The Leelanau Township Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on February 11, 2025, to address various township matters. Key items include approving meeting minutes and bills, reviewing correspondence, and hearing reports from officials. Discussions will cover budget amendments, housing, and road prioritization, concluding with public comments and the next meeting scheduled for March 11.
During the public comment session, several residents voiced their concerns. Dan Toole urged the board to maintain a $100,000 allocation for Woosley Airport repairs while Jeff Troph highlighted issues related to property taxation. Other comments included queries about the assessing contract, proposed tower costs, and the hiring of a new facilities manager.
The Leelanau Township budget report for the fiscal year 24-25 reveals a strong General Fund performance with actual revenues surpassing estimates significantly. However, the Emergency Services Fund faces challenges, showing a deficit due to high operational costs. Other funds also display varied financial activities, highlighting the ongoing fiscal management efforts within the township.
Community concerns regarding housing, parks, and governance have been voiced to the Leelanau Township Board. Residents emphasize the urgency for attainable housing solutions and improved parks, while expressing dissatisfaction over the restructuring of governance roles. Engagement with constituents is critical as the board navigates its budgeting process, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
The Leland Township Board meeting on February 10, 2025, saw significant public comments regarding concerns over township issues, including salary increases and the need for a street light. Residents voiced dissatisfaction with financial transparency and decision-making processes, while reports highlighted ongoing budget planning and a tentative agreement with Fire Department employees, addressing key local concerns.
The Empire Village Council convened for their regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at the Empire Township Hall. The agenda included important discussions on public comments, departmental reports, and various new and old business items, including the approval of policies regarding sidewalk snow removal and the 2025-2029 Recreation Plan. Notably, the council paid tribute to former President Dave Taghon.
The Empire Village Council met on January 28, 2025, discussing the Recreation Plan and proposed boardwalk across South Bar Lake. Residents expressed concerns about environmental impacts and taxpayer costs. Two motions regarding the plan failed, leading the Council to seek further public input. The meeting addressed the Capital Improvement Plan and ended at 9:00 p.m.
This document presents a petition from residents of Empire Village, urging the Village Council to reconsider certain actions proposed in the 2025 Draft Recreation Plan concerning South Bar Lake. The undersigned taxpayers express their concerns over using public funds to purchase fragile wetland property and develop a boardwalk through sensitive areas, arguing that these plans conflict with community goals.
The author expresses concerns regarding a petition among Village residents to remove specific Action Items from the Recreation Plan. They argue this undermines the public participation process mandated by the DNR, emphasizing that these items stemmed from public input. The author questions ignoring survey results showing resident support and advocates for studying the proposals before making decisions.
The proposal to purchase property on the South Shore of South Bar Lake for a boardwalk faces opposition due to environmental concerns and local sentiment. Many residents advocate for preserving the wetland naturally rather than pursuing development, emphasizing alternatives that protect resources without using taxpayer funds. They call for reconsideration of the related planning documents.
