Summary
The Leelanau Township Board (meeting packet, November 18, 2025) considered a lengthy set of contracts and resolutions, including a GoGov citizen-notification contract ($3,600/year, billing deferred to April), a revised Employee Manual, a resolution to submit a $50,000 EGLE grant application for Christmas Cove improvements, a BS&A contract renewal ($23,173), a MERS retirement contract, a Stryker fire equipment maintenance contract, a State Tax Commission assessor contract (up to $2,000/40 hours) with Robert A. Brazeau, and repeal of the 2005 Highway and Road Improvement Policy. The Board also discussed the Verizon/Vertical Bridge cell tower proposal, a Cherry Homes special assessment district, Warren Street housing options, and the future of Township Hall.
Public Comments
Kristi Fischer submitted a written letter urging the Board to designate all of Northport Township (not just a portion) as an attainable housing district, arguing this would save time, maximize eligible homes for tax incentives on year-round rentals, and align with Village action. She proposed targeted mailings to short-term rental owners and public education sessions, and recommended forming a joint Township-Village housing commission. No Board response is recorded in the packet.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board planned to discuss designating part of the 5-acre Warren Street property (parcel 042-234-018-00) for attainable housing, following an October presentation by Jon Stimson of Homestretch proposing up to 26 townhomes on 2.33 acres. Discussion topics included whether to sell part of the parcel to a developer at reduced cost, whether to issue a Request for Proposals to solicit other developers, and whether to instruct the Supervisor to close the DNR "land swap" involving Buster Dame Park, since the 7th St. Village parcel no longer qualifies as a conversion parcel (it was made a Village park).
Parks and Recreation Matters
A revised Parks and Recreation Ordinance was presented for Board review, removing Woolsey Airport (to be governed by its own ordinance). Facilities Manager Ian Dawkins reported winterizing sprinklers at Buster Dame Park and the cemetery water system, fall/leaf cleanup at cemeteries and Peterson Park, removal of swim buoys and noted beach erosion at Omena Beach, and plans to lock the Christmas Cove lower parking lot gate before winter. Northport Fire donated pallet racking for storage.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board planned to approve a resolution to submit a $50,000 EGLE Water Resources Division grant application for Christmas Cove Beach improvements (50% grant/50% local match). Verizon/Vertical Bridge proposed a 195–199 foot communications tower at Braman Hill Recreation Area; the project requires Planning Commission review via Special Use Permit. The Board planned a first discussion of a Special Assessment District for Cherry Homes Subdivision road improvements, with a vote anticipated in December and a public hearing expected in February/March. NLTUA reported its capacity study proceeding (completion early 2026), new geolocation system working well, mains flushed October 28, and approved a deputy treasurer services contract ($58.40/hour, up to 6 hours/month).
Other Business
Items for approval included the GoGov contract, revised Employee Manual, BS&A renewal ($23,173), MERS retirement contract, annual website contract with Legendary Lion, Stryker maintenance contract (EMS funds), and the State Tax Commission assessor contract with Robert A. Brazeau to correct land tables and ECF calculations following a 2025 PA 660 audit finding deficiencies. The Board also planned to repeal the 2005 Road Improvement Policy and consider a replacement, and discussed a new committee/department reporting schedule and the future of Township Hall.
Financial Summary
- GoGov: $3,600/year, billed starting April 2026.
- Turnout gear: $47,917 to MacQueen, supplementing a $42,000 state grant and prior $6,000 Board allocation.
- BS&A contract renewal: $23,173.
- Assessor contract: up to $2,000 (40 hours at $50/hour).
- Christmas Cove grant: $50,000 total project cost, 50% EGLE/50% local match.
- October check register: 63 disbursements totaling $87,023.67.
- Unpaid check run (11/19/2025): $50,584.58, including $34,968.97 to Leelanau County Accounting.
- NLTUA bill payment approved: $100,348.55.
- Revenue/expense report showed total revenues of $479,558.45 YTD against amended budget of $3,037,766, and total expenditures of $2,053,885.82 YTD against amended budget of $4,302,106.78.
Action Items
- Board to finalize approval of GoGov, Employee Manual, BS&A, MERS, website, Stryker, and assessor contracts, and the Christmas Cove grant resolution.
- Clerk Jessica Wilson and Treasurer JoLisa Ugalde to present revenue/expense review; budget amendment may be needed.
- Verizon/Vertical Bridge tower proposal to go to Planning Commission for Special Use Permit review.
- Cherry Homes SAD: obtain cost estimates and boundary maps, mail notices to residents, publish hearing notice twice in newspaper at least 10 days prior; Board vote expected in December, hearing in Feb/March.
- Board to decide on Warren Street housing designation, potential RFP for developers, and whether to instruct Supervisor to close the DNR land swap.
- Board to decide on Township Hall relocation vs. renovation, possibly issuing an RFP for architectural services.
- Board to review and adopt updated Parks and Recreation Ordinance, Cemetery Ordinance, and Road Improvement Policy following repeal of the 2005 policy.