Summary
The Leland Township Board meeting held on February 10, 2025, covered various topics including public comments regarding maintenance and salary issues, Treasurer and Supervisor reports, and several action items including the approval of salary resolutions and event permits. Key decisions included the approval of salary increases for the Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer, and the authorization of a bond sale for the Sunset Shores Special Assessment District.Public Comments
Several public comments were made during the meeting: - **Jim Atkinson** requested the installation of a low-level LED street light at the intersection of M22 and M204, and voiced concerns over proposed salary increases. - **Cal Little** expressed dissatisfaction over the elimination of a maintenance position and criticized the severance package offered to Ken Hagstrom, proposing the formation of a committee to assess maintenance needs. - **Brian Fenlon** expressed discouragement regarding the Board's recent actions and raised a conflict of interest concerning the Township Office sign installation, advocating for a hold on salary raises above cost of living. - **Keith Ashley** called for full disclosure of employee compensation and questioned the hiring of a Detroit attorney for negotiations. - **Steve Mikowski** requested a referendum on the Leland Township Zoning Ordinance and asked for the correction of a longstanding variance issue. - **Sharon Kalchik** voiced concerns about the maintenance position elimination and urged compassion from the Board. - **Alan Campbell** expressed doubts about the Sunset Shores SAD project validating the original petition due to rising costs.Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks & Rec Commission reported that they have $8,000 remaining from last year’s budget, with priority projects including finishing work on the Harbor bathrooms and replacing a dugout at the peewee field with a bench.Infrastructure Projects
The report from the Sewer Commission indicated a successful identification of an inflow problem in groundwater on Thompson Street, which will be repaired internally to minimize costs. A pump replacement was discussed, with another pump additionally needing replacement.Action Items
Several action items were discussed and voted on: 1. **Fee Schedule for Events** - Approved a fee of $50 for one-time events and $100 for multi-day events. 2. **Bond Sale Resolution R-25-10** - Approved to sell bonds for the Sunset Shores SAD on March 20, 2025. 3. **Recreation Plan Update** - Authorized Mariann Kirch to facilitate an update to the Parks and Rec 5-year plan. 4. **Audit Services Contract** - Authorized Supervisor to sign a $9,900 contract with Tobin & Co. for audit services. 5. **Salary Resolutions** - - Supervisor: Approved $34,100 (3.1% increase). - Clerk: Approved $55,000 (8.6% increase). - Treasurer: Approved $44,100. - Trustee: Approved $7,800. 6. **Event Request** - Approved a request to use Bartholomew Park for an LPS class reunion on August 16, 2025.Other Business
The Board reviewed and approved bills from January 14, 2025, to February 10, 2025, with no significant issues occurring during the month.Financial Summary
The Treasurer indicated strong tax payments and reviewed routine expenses. The Board approved financial resolutions related to salary increases and audit services without discrepancies noted.Action Items
- **Follow-Up on Maintenance Needs**: A committee will be proposed to address the maintenance needs of the Township. - **Review Compensation Packages**: Further analysis of Township employee compensation and transparency regarding pay discrepancies will be addressed. - **Public Concerns**: Continued engagement with the public regarding infrastructure safety and financial transparency will be prioritized.The next meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2025.