Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on June 8, 2026, with all members present. The Board approved the consent calendar, agenda, and several new business items including a Fireworks permit for the Cherry Festival and Boom Boom Club, a resolution to join a joint representation agreement for Charter Communications franchise renewal negotiations, and a trial summer schedule for office hours. Invoices totaling $113,242.28 were approved for payment.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Clerk Preston relayed concerns from the Leelanau Soccer President regarding the fertilizing section of the club's agreement, fearing costs would be prohibitive, and regarding insufficient parking. The Board determined the fertilizing language approved the previous month was acceptable, with Supervisor Shaw stating the Township has never been unreasonable about fertilizing and seeding. Clerk Preston noted she informed the club that parking could occur in front of and behind the township hall, and, once all lots were filled, on Lincoln Rd., but not on Cherry Bend Rd. for safety reasons. No motion was made on this item.
Infrastructure Projects
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine reviewed his written report on marina operations. Deputy Harbormaster Chad Jelinski presented the marina's new website, highlighting the ability for customers to book transient reservations, and demonstrated the township's 250th celebration website.
Supervisor Shaw explained the need to renegotiate the Charter Communications franchise agreement, noting other jurisdictions have proposed joint representation for the negotiations. MOTION BY TRUSTEE DARGA, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE D. GALLAGHER to adopt Resolution 9 of 2026 authorizing participation in the joint representation agreement passed 7-0 by roll call vote.
Other Business
Deputy Treasurer/Receptionist Chelcie Eisner proposed closing the office at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays and opening at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday, citing low call volume after 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. Planner Sarah Clarren said the office is usually reachable during lunch and saw no need to open earlier than 9:00 a.m. MOTION BY CLERK PRESTON, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE DARGA to maintain office hours of Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a trial basis for the summer passed unanimously by voice vote.
The Board reviewed the Fire Chief's assessment of the Cherry Festival and Fourth of July fireworks applications, noting plans were similar to past years with a few larger shells. MOTION BY TRUSTEE LAUTNER, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE DARGA to approve both fireworks permits passed unanimously by voice vote.
Financial Summary
MOTION BY TRUSTEE DARGA, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE D. GALLAGHER to pay invoices in the amount of $113,242.28 passed unanimously by voice vote.
Action Items
- Office hours change (Friday closing at 3:00 p.m., trial basis) to be evaluated over the summer.
- Soccer agreement parking and fertilizing terms to remain as approved last month; ongoing concern raised by the Leelanau Soccer President regarding cost and parking availability.