LEELANAU TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, :00PM LEELANAU TOWNSHIP FIRE HALL 100 EIGHTH STREET NORTHPORT, MI APPROVED MINUTES

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1 LEELANAU TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, :00PM LEELANAU TOWNSHIP FIRE HALL 100 EIGHTH STREET NORTHPORT, MI 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. III. SET AGENDA: A MOTION WAS MADE BY DUNN AND SECONDED BY LEIGHTON TO SET THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION PASSED 5-0 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, 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, 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 1

2 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 2

3 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 1 st 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 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. 3

4 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 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. 4

5 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. VIII. 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. 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 5

6 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 6