Northwestern Michigan College

The meeting included the annual meeting business, where officers were elected, naming Mark Keley as Chair, Jod Linquist as Vice Chair, Pam Horn as Secretary, and Andy Robachek as Treasurer. Proposed regular meeting dates through June 2027 were reviewed. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation by the East Bay District Corridor Improvement Authority regarding the East Bay Beach District, a high-priority corridor with high traffic and diverse land uses. The presentation detailed community visioning efforts, marketing and branding initiatives, and priority projects, including improvements for the Four Mile road end, safe pedestrian crosswalks, sidewalk maintenance, and placemaking elements. The authority is pursuing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) development plan over 20 years to fund public infrastructure investments along the corridor, aiming to enhance safety, improve non-motorized access for students and the community, and boost regional economic vitality. Discussions also covered improving connectivity from NMC and the east side of town to the TART trail.

The purpose of this meeting is for updates and discussions regarding the selection of 2026 Fellow(s) for recommendation to the Full Board of Trustees, the date of the 2026 Fellows Celebration, and other potential discussion items.

During the annual meeting business, the notice of the annual meeting proof of service was reviewed, and reports from the Secretary and Treasurer were presented, including information on the 2025 audit. Trustees verified residential addresses and completed Conflict of Interest Disclosure statements for 2026. New officers were elected for 2026, including a new Chair. Key reports included a presentation on the East Bay Beach District Corridor Improvement Authority and its proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and the 2024-2025 Annual Report for Extended Education and Training. The President provided an update on the process leading to the recommendation to authorize the sale of the Boardman Lake Campus real property to the Grand Traverse Tribe of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Action items included the approval of a resolution authorizing the administration to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Boardman Lake Campus, subject to proceeds being placed in a Board-designated fund. The Board also approved discontinuing the Welding Certificate Level I and establishing a Welding Certificate Level III, authorized the temporary suspension of the liquor license for teaching seminars, and approved the purchase of SentinelOne security incident and event management software.

This document outlines the strategic plan for Anchor and Edge for the period of 2026-2029. It focuses on key strategies including Future-Focused Education, Enrollment and Student Success, and fostering a Vibrant College Community. The plan is supported by strategic drivers such as Living Our Brand, People First, Community Partnerships, and Stewardship/Sustainability, with regular updates provided to the Board of Trustees.

The primary discussion focused on the Boardman Lake Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) with the Grand Traverse Tribe of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Key terms of the agreement, which was approved by the Tribe the previous day, included a final sale price of $27 million, acceptance of a gaming restriction, and the Tribe paying closing fees. Discussion also covered the transition plan for departments located at the Boardman Lake Campus, including expected leaseback periods for office space (up to 12 months) and the development of a distinct fiber internet infrastructure lease for the Rogers Observatory and Intermediate School District. The Board directed that the proceeds from the sale must be utilized for capital projects, such as the Osterlin Student Services Hub and a geothermal energy project, and explicitly not for operational deficits or one-time expenses. A follow-up request confirmed that the final action item language for the PSA would specify that proceeds are to be invested into a Board-designated fund.