Summary
The December 9, 2025 Leelanau Township Board packet (Supervisor Barbara Conley) covered administrative resolutions for 2026 meeting dates and holidays, approval to publish the GoGov mobile app, a package of housing-related resolutions for 824 N. Warren St., a resolution to pursue architectural/engineering bids and an appraisal for a possible new township hall, renewal of workers' compensation insurance, Winter Carnival approval, and Fire Department equipment/software expenditures. The board was also asked to discuss a proposed cell tower ground lease with The Towers LLC (Verizon) and a services contract with Housing North.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Two draft resolutions were presented: one authorizing use/sale of township-owned property at 824 N. Warren St. (parcel 042-234-018-00) for attainable public housing, and one authorizing solicitation of bids/RFP for housing development on that parcel, both pending township attorney review. Supervisor Conley recommended engaging Housing North under a proposed contract (Contract #LT2025) beginning January 15, 2026 through January 14, 2027, not to exceed $20,000 for up to 12 hours/week of support, to help craft an RFP, connect developers, assist with zoning/master plan alignment, and pursue grant funding; Conley noted she plans to submit for grant support of the contract. Housing North's Yarrow Brown was expected to attend the January meeting. Conley also reported ongoing coordination with Northport Village Manager Jered Ottenwess on a possible spring 2026 joint community housing information session.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board was asked to approve plans for the community Winter Carnival at Braman Hill, including a $100 insurance cost through the township's provider; Braman Hill will be provided at no charge. The Facilities Manager's report noted winterization of parks facilities (Buster Dame Park bathroom, Omena Beach and Peterson Park lot plowing, Christmas Cove gate locked for snow) and seasonal pause of trash pickup in parks and porta-potty service in cemeteries until spring. Review of the Parks and Rec ordinance was scheduled for the January meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
A draft Option and Lease Agreement with The Towers LLC (Verizon), Site US-MI-5390 "Northport West," proposes a 10,000 sq. ft. lease at Braman Hill for a communications tower: a two-year option period (renewable two more years) at $900 per payment, a five-year initial lease term with nine 5-year renewal options, monthly rent of $900 increasing 1% annually, and a right of first refusal for Tenant. Conley reported contacting MDNR regarding park-use restrictions on the site but had not yet received a response; no board decision was made, pending further discussion. Separately, Conley proposed notifying MDNR to close the pending land-designation exchange application for Buster Dame Park/7th Street, since Northport Village has now designated part of its 7th Street property as a park, making it ineligible for the swap.
Other Business
Topics for future/other discussion included: the Personnel Manual/Employee Handbook (extensive review planned, with a new draft and org chart circulated for the meeting); a proposed Cherry Homes Subdivision Special Assessment District item deferred to January, with Seth Koches expected to attend; deferral of the Township Road Improvement Policy review to January/February; a "land swap" between MDNR and the township still awaiting survey; and a possible America250 grant application (due January 15) to honor veterans in township cemeteries, planned in partnership with the Northport Area Heritage Association, with no anticipated township match required.
Financial Summary
- Workers' Compensation renewal (Accident Fund General Insurance Company) estimated annual premium: $63,353, effective 12/31/2025–12/31/2026.
- Housing North contract: not to exceed $20,000 over 12 months, billed in quarterly installments.
- Township Hall project: resolution to hire an architecture/engineering firm (bids from firms such as C2AE/AtkinsRealis, Wightman, Progressive Companies, Fishbeck, Tower/Pinkster) and to obtain an appraisal of the current Township Hall property at 119 E. Nagonaba St.
- 824 Warren St. option/cell tower lease: $900 option payment (initial and renewal), $900/month rent with 1% annual escalation.
- November check register: 49 disbursements totaling $169,969.26; unpaid check run for 12/10/2025 totaled $21,648.63.
- Fire Department invoices from CSI Emergency Apparatus for pump testing/repairs across five units totaled several thousand dollars each (e.g., $5,368.48 for Engine 612, $5,070.96 and $1,417.50 for Tanker 621, $863.19 for Tanker 622), plus a $11,250 estimate for backup cameras on five units and a $3,724.26 ESO Solutions software invoice.
- Amended FY budget included in consent agenda reflecting November Board-approved changes.
Action Items
- Township Attorney to review draft resolutions for 824 N. Warren St. housing use/sale and RFP solicitation, and the Township Hall architect/appraisal resolution.
- Supervisor Conley to pursue grant funding for the Housing North contract and to plan a spring 2026 joint housing information session with Northport Village.
- Board to continue evaluating the Towers LLC/Verizon ground lease at Braman Hill pending MDNR response on park-use restrictions.
- Notify MDNR to close the Buster Dame Park/7th Street park-designation exchange application.
- Continue Personnel Manual review, targeting a clean copy for the January meeting.
- Cherry Homes Subdivision SAD discussion set for January, with Seth Koches to attend.
- Township Road Improvement Policy review deferred to January/February, to be sent to township attorneys.
- Parks and Rec ordinance review scheduled for January.
- America250 veterans' cemetery grant application due January 15, 2026.
- Three budget working meetings proposed for March 2026 (dates to be finalized by the Board).