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LEELANAU TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015 7:00PM
LEELANAU TOWNSHIP FIRE HALL
100 EIGHTH STREET
NORTHPORT, MI 49670
APPROVED MINUTES
I.
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE;
Supervisor Doug Scripps called the meeting to order at 7:p.m.
Board members present: Scripps, Clerk Deb Van Pelt, Treasurer Denise Dunn,
Trustee Galen Leighton, Trustee Gary Fredrickson.
There were 2 staff and 70+ citizens present.
II.
SET AGENDA:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DUNN AND SECONDED BY LEIGHTON TO SET THE
AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
MOTION PASSED 5-0
III.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 2015 REGULAR BOARD MEETING
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DUNN AND SECONDED BY FREDRICKSON TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 2015 REGULAR BOARD
MEETING AS PRESENTED.
MOTION PASSED 5-0
B. CURRENT BILLS
Van Pelt presented the list of current bills in the amount of $48,657.70. She
stated that there will be more bills that will need to be paid with second batch of
bills as this month our board meeting is early in the month.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DUNN AND SUPPORTED BY LEIGHTON TO APPROVE
THE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,657.70.
MOTION PASSED 5-0
IV.
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION REGARDING THE REQUEST FOR A PILOT
ORDINANCE FROM THE PROPOSED WODA GROUP DEVELOPMENT:
Scripps explained that this question and answer session be limited to 3 minutes per
person in length and on the WODA project only. He introduced Craig Patterson,
Senior Vice President of WODA. For questions of a general township or village
nature concerning the WODA project, Scripps had asked Andy Thomas and Ann
Marie Mitchell previously to provide answers. Van Pelt listed the names of
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individuals and groups who submitted letters of support or concern to the Board
before the meeting. They are Leelanau Reach, Leelanau Township Community
Foundation, Northport/Omena COC, The Leadership Team of the Leelanau Township
Community Foundation, Leelanau Children’s Center, Penny Garthwaite, John
Lesperance, Thomas & Milliken, Elizabeth Mallek, David Brigham, Ronald Schobel,
Barbara Weber, Tom’s Food Markets, and Northport Highlands. These letters are
attached to the official Board Meeting Minutes in the Township Office vault. Ben
Walraven, speaking on behalf of the Northport/Omena COC encouraged the Board
to vote in favor of the PILOT request. Allan Dalzell referred to the Leadership Team
document, agreeing that this will get rid of the blight of the old hospital, but had
concerns about the rest of the benefits to the township. As far as the Township’s
role in this project, Scripps explained that we’ve been asked to approve a PILOT,
(payment in lieu of taxes) only. Craig Patterson explained that this is not a Section 8
Project, we are not requesting any vouchers to be attached to this property.
Individuals who already have the vouchers could be eligible to apply here, as they
have already been screened by the local housing authority. Ronald Schobel
expressed concern that the community be protected from financial risk. David
Brigham shared some concepts for alternative use for this site, such as a quality
private condominium development. Andy Thomas commented that there are
people who work in the Village of Northport and can’t afford to live here, who can’t
find affordable rentals, who could benefit from this project. He referred to a survey
that found that 30 people per year in our township are in need of affordable
housing, so this project could be a start. Jess Piskor who owns Bare Knucle Farms in
Northport said he can’t afford to live here himself, also his employees who work
year around can’t find housing. He encouraged the Board to support this project.
Kevin Murphy, a business owner in Northport stated that his business partner
couldn’t find a place to live here and had to leave. Murphy’s wife works with
Parenting Communities and says that she is in contact with five families with young
children who can’t find a place to live in Leelanau Township. Murphy encouraged
the Board to support this WODA project. Craig Patterson explained that this project
would develop 3.5 acres of the 8 acres on this parcel in the village. At this time his
company does not have a plan for the remaining 5 acres. Jim Thomas shared
concerns about the Market Feasibility Study that was conducted last year in
reference to Leelanau Township versus Leelanau County. Ray Kellogg spoke that the
sewer connection fees to WODA are around $615,000. WODA will also be
responsible for the quarterly fees, which in the next 11 years would amount to
another $250,000 to $300,000, bringing that total close to $900,000. This would be a
big step towards paying off the sewer debt for the village. Ray & Thea encouraged
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the Board to vote for this PILOT project. Larry Coppard urged the Board to support
this PILOT project. He referred to a community survey conducted in 2012 by the
Village of Northport and Leelanau Township to develop a list of priorities by the
citizens of the community. Key to those priorities is having available workforce and
affordable housing. Barbara Weber recently heard a WODA official state, “Getting a
PILOT approval for the Northport project was a walk in the park”. She urged the
township not to be a pushover, but instead recognize the PILOT project for what it
is. She questioned the 16-year PILOT to the developer. John Lesko stated he is not
against the project but he does not agree with the “PILOT ordinance” because the
rate of taxpayer subsidy is too high. Betsy Mallek has spent the last 2 months
studying this project extensively, talking to attorneys, police and fire departments,
housing authorities, gathering data. The developer would like the PILOT approved
by February so they can get their documents in the April application deadline. There
is also an October 1st deadline where more funding is available. She asked why the
township has to be involved with the PILOT. Craig Patterson agreed that there are
two application deadlines, April and October and that there is more funding
available during the October granting cycle. He has been urged by local business
owners to move towards the April deadline because of the need for workforce
housing. Campbell McLeod asked that if the housing units are not occupied, would
WODA pay the quarterly sewer fees? It is the job of the village and township to
negotiate the best deal for the residents. Scripps asked Ann Marie Mitchell to
answer a question about real estate. Mitchell commented that when this property
was for sale, anyone had the opportunity to purchase it. There has not been much
interest in this property until now, we have a company interested who has a
community vision. Patterson commented that WODA, as the owners, pay the water
and sewer quarterly payments. Tony Lynte who sat on the MSHDA board for four
years commented that WODA is a great company, they already own and operate
properties in this region. Eric Allchin is owner and operator of Tribune Restaurant
that opened in January of 2015. One of the biggest challenges with his new business
has been finding employees who can find a place to live in this community. The lack
of affordable housing in Northport is a huge problem for the small businesses in
town. Scripps explained he has heard concerns of the impact of this housing
development on the emergency services in our township. He stated that WODA will
set aside $7,000 annually to cover those service taxes for fire, rescue and police
services, of which $6,000 of that goes to the township and $1,000 to the village.
