Master Plan and Rec Plan: Delta County Commissioners Meeting (12/15/2025)

It is important to stay informed about local governance and the growth prospects of the county and its governing bodies. The county continues to move forward and grow, and it appears to be doing well in bringing new solutions and ideas to the table. Investors value access to information and opportunities to invest in communities that have strong infrastructure and workforce like this area.

It would be encouraging to see some form of manufacturing invest in the area to complement our existing lumber production and further diversify the local economy.

A few issues were raised, including the need for additional county attorneys following a recent resignation. The county may need to contract with a nonprofit organization while also encouraging more attorneys to step forward and live in the area. 

A couple of things that include the recreation plan and the master plan that are available to fill out. You can review the current Master Plan at Master Plan 2019.

Summary of Video from YouTube:

I have not seen minutes and a summary but this one can be done on YouTube for free. 

The Delta County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on December 16, 2025, covering various topics from administrative updates to new business proposals. Surveys are on the Planning Commission Site
The meeting commenced with a prayer (0:26) and the Pledge of Allegiance (0:42), followed by a roll call of commissioners (0:56). The minutes from the previous meeting (1:15) and the current agenda (1:46) were approved, with additions to the agenda including finance committee meetings and new business items such as the parks fund balance request, dispatch CAD contract, airport train proposal, and the MIDC contract (1:52-2:33).

Key Reports and Updates:

• The Administrator's Report (3:19) highlighted that the five-year "rec. plan" is open for public comment, and a survey is available for the new master plan. The fiscal year 2024 audit draft was received and is under review (4:11).
• The Hannaville Indian Community granted $50,000 to Delta County (4:30) for the non-motorized bike path connection between Escanaba and Gladstone, to be used for legal fees, architectural design, or property purchase (5:08).
• Commissioners were urged to review legislative updates from MAC (5:35), which include topics on MIDC, PO service, the sheriff's department, and prepaid impatient health plans RFP.
• Attorney Sarah McGregor is assisting with the MIDC transition (6:02) after the resignation of the lead attorney, and discussions are ongoing with Iron County regarding a memorandum of understanding (6:21).
• The Finance Committee meeting minutes (7:33) were discussed and accepted (8:42), with key topics including the parks and recreation request for additional funds due to gravel prices (7:51) and updates on the CAD contract and airport HVAC system (8:12-8:30).

Decisions on Unfinished Business:

• The FOIA appeal number 25-268 was denied (9:03).
• The Marquette County inmate housing contract (9:28) was accepted after legal review (9:58).
• The airport Me Hunt sign contract (10:14) for stone removal equipment building was approved, contingent on FAA design plan approval (10:43).

New Business Highlights:

• Payment of bills totaling $2,669,541.27 (11:38) was approved (12:01).
• The airport marketing plan (12:21) with Morgan Murphy Media was approved (13:03).
• The 2026 remonumentation grant application (13:23) was accepted (14:06).
• The 2025 remarketing invitation completion report (14:21) was placed on file (14:36).
• The Michigan State University (MSU) memorandum of agreement FY26 (14:46) was accepted (15:22).
• The retirement of L. Stannic Belt (15:43) and the request for a lump sum payout and filling of the juvenile diversion director position were approved (16:22).
• The transfer of Z. Villainov (16:38) to road patrol and the request to fill the corrections position were approved (17:31).
• A request for donation for the foreclosure sale case Michael Pong versus Isabella County (17:39) was discussed, and the board allocated $4,000 towards attorney fees from the delinquent tax fund (21:06).
• The proposed MAC Workman's Comp Committee policy (21:24) was discussed extensively, particularly regarding the rotation of the board assignment and transparency of compensation, but ultimately did not pass (31:43).
• Informational items included listing resolutions on the county's website (31:48), a plan for ADA compliance for board packets (33:37), and discussions around a 24-hour rule on board packets (34:51) to ensure public access to information before meetings, aiming for Monday at noon packet release (39:42). A 10-day notice for potential changes to the rules of procedure was noted (41:00).
• The Opioid Task Force's recommendation to deny a mini-grant application (41:37) that did not fit the statutory parameters was approved (42:59).
• A parks fund balance request (43:09) for an additional $7,000 for water tanks and gravel was approved (43:44.
• The dispatch UP CAD contract (43:55) was presented, seeking board approval for the dispatch director to enter into a collaborative agreement for a new CAD system, which would open potential for state funding (44:50).