Summary
The Northport Village Council held a work session on August 6, 2026, focusing primarily on the Mill Pond Dam millage ballot proposal. Council adopted Resolution 2026-16, revising and approving ballot language for a millage increase to fund the Mill Pond Dam project, to be placed on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. Council also discussed a nonconforming use designation for a Mill Street property, prioritized updates to several Village ordinances, reviewed progress on the Public Participation Plan, and received liaison updates on the marina study and infrastructure projects. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session under MCL 15.268(1)(h).
Public Comments
Vickie Slot spoke twice during the meeting. In her first comment, she urged Council not to increase the proposed millage or proceed with Resolution 2026-16 at that time, expressing concern that additional analysis, updated cost estimates, and a clearly defined plan should be completed before asking taxpayers to commit to a long-term financial obligation. She encouraged Council to evaluate alternatives, consider the impacts of recent storm events and runoff management, and engage the community through additional public discussion before moving forward with the ballot proposal. Later in the meeting, following Council's discussion, Slot thanked Council for the additional discussion regarding the Mill Pond dam and millage proposal and expressed appreciation for Council's commitment to providing public education and factual information.
Allan Dalzell commented on the future of the Mill Pond, encouraging Council to consider long-term costs, pursue available grant opportunities, and evaluate alternatives to dam replacement.
No written or letter submissions were noted in the minutes.
Infrastructure Projects
Marina: Village Manager Ottenwess reported on the kickoff meeting with Machin Engineering for the Northport Marina Enhancement and Expansion Study. The meeting established the project timeline, scope of work, and public engagement process. The study will develop conceptual alternatives for Council review before broader public engagement begins.
Mill Pond Dam Millage (Resolution 2026-16): Village Manager Ottenwess presented Resolution 2026-16, noting the only revision from the previously adopted ballot proposal was an increase in the proposed millage rate to reflect updated project cost estimates and construction cost escalation. He explained the revised authorization would provide flexibility should costs increase further, while allowing the Village to levy less than the authorized amount if full funding is not needed. Trustee Cavendish moved, supported by Trustee Cook, to adopt Resolution 2026-16 approving the revised ballot language and directing staff to submit the proposal to the Leelanau County Clerk for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. Discussion covered the need for factual, impartial public education regarding engineering reports, project costs, potential impacts to the Mill Pond and marina, available alternatives, and limitations on completing further technical studies before the election. A roll call vote was taken: Dean – Yes, Cook – Yes, Cavendish – No, Ruble – Yes, McCann – Yes. Motion carried 4–1; Resolution 2026-16 was adopted. Trustee Cavendish stated her dissenting vote reflected her belief that additional public education and discussion should occur before voters are asked to decide on the proposal.
General Infrastructure: Trustee Cavendish and Village Manager Ottenwess reported that chip and fog sealing was recently completed on Seventh Street as part of the Village's pavement preservation program. Staff is preparing bid documents for the Warren Street water main replacement and roadway improvements. The Rose Street Culvert Replacement Project remains on schedule, with construction anticipated later this year. Staff continues to evaluate additional electric vehicle charging locations and monitor recent water main issues.
NLTUA: President McCann reported that the Northport/Leelanau Township Utilities Authority would hold its regular meeting the following Tuesday, with several items on the agenda; he committed to updating Council afterward.
Other Business
Resolution 2026-17 (1001 N. Mill Street Class B Nonconforming Status): Village Manager Ottenwess presented a discussion on designating this property as a Class B Nonconforming Use. He explained the Planning Commission recently approved a lot split, with the remaining parcel continuing to conform to lot requirements; the nonconformity relates to the existing single-family residential use within the Development District. Council discussed the Planning Commission's recommendation and noted a use variance is not available for this situation. The Planning Commission has recommended approval, and the matter will return to Council as an action item at a future meeting.
Ordinance Updates/Revisions: Council discussed priorities for updating the Marina Ordinance, Sidewalk Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, and the Village Manager's purchasing authority. Trustee Cavendish emphasized prioritizing the Marina and Sidewalk Ordinances, noting the Sidewalk Ordinance has been a priority for several years. Council also discussed increasing the Village Manager's purchasing authority to reduce administrative delays for routine, budgeted expenditures, with general agreement that the current limit is unnecessarily restrictive. Council directed staff to prioritize the Marina and Sidewalk Ordinances, followed by the Sign Ordinance, and to prepare a resolution increasing the Village Manager's purchasing authority for a future meeting.
Public Participation Plan: Trustee Cavendish provided an update, explaining the plan is intended as a practical guide to help residents understand Village processes, timelines, input opportunities, and communication methods. The Planning Commission views it as a living document to be reviewed and updated as needed. Village Manager Ottenwess reported the plan is nearing completion and will come before Council for formal approval after final editing. The ongoing ordinance codification project, which will provide a searchable online code, was also discussed.
Council Comments: Trustee Ruble encouraged residents interested in the Mill Pond issue to work with Village staff to provide factual, non-inflammatory information for public education. Trustee Cook thanked those involved and emphasized accurate information for residents. Trustee Dean sought clarification on Council's ability to discuss the millage proposal publicly and asked about the deadline for rescinding the ballot question. The Village Attorney clarified that the Michigan Campaign Finance Act permits the Village to provide factual, educational information but prohibits using public resources to advocate for or against a ballot proposal; staff confirmed the rescission deadline.
Closed Session: Council entered Closed Session pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(h) to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute. President McCann moved, supported by Trustee Cavendish, to enter Closed Session. Roll call vote: Dean – Yes, Cook – Yes, Cavendish – Yes, Ruble – Yes, McCann – Yes. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Council entered Closed Session at 5:55 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 6:22 p.m. with no further business, and the meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
Action Items
- Staff to submit the revised Mill Pond Dam millage ballot proposal (Resolution 2026-16) to the Leelanau County Clerk for placement on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
- Staff directed to prepare informational materials regarding the Mill Pond Dam millage proposal for Council review and public distribution, ensuring factual and impartial information consistent with Michigan Campaign Finance Act requirements.
- Resolution 2026-17 (1001 N. Mill Street Class B Nonconforming Status) to return to Council as an action item at a future meeting.
- Staff to prioritize updates to the Marina Ordinance and Sidewalk Ordinance, followed by the Sign Ordinance.
- Staff to prepare a resolution increasing the Village Manager's purchasing authority for consideration at a future meeting.
- Public Participation Plan to be brought before Council for formal approval following final editing and formatting.
- Staff confirmed the deadline for rescinding the Mill Pond Dam ballot proposal, if necessary.