Does the Glen Arbor Town hall need a second building? That question was brought forth at the township board’s April meeting by Glen Arbor Resident Bob Ihme.
The parcel in question sits immediately west of the township hall, known as the Glen Arbor Center, and has recently been put up for sale.
“What I would ask the township board is not necessarily a decision tonight , but to at least investigate the feasibility of whether it makes sense to purchase it, given that it’s available now and it hasn’t been available for over 40 years,” Ihme explained.
Board members expressed interest in the opportunity but stopped short of taking action, emphasizing the need for more information and public input before moving forward.
“My only thought is that it should probably go to a vote of the people before we decide to do anything,” board member John DePuy said. “It’s going to require more millage to purchase it, because I don’t think we have the money in the budget to do it.”
Purchasing the property would have some potential benefits including expanded parking, improved traffic flow during busy summer events, and additional space for township operations. Township treasurer Don Lewis also noted that acquiring the land could help address ongoing drainage issues near the current township hall.
At the same time, the board raised questions about cost, longterm maintenance, how the property would be ultimately used, and whether it is really necessary. All members agreed and emphasized that any proposal would need to be fully discussed with the public.
“I think we need to make a strong case for why we would want to do this,” township clerk Pam Laureto said. “Not just that it’s available.”
Going forward, township supervisor Tom Laureto asked the board members to continue gathering information to be discussed at the next meeting in May.
A new assistant fire chief position was approved, formalizing the role that Captain Chad Dykgraaf has effectively been in for months while Fire Chief Bryan Ferguson was recovering from a car crash that took place late last year.
The promotion, effective May 1, moves Dykgraaf’s position into a more administrative role with added responsibilities in operations and coordination. His promotion was brought to the board with full support from both Chief Ferguson and the township’s Emergency Services Advisory Commission.
In additional Fire Department business the board approved a renovation project at the station to improve the living quarters and upgrade windows throughout the building.
The project is expedited to cost between $533,000 and $559,000, with construction potentially beginning in early June. To help fund the project, the Fire Department plans to sell an old ladder truck and an old engine which will hopefully bring in around $600,000 depending on market conditions.
Earlier in the meeting, a presentation from the Leelanau County Road Commission (LCRC) offered a broader look at infrastructure challenges across the county and township.
LCRC managing director Brendan Mullane outlined recent changes to state road funding, including a shift to a higher pergallon tax and the creation of a new “neighborhood road fund,” which would provide additional support for local roads without requiring matching funds from townships.
Even with those changes, the current funds come up short. Countywide, an estimated $30 million would be required to address all local roads currently in poor condition.
Glen Arbor, however, stands out. About 95% of its local roads are rated in good or fair condition, which is well above the statewide average.
Residents can expect to see road work in the township this summer, including patching and prep work for future chip sealing.
