Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met on September 8, 2026, with Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, and Angie Diotte present (Todd and Jan Nowak absent). The board approved the August 11 minutes, the August 30 Treasurer's Report, and payment of bills. Key actions included upholding FOIA fees charged to Peter Skribanek, approving the L-4029 Tax Rate Request, and voting to take no further township action or spending on the LTL culvert project pending assurance from the National Park Service, referring the matter instead to the Leelanau County Road Commission. A lengthy public forum followed regarding the culvert/flooding issue.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke during the Open Public Forum on the LTL culvert issue. Mike Celentino asked whether the township would issue a statement supporting culvert improvements based on the Golsing Czubak study to the Road Commission and National Park Service. Gwen Allgaier criticized the Supervisor for proposing a special assessment district (SAD) plan before determining the most effective approach, and suggested a 20-year assessment period rather than 10 years would have been more workable for residents. Johnny Marks asked about pursuing national culvert grants or Michigan state grants as funding alternatives. Douglas Alexander, who owns 9.5 acres on the south side of LTL, opposed the SAD, stating it would have cost him over $12,000 with no benefit, questioned flooding impact claims on lake biology, and argued building basements near the lake was unwise. Kurt Kelsinger asked whether Native tribal law governs lake levels. Todd Bredin questioned the township's involvement given the Road Commission owns the culvert infrastructure, and argued the county bears responsibility when government-owned infrastructure failure causes flooding of private property. Jean Bredin asked why the Road Commission has been absent from these meetings despite owning the infrastructure. No board responses to these comments were recorded in the minutes.
Infrastructure Projects
The board discussed the long-standing West End LTL culvert/paving project. Supervisor Stein noted that EGLE has not approved permitting and the National Park Service has not assured that downstream water of Shelda Creek will remain free of impediments, per findings from the Czubak Gosling survey the township previously funded. Motion by Tim Stein, seconded by Angie Diotte: no further township action or expenditure on the culvert issue until National Park Service assurance is received, with the matter referred to the Leelanau County Road Commission as the responsible authority. Ayes: 3, Nays: 0; motion carried.
Maintenance Report: The township park dock/launch was extensively damaged on 8/19, repaired by 8/21. The responsible party will pay restitution of approximately $815 by mailed check. Further work will occur once the dock is removed.
Other Business
Clerk's Report: Preparations underway for the November election. Planning Commission continues work on the master plan and survey questions, per Todd Nowak's email report; no public input was received at the 9/2 meeting. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan will place STR rental renewal review on the October agenda for Nov./Dec. action. CAFR board approved its 2027/28 budget (addressing added ALS expenses over the past 5 years) for township review in October, with township approval required by December 31, 2026; an amended interlocal agreement addressing capital expense procedures and a potential second auxiliary station in Kasson Township will also be discussed in October.
Financial Summary
- Treasurer's Report (August 30, 2026): Beginning Balance $524,310.14; Disbursements $22,307.94; Revenue $10,457.00; Ending Balance $512,459.20. Approved 3-0.
- L-4029 Tax Rate Request approved 3-0: operating mileage reduced by Headlee amendment to .5266; fire/emergency mileage at 2.50 mills; road maintenance/improvement mileage reduced to .4874.
- 2026 PILT award from Leelanau County: $11,986.53 (sub award 2026-003), for federal lands not on the tax roll.
Action Items
- CAFR 2027/28 budget and letter to be reviewed by board members at October meeting; township approval needed by December 31, 2026.
- CAFR interlocal agreement amendments, including capital expense procedures and proposed second auxiliary station in Kasson Township, to be discussed at October CAFR meeting.
- Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan to place STR rental renewal review as an action item on the October board agenda.
- Culvert/LTL flooding issue referred to Leelanau County Road Commission for further action; no further township expenditure pending National Park Service assurance on downstream impediments.