Dunn asked how the taxes on the property are paid during the construction phase.
Patterson explained that the taxes are paid ad valorem until the first occupancy or
the first full year.
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Fred Steffens commented that here is an opportunity to take an old building and do
something with it that will also help towards the sewer debt. Scott Cain said that
he’s impressed with this project. Danielle Percy is a young worker in this area who
finds it difficult to find housing, she was insulted by the argument that low income
housing will bring riff-raff from Flint and Saginaw. John Lesperence has worked in
the Empire rental business, has concerns about Section 8 renters. Ben Crow has a
winery in the township, has trouble keeping employees because of the lack of
housing. Phyllis Rebori thanked the board for changing the location of this meeting
because of the large attendance, had questions about occupancy of these
apartments. Sarah Johnson works at the Leelanau Children’s Center stated that six
families wanted their children at the center but couldn’t find housing in the area and
have left. Robert Shirkey is in support of affordable housing and the PILOT program.
V.
REPORTS:
A. LEELANAU COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – TY WESSELL
Wessell stated that he brought copies of the Commission meeting agenda from
their meeting today. They spent a lot of time on the Sugar Loaf update, as well
as appointment of citizens to committees and commissions. Commissioner Jean
Watkowski announced that she will retire at the end of December.
B. LIBRARY QUARTERLY REPORT – DEB STANNARD
Stannard was not in attendance but included her report as part of the Board
packet and the Board accepted it as submitted.
C. FIRE DEPARTMENT – HUGH COOK
Cook highlighted the LEELANAU TOWNSHIP EMERGENCY SERVICES NOVEMBER
2015 RUN REVIEW. He commented on the 2 new fire fighters that the Board
approved last month, their background checks were clean, they will get their
physicals this week.
D. NEMS – PAT BURGUARD
In Burguard’s absence, Cook outlined the NEMS MONTHLY REPORT FOR
NOVEMBER 2015. Brett Moore, the newly hired EMT has completed approval
for the Education Consortium with Leland. This allows Leelanau Township to
issue paramedic continuing education credits for paramedic level licensure
without hiring a paramedic instructor.
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C. PLANNING COMMISSION – GALEN LEIGHTON
Leighton missed the last meeting and had no report.
VI.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. LEELANAU PENNINSULA HISTORY NETWORK REQUEST FOR 2% FUNDING
The Board received a request from this network for the township to submit an
application for 2% funding from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and
Chippewa Indians for $20,000 toward the purchase of advanced digitization
equipment.
Scripps suggested that since this encompasses the county of Leelanau and not
just Leelanau Township, this request should be brought to the County.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY FREDRICKSON AND SECONDED BY DUNN TO
APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION TO THE GRAND TRAVERSE
BAND OF OTTAWA AND CHIPPEWA INDIANS TRIBAL COUNCIL FOR 2%
FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF ADVANCE DIGITIZATION EQUIPMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $20,000 FOR THE LEELANAU PENINSULA HISTORY NETWORK.
MOTION WAS DEFEATED 0-5
B. CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 40’ X 60’ STORAGE BUILDING
Scripps explained that this is the formal contract with Dan Scott Builders, Inc. for
the storage building near the cemetery.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DUNN AND SECONDED BY FREDRICKSON TO RATIFY
A CONTRACT BETWEEN LEELANAU TOWNSHIP AND DAN SCOTT BUILDERS, INC.
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STORAGE BUILDING ADJACENT TO THE
TOWNSHIP CEMETERY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $47,472, INCLUDING
ANY SUB-CONTRACTORS, WITH THE SINGLE EXCEPTION OF THE CONCRETE
FOUNDATION, FOR WHICH THE TOWNSHIP WILL CONTRACT SEPERATELY.
MOTION PASSED 4-1
VII.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIES AT FIRE HALL
Arne Lande suggested that the township host Friday night movies twice a month
at the Leelanau Township Fire Hall during the winter, starting sometime in
January.
VIII.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Paul Rebori said this was a good meeting tonight, he feels the WODA project is an
excellent opportunity to welcome young people to our community. Betsy Mallek is
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in support of county representative on the NLTUA Board, she stated that Section 8
tenants do not have to be working, just have to have an income, she asked if there
was a plan for the remaining 5 acres. Jim Thomas is concerned that people make
too much to live in these apartments. Barbara Weber supports having a county
representative on the NLTUA Board. Phyllis Rebori asked what the next step is, will
the WODA project be on the January agenda. Paul Rebori commented that WODA
has a large company behind them. Karl Wizinsky stated that Parkside was not able
to complete their plan for the old hospital, he supports the WODA project.
IX.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
X.
ADJOURNMENT:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DUNN AND SECONDED BY VAN PELT TO ADJOURN.
MOTION PASSED 5-0
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Crowgey, Recording Secretary
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