Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission met on June 26, 2025, with Chair Steve Kalchik presiding and a quorum of five members present (Brigid Hart, Steve Kalchik, Brian Mitchell, Hugh Scott, Gerald Schatz); Kristi Fischer and Silvia Gans were absent. Key actions included advancing work on the Township Master Plan, scheduling a possible special meeting for August 14, 2025, approving prior minutes as amended, and receiving reports on zoning permits and a draft airport ordinance. The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period (items 5 and 8).
Parks and Recreation Matters
During discussion of the airport ordinance, a commissioner raised the question of whether Woolsey Airport would still be considered on the list of township parks. No decision or resolution on this question was recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator (ZA) Steve Patmore reported receiving correspondence from EGLE regarding a permit issued to Point Broadband, which the Commission had previously requested be shared with the township. FEMA also sent a letter stating it will conduct hydrogeological studies of inland water bodies in Leelanau County.
Other Business
Commissioner Gerald Schatz disclosed an "overlap of interest" (not a conflict) regarding a draft airport ordinance he agreed to review pro bono for the Township Supervisor, at the request of the state, to regulate activities at Woolsey Airport, including pilot requests to camp under aircraft wings. Tom Weatherbee was also asked to review the draft. The Commission consensus was that no conflict of interest existed. It was noted the Township Board governs hangar use and will review leases. ZA Patmore reported permits have increased, including large houses and one potential conflict with an Open Space Preservation Easement. Three Land Division Applications were approved, two using the Special Lot Split Option in the Agricultural District. Two preliminary Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) projects were discussed: one proposed by Phil Hallstedt and another on Onomonese Tr. The Township Board is considering a Local Government Approval request for a Small Winemaker License from the MLCC for a proposed winery on Swede Rd. Commissioner Silvia Gans distributed a list of township-owned properties. Commissioner Brigid Hart, not seeking re-appointment, was thanked for her service.
Action Items
ZA Patmore is to incorporate typo corrections submitted by commissioners into the Master Plan draft and post a searchable version on the township website before a possible August 14, 2025 special meeting. The Commission still needs to verify airport information submitted by Commissioner Schatz and locate a comprehensive wetlands map. Commissioner Schatz and Tom Weatherbee will continue drafting the airport ordinance. The Township Board will review hangar leases.
Financial Summary
No specific dollar figures, budgets, or expenditures were discussed. The only financial-related item was the Township Board's consideration of a Local Government Approval request for a Small Winemaker License from the MLCC for a proposed winery on Swede Rd.