Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met January 13, 2026, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five members present. The board approved the December 2025 minutes, renewed its audit agreement with Tobin and Co., approved two poverty exemption resolutions, adopted 2026 federal poverty guidelines, approved a summer tax collection agreement with Glen Lake Community Schools, and set March 21, 2026 as the date for the Annual Meeting.
Public Comments
Kathy Anderson raised concerns about the short-term rental (STR) reapplication process, stating she mailed her renewal in November with a check that wasn't cashed until December 30, and that Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan initially would not review it because renewals must now be submitted online. She noted about 15 applicants had similar issues and questioned why online-only submission was required, and suggested Sheehan monitor Airbnb/VRBO listings that advertise more occupants than permitted. Jim Massaroni asked for clarification on the poverty exemption, confirming it applies only to taxes for the exemption year, not permanently, and asked about progress on a "payment in lieu of taxes" concept previously discussed with Gateway (Empire); Stein said nothing further has developed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Stein noted plans to invite speaker Tom Nelson to the March 21, 2026 Annual Meeting to discuss the action plan for the Sugar Loaf Recreational Area.
Other Business
Planning Commission (Todd Nowak) reported no officer changes (Dean-chair, Paul-vice chair, Taylor-secretary), continued work on a zoning ordinance amendment, a recommendation to remove mining from the ordinance following review of Kasson Township's approach, and exploration of commercial solar on agricultural land. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan reported 43 land use permits and 36 STR permits issued in 2025, with 3 applicants remaining on the waiting list and ongoing form redesigns. ZBA (Jan Nowak) reported Mark Fisher is preparing an addendum on the West Traverse Lake matter; Jan Nowak will follow up. Maintenance (Stein) reported a snow removal delay was corrected next day and a power outage was managed without pipe freezing. Assessor Stein noted the Board of Review begins the second week of March.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Angie Diotte reported (Dec 31, 2025): beginning balance $397,406.25, disbursements $178,771.21, revenue $91,965.36, ending balance $310,600.40 (approved 5-0). Two poverty exemption resolutions (#2025-02 and #2026-10) were approved by unanimous roll call votes (5-0), using a 1.50 economic factor over federal poverty guidelines ($15,650 for one person, up to $54,150 for eight, yielding township allowances of $23,475 to $81,225). Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) proposed a new 2027/28 budget format reflecting a 19% increase (5% standard plus 14% additional) for approval by October 1, 2026. The board approved a 2026 Summer Tax Collection Agreement with Glen Lake Community Schools at $2.50 per parcel (5-0). Payment of bills for January 13, 2026 was approved 5-0.
Action Items
- Jan Nowak to follow up on the West Traverse Lake ZBA addendum with Mark Fisher.
- Scott Sheehan to investigate whether STR applicants must resubmit septic inspection records already on file within five years.
- Tim Stein to respond to Katie and Josh Blyh's correspondence regarding their STR permit application.
- Township representatives to review the CAFR 2027/28 draft budget before its October 1, 2026 approval deadline.