Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met July 15, 2025, approving a corrected set of executive session minutes, several consent-agenda items, a 2024 county audit, and two vehicle purchases/policies. A lengthy, contentious discussion occurred over Administrator Jim Dyer's outside legal work for Northport, and a proposed "Unmet Needs" early-childhood fund failed on a 3-4 vote.
Public Comments
Agenda-specific comments were given by Tim McCalley, Charlie Godbout, Keith Ashley, Tony Borden, Dana Getsinger, and Renee Wyler; written comments were also submitted (available via the county website). Chairman Yoder responded to Ashley's question by referring him to the prior meeting's video regarding a Washington, D.C. trip. In the evening's general public comment, Gary Hosking, Jim White, Jim Kobberstead, Steve Mikowski, Renee Wyler, and Bill Weisner spoke; written comments were again submitted. Commissioners themselves debated at length whether Administrator Dyer improperly assisted with a Northport legal matter while on county time; Commissioners Wessell and Allgaier defended Dyer, while Campbell and Bunek expressed concern he should have informed the Board and that this occurred in the County building.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Chairman Yoder recommended tabling the Housing Action Committee recommendation to allow more information before the Board. Motion by Bunek, seconded by Wessell, to table carried 6-1 (Campbell voting no). Commissioner Campbell separately requested quarterly and end reports from Housing North per its two contracts.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Parks and Recreation Chairman Charlie Godbout presented a proposed mission statement. Motion by Wessell, seconded by Allgaier, to adopt it as presented carried 6-1 (Bunek opposed).
Infrastructure Projects
Commissioner Campbell requested an Administrator update on Broadband progress and quarterly/final reports from Point Broadband per its contract.
Other Business
Consent agenda (approved 7-0) included: renewal of the MDHHS Crime Victims Rights Grant ($40,397.00, Oct. 2025–Sept. 2026); a MOOG grant budget amendment; MERS service credit purchase for Johanna L. Novak (~$49,347.00, employee-paid, Resolution #2025-011); updated job descriptions; adoption of the 2026 budget schedule; declaring a 2011 Ford Expedition and trailer surplus for auction; a limited attorney-client privilege waiver releasing a June 9 email from Attorney Nordfjord; appointment of Dr. Nicolas Kostelecky as Deputy Medical Examiner; addition of prenatal care to Early Childhood Services; MERS conference delegates (Molly Peplinski, Jim Dyer); and out-of-state travel approval for Matt Ansorge and Kelly LaCross. A Building Safety vehicle take-home policy was discussed at length (Commissioners Robbins and Wessell raised cost/liability concerns) and implemented as a 90-day pilot with no motion required, with a report to follow. A Tacoma truck purchase ($45,365.55) was approved 6-1 (Campbell opposed). The Board approved (7-0) a joint conflict waiver and joint RFP for shared Medical Examiner services with Grand Traverse County. A four-month Administrator review process, proposed by Chairman Yoder, was approved 7-0, including a self-review by Dyer for the August meeting.
Financial Summary
Rehmann's Steve Peacock presented the 2024 county audit; the Board approved it 7-0. An Early Childhood car seat purchase program was approved 7-0, appropriating $36,000 annually. A companion "Unmet Needs" fund proposal ($20,000 annually) failed 3-4 (Yoder, Campbell, Walter, Bunek opposed), with Campbell citing unclear rules and citing prior early-childhood fund balances of $325,000, $425,000, and currently $648,000. Claims and accounts of $308,427.70 and post-audit claims and accounts of $1,871,949.21 were both approved 7-0.
Action Items
Building Official Amber Weber to report back to the Board after the 90-day vehicle take-home pilot. Administrator Dyer to provide a Broadband update and ensure Point Broadband and Housing North submit required quarterly/final reports. Chairman Yoder to circulate an Administrator review questionnaire, compile responses, and present findings in August; Dyer to complete a self-review for the same meeting. Housing Action Committee item tabled to August for additional information. Michelle Klein (Benzie-Leelanau Health Department) requested to clarify "unmet needs" definitions at a future meeting following the failed funding motion.