Summary
The Leland Township Special Board Meeting was held on July 28, 2026, with key discussions regarding appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and public comments expressing concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. The board approved the appointment of four members to the ZBA and addressed public grievances regarding the application process.Public Comments
Several members of the public voiced their concerns during the meeting:- Bob and Arden Schlueter expressed discontent that only four applicants were considered for the ZBA when nine had applied and highlighted biases among some of the selected nominees.
- Tony Borden explained his volunteer work and stated his intent to recuse himself from any voting related to the Youth for Christ matter.
- Larry Acker questioned the appointments made against the backdrop of a lawsuit involving the Supervisor.
- Kathy Dawkins, Amy Smith, and others also emphasized the need for candidates free from biases on the ZBA.
- Overall, there were repeated calls for more transparency in the appointment process and criticism of the meeting’s timing and format.
The Supervisor, Clint Mitchell, reiterated that the appointment process adhered to established procedures, addressing some concerns raised.
Action Items
The board took the following actions regarding appointments to the ZBA:- Appointed Mary Linguar to the ZBA, term expiring in December 2028 (Motion carried 4-0).
- Appointed Lisa Psenka to the ZBA, term expiring in December 2028 (Motion carried 4-0).
- Appointed Tony Borden as an alternate member of the ZBA, term expiring in July 2029 (Motion carried 4-0).
- Appointed Lynn Dunn as an alternate member of the ZBA, term expiring in July 2027 (Motion carried 4-0).