Summary
The Northport Village Council met on May 9, 2024, with President McCann presiding and all trustees present. The Council approved the April 11, 2024 minutes and the meeting agenda without changes. Key actions included initial presentation of the 2024-25 budget, an update on Seventh Street property options (including a possible attainable housing swap), a recommendation to revise the trash pickup program due to budget overages, approval of the Leelanau Uncaged event's street closures and park usage, approval of a tree light placement and storage contract, and payment of April bills totaling $111,322.35.
Public Comments
During the initial Public Comment period, Sawyer Scott and Karena Hacker requested permission to hold the Bolt Race on Saturday, August 31, 2024 (Labor Day weekend). Campbel Mcleod suggested that monthly updates on the golf course solar array proposal be included in the Parks and Recreation report, and thanked the Council for addressing light pollution at the marina, citing concerns about impacts on stargazing and navigational aids for boaters.
Written correspondence was received from Joanne Swanson regarding preservation of the 7th Street wetlands, and from Patrick Thompson and Kay Pentzien requesting enforcement action (details of the enforcement request were not specified in the minutes).
In the second Public Comments period, Joanne Swanson sought clarification on two points related to the Seventh Street property: whether the proposed swap of the DNR restrictive covenant would apply to the entire parcel discussed over the past two years or only the portion facing Seventh Street, and whether a formal motion and vote were needed to document the March meeting decision, or if it was already sufficiently documented. She noted Village Manager Jim Dyer might address these questions later. Campbel McLeod also commented on the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list and the process for adding items to it.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
As part of the Seventh Street Property Progress update, Village Manager Jim Dyer explained that a potential property swap could free up a different, less environmentally sensitive and better-located parcel for development, particularly for attainable housing. Dyer noted this plan has garnered interest from developers and the township. The Council approved a 60-day extension to explore the feasibility of the swap and covenant release; no vote or final decision on the housing development itself was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Campbel Mcleod suggested that the Parks and Recreation report include monthly updates on the status of solar arrays being considered for the golf course.
The 2024-25 budget presentation included discussion of replacing playground equipment at South Park.
The Council approved (Trustee Ager moved, Trustee Harper supported) authorizing use of village parks and resources for the Leelanau Uncaged event, directing staff to apply for necessary street closure permits. Trustee Ager described changes to this year's 10th annual event, including relocating food trucks to a designated lot, removing the Willowbrook and Union indoor stages, and adding a new all-dance stage in front of Tom's in partnership with the Traverse City Dance Project. Roll Call Vote: Yeas (7), Nays (0), Abstained (0). Motion carried.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Cavendish reported for the Infrastructure Committee that ongoing work includes finalizing the sidewalk ordinance, gathering information on electric vehicle charger installation, exploring cleanup options for the wind turbine site, and progressing a water rate study, with the goal of completing the study and reviewing proposed rates.
President McCann reported on the NLTUA (Northport/Leelanau Township Utilities Authority) meeting, where new officers were elected: Mike McMillan (chair), President McCann (vice chair), Trustee Harper (treasurer), and Jim Root (secretary). The Board discussed a possible sewer extension on Woolsey Lake Rd and is exploring options for a new system connection.
Campbel Mcleod thanked the Council for addressing light pollution at the marina, citing concerns for stargazing and navigational safety for boaters.
Other Business
- Village Manager Jim Dyer reported the masterplan survey questionnaire had received at least 120 legitimate responses; he encouraged continued submissions through the following week, with copies available online and at village hall.
- The Finance Committee (Trustee Gale) reported its meeting focused on the upcoming budget, restructuring, and infrastructure expansion.
- The Planning Commission (Trustee Gale) reported completion of an annual report to be presented to the Council in June; Trustee Cavendish noted a master plan project timeline is available on the Planning Commission Dropbox/page.
- The Council approved (Trustee Harper moved, Trustee Gale supported) a contract for tree light placement and storage. Roll Call Vote: Yeas (7), Nays (0). Motion carried.
- Trustee Cavendish announced the Northport graduation on May 31st at 7:00 PM, noting it may be one of the smallest graduating classes in school history, and encouraged public attendance.
- Trustee Cook raised concern about the out-of-service 911 call box at the waterfront, stating a replacement should be considered; further discussion planned for the waterfront meeting.
- Trustee Gale thanked Clerk Scott for creating a one-page budget dashboard summarizing all funds.
- President McCann stated he intends to run for Council president again in the upcoming election, reflecting on his experience in the role.
Financial Summary
- Village Manager Jim Dyer presented the first reading of the 2024-25 budget, covering revenues, operating expenses, and salary expenses for each fund, assuming a 3% across-the-board salary increase.
- Discussed upcoming policies for asset capitalization and fund balance/cash retention percentages to guide financial decision-making; also discussed possibly investing excess funds for additional revenue.
- Dyer recommended revising the trash pickup program due to budget constraints, noting current collection methods would exceed budget by at least $25,000. He recommended not spending an additional $20,000 in the current budget year and instead allocating a maximum of $5,000 in the next budget for a revised joint trash collection approach using dumpsters (estimated at up to 10 dumpsters for as little as $6,000). Dyer said he asked the township to contribute $5,000, which the village would match, for a working budget of $10,000; if the township does not contribute, other options will be explored.
- The Council approved (President Gale moved, Trustee Cook supported) payment of April bills totaling $111,322.35, when funds become available. Roll Call Vote: Yeas (7), Nays (0), Absent (0). Motion carried.
Action Items
- Village Manager Jim Dyer to continue accepting masterplan survey questionnaires through the following day and into the next week.
- Council to further discuss and finalize the 2024-25 budget, including new fund balance/cash retention and asset capitalization policies.
- A 60-day extension was granted to explore the feasibility of a property swap and covenant release related to the Seventh Street property; Village Manager Dyer to report back on findings, including clarifying whether the swap applies to the full parcel as raised by Joanne Swanson, and whether formal documentation of the March meeting decision is needed.
- Village Manager Dyer to pursue township contribution of $5,000 toward the dumpster-based trash collection program, with village match; alternative options to be explored if township does not contribute.
- Staff directed to apply for all necessary street closure permits for the Uncaged event.
- 911 call box replacement at the waterfront to be discussed further at the waterfront meeting.
- Infrastructure Committee to complete the water rate study and bring proposed rates back for discussion.
- Planning Commission's annual report to be presented to the Council in June.