Library (Gans to edit and return), Woolsey Airport, Emergency Services (needs updated employee data and run comparisons over the years), Intergovernmental Cooperation (possible move to chapter summary), Community Gathering Space (to be moved to chapter summary), and Schools (Gans to contact Elizabeth Schwind for input; dashboard charts to be eliminated). Citations require dating and verification. The next session will begin with the Leelanau Conservancy section, page 62.
Silvia Gans reported the Township Board would soon discuss the cemetery building, related policies, the Assistant Zoning Administrator position, and the Planning Commission Annual Report. Zoning Administrator Patmore presented a written report; Commissioner Schatz raised concern that Building Codes may be hampering housing, but Patmore clarified the township administers only zoning codes, not Building Codes, and noted no significant complaints suggesting the zoning ordinance hinders housing.
Financial Summary
A $130,000 sewer system capacity study was referenced; no other financial figures, budgets, or funding actions were discussed.
Action Items
- Gans to edit the Township Hall and Library section and bring it back to the Commission.
- Gans to contact Elizabeth Schwind regarding the Schools section.
- Emergency Services section needs updated employee numbers and historical run comparisons.
- Citations in the Master Plan need to be dated and verified.
- April 24, 2025 minutes tabled for additional detail, to be revisited.
- Next meeting to continue Master Plan review starting with the Leelanau Conservancy section (page 62).