Summary
This packet covers the Leelanau Township Board's February 10, 2026 meeting agenda, prepared by Supervisor Barbara Conley, along with background materials and minutes from the December 9, December 12, and January 13, 2026 meetings. The Board planned to hear from District 4 County Commissioner Ty Wessell and Assessor Barry Wauldron, and to consider resolutions on a revised Parks Ordinance, a purchasing policy amendment, an EMS staff bonus, and the Woolsey Airport land exchange with the Michigan DNR. Also on the agenda: a snow removal contract with Calhoun Excavating ($180/hr, not to exceed $5,000/year), a required $7,000 Accident Fund audit, a $3,253.90 AIS repair to Engine 611, and authorization for the Supervisor and Clerk Wilson to negotiate the firefighters' contract. The Board also planned to continue discussing the Capital Improvement Plan, a new road policy, and possible new millages for police, roads, and facilities.
Public Comments
At the January 13 meeting, Lyn Livingston (Cherry Homes) urged strict compliance with Public Act 188 procedures before creating a Special Assessment District (SAD). Elizabeth Malleck asked the Board to pause cell tower decisions and fund a township-wide coverage study (estimated $20,000–$30,000), and opposed raising emergency purchase authority to $35,000. Tom Wellman (Cherry Homes) asked that the SAD resolution acknowledge possible road commission or millage funding and requested delaying the hearing. Mark Krueger supported the America 250 Woolsey grant application, an additional $50,000 for Woolsey in the CIP, and raised concerns that the SAD resolution omitted two lots and mischaracterized roads as private. Eric Potes opposed a Braman Hill cell tower and the $35,000 emergency spending increase, and said Buster Dame Park has been neglected. Elizabeth Mellick raised concerns about NLTUA sewer capital costs and Northport Creek ownership. Trustee Schwind reported Parks & Rec discussions on a donation box at Woolsey.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Conley reported ongoing discussions with Susan Leithauser-Yee toward a draft RFP for housing at 824 N. Warren St., expected to come to the Board in March. At the January 13 meeting, the Board approved a Housing North contract (up to 12 hours/month, $20,000 total, paid quarterly beginning January 2026). Resident Jim M. (for Ruth Overdier) had earlier questioned "attainable housing" income/rent definitions and long-term affordability safeguards.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board planned to deliberate a revised Parks Ordinance and updated park hours. The CIP draft includes funding for Braman Hill, Christmas Cove, Buster Dame, Omena Beach, and Peterson Park. The Winter Carnival is scheduled for February 28 at Braman Hill.
Infrastructure Projects
The Woolsey Airport/MDNR land exchange (14.429 acres Township land for 15.317 acres DNR land, appraised at $50,000 and $30,000 respectively) required a Board resolution; survey ($1,850) and appraisal ($3,985) costs were previously approved. An EGLE grant for Christmas Cove was submitted, total budget $53,655.94, Township share $26,066.94 (50.61%), with work potentially beginning January 2027. Cell tower siting at Braman Hill remained contested by multiple residents in earlier meetings. Supervisor Conley continued seeking a cell coverage analysis. The Cherry Homes road engineering study cost inquiry with the Road Commission was ongoing.
Other Business
Sportsman's Club lease discussions were deferred to April pending attorney review. MTA's conference (Traverse City, April 20-23) costs $400/person ($150 on-demand). Township Hall roof repair was expected the week of February 10.
Financial Summary
Proposed millages: 0.25 mill (police), 0.5 mill (facilities, ~$311,503/year), 1 mill (roads, ~$623,000/year, funding $600,000/year in improvements). Total revenues YTD (as of 1/31/2026): $1,500,401.08 of $3,397,766 budgeted; total expenditures YTD: $5,113,674.70 against $4,441,424.91 budgeted. January check register totaled $271,189.27; unpaid check run totaled $32,602.33.
Action Items
Draft housing RFP for 824 N. Warren St. due in March; Sportsman's Club contract issues to Board in April; Cherry Homes engineering study costs pending from Road Commission; budget reconciliation/amendments at March meeting; Supervisor to discuss Sheriff's contract renewal in February; cell coverage consultant still being sought.