Summary
The Northport Village Council met on November 14, 2024, with President Christopher McCann presiding and all trustees present. The Council approved the October minutes, amended the agenda to include a budget adjustment for marina concrete work, and acted on several resolutions including a credit card policy, social district boundary changes, and 2025 transient slip rates. A proposal to raise the speed limit on Bay/Rose Street from 15 mph to 25 mph failed. The Council also received staff and committee reports, discussed recognition for playground equipment funders, and heard remarks noting the upcoming departures of Trustees Barb Conley and Jane Gale, as well as William Harper's resignation from the NLTUA Board.
Public Comments
Anne Harper spoke in support of maintaining the 15 mph speed limit on Rose Street, citing pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns due to limited sidewalks and the presence of children, seniors, golf carts, and trucks in the scenic area. She also expressed gratitude to Trustee Jane Gale for her service to the village.
Karl Wizinsky added to Harper's comments, suggesting that sidewalks should be planned for the Rose Street area, particularly given pedestrian danger on market days when only one sidewalk exists on one side of the street. Wizinsky proposed postponing any speed limit decision until a sidewalk plan and budget are established.
Correspondence was also received from Barb Conley (resignation from the Village Council), William Harper (resignation from the NLTUA Board), and Anne Harper (written comments on the Rose Street speed limit).
No public comments were made during the second Public Comments period later in the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
President McCann reported that the new playground equipment is nearly fully installed, with one small piece still missing, delaying a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The playground was funded jointly by the Leelanau Township Community Foundation and a GTB 2% grant. McCann suggested creating a plaque or sign to recognize these contributions. Village Manager James Dyer proposed obtaining sign designs and securing approval from both grant funders and the Council before proceeding. The Council expressed general support, emphasizing that the recognition sign should be culturally appropriate and meet grant providers' requirements. No vote was taken; this remains a next step for staff.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Cavendish, presenting the Infrastructure report, noted ongoing discussions to identify and prioritize locations for new sidewalks and their maintenance. She reported that the Waukazoo Street sewer work performed for NPG has been completed, though she highlighted a need for improved communication with surrounding property owners and businesses regarding timeline changes on projects not directly managed by the village.
The Council approved a resolution modifying the Social District boundary and map as presented (Roll Call Vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; Motion Carried), authorizing the village manager to implement the change.
A resolution to change the speed limit on Bay/Rose Street from 15 mph to 25 mph was moved by Trustee Cook and supported by Trustee Conley. Trustee Cook argued the new 4-way stop had resolved most traffic issues. Trustee Conley proposed a compromise of keeping 15 mph near the farmers market and raising it further down the street, but the Council felt multiple speed limits on one street would be confusing. President McCann opposed any increase, arguing the 15 mph limit should remain until sidewalks are installed, noting pedestrians often walk in the road rather than on grassy areas. Roll Call Vote: Yeas 0, Nays 7; Motion Failed.
The Council approved 2025 transient slip rates for the Marina (moved by Trustee Ager, supported by Trustee Conley), directing the village manager to include these rates in the Marina revenue for the 2025 budget. The Waterfront Committee had already reviewed and approved the rate changes to make the marina more competitive, as current rates were considered too low for the amenities offered. Roll Call Vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; Motion Carried.
Village Manager James Dyer also updated the Council on Consumers Energy's reconfiguration of streetlights to LED, presenting an opportunity to reassess necessary lighting, and discussed a proposed condominium development near Vincer Way and M22, noting a 75-foot well isolation distance would reduce the number of lots; he recommended preliminary Planning Commission review.
Other Business
The Council approved a resolution to implement a village credit card program, authorizing the village manager, clerk, and treasurer to sign necessary documents (Roll Call Vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; Motion Carried; Resolution Declared Adopted).
Trustee Gale reported on Planning Commission discussions regarding future land use and zoning district amendments, including a proposal to create a continuous business district rather than scattered business zones. Jim Dyer noted the Planning Commission identified up to 20 areas where zoning might need changes, with plans to define these areas, identify affected lots, prioritize them, and engage property owners early. Dyer expects a prepared list for the next Planning Commission meeting, to be included in a future council packet.
Council members made closing comments: Trustee Harper expressed mixed feelings about Village Manager Jim Dyer pursuing career advancement opportunities, noting he felt blindsided by the news though acknowledging Dyer had no legal obligation to disclose it; Harper also expressed frustration over low attendance from interested council candidates. Trustee Conley thanked Dyer for his contributions and announced this was her last meeting. Trustee Cavendish thanked Conley and Jane Gale for their service, noting Gale's extensive contributions including committee minute-taking.
Financial Summary
James Dyer presented the village's first-quarter (July–September) budget report. The Marina collected 79.01% of expected revenues with expenses at 60%. General Fund revenues were at 75%, with expenses at only 11.12%. Salary expenses were slightly above 25% in some funds due to seasonal employment and salary allocation adjustments. The new financial reporting format was well received by the Finance Committee.
The Council approved increasing the budget for marina concrete work from $11,000 to $11,200 (moved by Trustee Conley, supported by Trustee Cook), after Village Manager Dyer explained the actual cost exceeded the original authorization; the adjustment ensures accurate documentation in case of audit. Roll Call Vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; Motion Carried.
The Council approved payment of October bills totaling $312,765.85, when funds become available (moved by President McCann, supported by Trustee Cavendish). Roll Call Vote: Yeas 7, Nays 0; Motion Carried.
The Council also approved 2025 transient slip rates for the Marina, to be incorporated into the 2025 Marina revenue budget, following Waterfront Committee review aimed at making rates more competitive.
Action Items
- Village Manager James Dyer to obtain designs for a recognition sign honoring the Leelanau Township Community Foundation and GTB 2% grant contributions to the new playground equipment, and secure approval from both funders and the Council.
- Village Manager James Dyer to define the up to 20 identified zoning areas more specifically, identify affected lots, prioritize them, and engage property owners early in the process, with a list to be prepared for the next Planning Commission meeting and later included in a council packet.
- Village Manager to include the newly approved 2025 transient slip rates in the Marina revenue when presenting the 2025 budget, and adjust the village's fee schedule accordingly.
- Village manager, clerk, and treasurer authorized to sign all necessary documents to implement the new village credit card program.
- Village manager authorized to take necessary steps to implement the modified Social District boundary and map.
- Follow-up needed regarding sidewalk planning and budgeting on Rose Street, raised by residents Anne Harper and Karl Wizinsky in connection with the ongoing speed limit dispute, which remains unresolved after the Council rejected raising the speed limit to 25 mph.