Summary
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners met August 11, 2026, with Chairman Steve Yoder presiding. Commissioner Robbins recused himself from a closed session due to a conflict of interest. The Board debated releasing investigation materials regarding former Administrator James Dyer (motions failed), moved the Administrator Recruitment RFP to September, and approved several Sheriff's Office, Facilities, and Parks & Recreation items. A closed session was held regarding pending litigation (MacGregor v. Leelanau County). Tensions among commissioners surfaced publicly, including Commissioner Robbins demanding investigations into the current administrator and himself.
Public Comments
Dana Getsinger spoke under the 1-Minute Topic of General County Concern. Steve Tostige spoke under the 3-Minute Agenda Specific comment period. Later in the meeting, Bill Wiesner and Steve Mikowski also addressed the Board. Written comments were submitted and are available via the county's agenda link, though the document does not summarize their content. County Treasurer John A. Gallagher III submitted an email with suggestions regarding reporting structures and ethics policy; Commissioner Campbell acknowledged the email, stating the Board was already working along similar lines through policy and attorney review.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board voted 6-0 (Robbins absent) to enter a Project Agreement with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for construction of a fully accessible trail around the lower pond at Veronica Valley County Park, and adopted a resolution accepting the grant terms (motion by Campbell). The Board also voted 6-0 to designate repainting, striping, and tennis court conversion at Myles Kimmerly Park as a project, not to exceed $15,000, funded from Parks & Recreation Capital Outlay Account #101.850.756.970.000 (motion by Wessell).
Infrastructure Projects
Director of Emergency Management/9-1-1 Matt Ansorge presented the Radio Replacement Project for discussion. No formal vote was taken; Chairman Yoder stated there was commissioner consensus to move forward with negotiations with Motorola.
Other Business
Interim Administrator Lauren Cypher reported Jenny Herman transferred to become Executive Assistant, an upcoming Fishbeck update on Brownfield Redevelopment, draft policies on Civil Infraction Ordinance and Ethics Complaint Policy, and progress on the Opioid Project RFP. MSU Extension (Jennifer Berkey) and Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (Dan Thorell, Michelle Klein) gave updates via PowerPoint. The Board approved: Sheriff's Office Livescan fingerprint fee adjustment ($60/$62 to $63/$65, effective Oct. 1, 2026); PPO Service Reimbursement Program participation; TIGGS Canteen meal price increase addendum; Secondary Road Patrol Grant application (deadline Aug. 31, 2026); 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Program (amended); Cintas uniform/towel laundering agreement; credit card issuance for Undersheriff Kiessel and Interim Administrator Cypher; FOIA Policy #1.04 revisions; and ACH Policy #7.11 revisions (pending legal review). The Audit Feedback item and Committee Structure discussion (Wessell) were moved to the August 18, 2026 Regular Session. A vacation-time payroll error (886 hours overbooked) was disclosed by Finance Director Rio Risbridger, with a new review procedure added. The Board moved into closed session regarding MacGregor v. Leelanau County (Case No. 1:26-cv-00245-PLM-PJG) with Cypher and Sheriff Borkovich present; no action was reported afterward.
Financial Summary
Claims and Accounts totaling $196,986.78 were approved. Post Audit Claims and Accounts totaling $2,765,436.76 were approved. Facilities purchases approved: restroom partitions from Allen Supply not to exceed $3,480.00 (Repairs and Maintenance #631.000.000.775.001); Summit Fire Protection invoice #4293197 for $7,200.00 for fire panel replacement (same fund); Cintas uniform agreement not to exceed $4,108.00/year (#631.000.000.727.000). Undersheriff Kiessel's new credit card carries a $4,500.00 limit.
Action Items
Commissioner Robbins publicly demanded an investigation into the current administrator regarding a credit card matter, and requested an investigation into himself regarding unspecified accusations, referencing a "secret email" naming other commissioners; he agreed to submit the request in writing to Chairman Yoder. Commissioner Bunek requested the draft Civil Infraction Ordinance be brought to the Building Safety Committee for recommendation. The Administrator Recruitment RFP item was postponed to the September 8, 2026 Executive Session. Two motions by Commissioner Campbell to release investigation/legal opinion documents regarding former Administrator James Dyer both failed 2-5 (Ayes: Bunek, Campbell).