Summary
The Elmwood Township Board, meeting May 11, 2026 with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding, approved several resolutions including a marina grant extension, two road special assessment rolls, an election inspector wage increase, new Cedar Lake Dam attendants, a Granicus contract renewal, a fire millage ballot proposal, and an insurance renewal. Trustee Dave Darga was excused; all other members were present.
Public Comments
During the public hearing on the S. Blue Ridge Lane, S. Orchard Way, and E. Old Orchard Rd. special assessment roll, Colleen Thomas asked whether road work would be done, noting washouts on some shoulders; no response was recorded in the minutes. No comments were offered during the E. Timberwoods/S. Fox Valley Lane/S. Cottonwood Dr. hearing. During Extended Public Comment, Robert Sokolnicki and Gary Bassett spoke, though no specific concerns were recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine reported on 250th celebration plans, a renewed Clean Marina Certificate, cleaned retention ponds, filled summer storage (30 spaces full), removal of abandoned boats at Brewery Creek, a working ice machine, and ongoing A dock planning. He proposed allowing dogs at the north end of Greilickville Harbor Park to accommodate marina guests; the Board reached consensus for a 30-day trial. Clerk Preston noted the Park Ordinance would need updating if the change becomes permanent. The Board also approved the Leelanau Soccer Club license renewal (redlined version) regarding parking, keeping fees unchanged, by unanimous voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board adopted Resolution 6 of 2026 approving a Waterways grant extension for Marina Phase 3C, authorizing the Supervisor to sign, passing 6-0 by roll call vote; the extension addresses installation of a required signage, which the Harbormaster said could take seven months to produce. The Board also adopted Resolution 7 of 2026 (East Timberwoods Drive, S. Fox Valley Lane, S. Cottonwood Drive special assessment roll) and Resolution 8 of 2026 (S. Blue Ridge Lane, E. Old Orchard Road, S. Orchard Way special assessment roll), both passing 6-0 by roll call vote. The Board approved Shawn Goss and Paul Greeney as new Cedar Lake Dam attendants, following Mike Williams' resignation, with plans for additional monitoring gauges.
Other Business
The Board approved the Granicus contract for three years, minus compliance outreach, unanimously by voice vote. Fire Chief Keith Tampa reported 51 calls in April, staffing issues, and the new ambulance in service.
Financial Summary
Election inspector wages were increased from $18.00 to $20.00 per hour, unanimously approved. A 2.75 mils fire operations ballot proposal was approved for the August ballot, projected to cover an additional $160,900.00 in salary/benefits with a $26,000.00 cushion. Insurance renewal with Municipal Underwriters of West Michigan was approved at $61,643.00, reflecting new additions (a fire truck at $773.00, ambulance at $3,681.00, marina building at $4,371.00) plus an 8% overall increase. Invoices totaling $183,149.09 were approved for payment.
Action Items
Produce and install the required marina signage before the extended grant deadline. Finalize the Greilickville Harbor Park dog policy trial (30 days) and consider Park Ordinance revision if made permanent. Ensure insurance renewal is finalized by the June 1 effective date. Place the 2.75 mils fire millage proposal on the August ballot. Cedar Lake Dam attendants to pursue additional monitoring gauge improvements.