Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met April 14, 2026, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all members (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte) present. The board approved the March minutes, treasurer's report, cemetery project bids, a 4-year Board of Review appointment for Bill Ross, zoning ordinance amendments banning mining, a traffic control resolution for Darwin Road, and payment of bills, all by 5-0 votes.
Public Comments
Attendees included Kate from the Leelanau Enterprise and Travis Kemp. During Open Public Forum, Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan and Travis Kemp presented "Zoning OS," an AI-driven website widget (branded Blue Water OS) that answers resident questions using township ordinances and documents, available 24/7. They proposed a $250/month ($3,000/year) subscription but offered it free to Cleveland Township since both live locally, requesting permission to test it live. The board did not adopt the service outright; instead, Tim Stein moved and Tracy Olsen seconded authorizing Blue Water OS to send a contract to Jan Nowak for review before the full board considers signing off via email. Motion carried 5-0.
Infrastructure Projects
Tim Stein reported the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) station facility has significant problems and needs replacement, noting the township pays over $600/month for its sewage system. A CAFR Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 was distributed for board review, with approval expected at the May meeting. CAFR also plans to rotate meetings among member townships, swapping its May meeting with Kasson Township's July meeting.
The board adopted a resolution, offered by Tim Stein and supported by Angie Diotte, requesting the Leelanau County Road Commission establish a Traffic Control Ordinance for Darwin Road (Wheeler Rd to Darwin Rd), citing hazardous parking linked to increased Palmer Woods Conservancy traffic, calling for no-parking signs every 50 feet. Roll call vote: all five members voted Aye; motion passed.
Other Business
Todd Nowak reported the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing next month on the Leelanau Conservancy's Sugarloaf property site plan and continues work on the Sliver Ray Private Commercial Ordinance. The board approved cemetery building repair bids from Honor Building Supply: painting at $2,145.00 and steel outswing doors at $1,352.00; door installation cost was not yet quoted but estimated under $500. The board approved zoning ordinance amendments (Sections 9.01 and 9.08) eliminating mining/gravel extraction provisions, consistent with the master plan. The board discussed whether to continue holding Annual Township Meetings, given printing costs, noting they are not legally required and could be replaced by a budget public hearing; a decision is expected by mid-year.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (March 31, 2026): Beginning Balance $664,844.11; Disbursements -$21,085.08; Revenue $53,524.91; Ending Balance $697,283.94 (approved 5-0). Cemetery project costs: painting $2,145.00, doors $1,352.00, installation estimated under $500. Proposed Blue Water OS subscription: $250/month or $3,000/year, offered free to the township.
Action Items
- Jan Nowak to review the Blue Water OS contract before board sign-off.
- Board to review and approve the CAFR Strategic Plan 2026-2030 at the May meeting.
- CAFR May meeting to be swapped with Kasson Township's July meeting.
- Board to reach a conclusion by mid-year on whether to continue Annual Township Meetings.
- Nello Valentine to provide a quote for cemetery door installation.
- Planning Commission public hearing on Sugarloaf property scheduled for next month.