Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on April 14, 2025, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding. The board approved the consent calendar, agenda, and several significant items including a cell tower proposal, marina grant extensions, a marina change order, an additional slip proposal, and invoice payments. All motions passed unanimously by voice vote. Trustees Jordan Gallagher and Chris Mikowski were excused.
Public Comments
Duane Straubel spoke during both the initial Public Comment period and Extended Public Comment; no specific concerns or details of his remarks were recorded in the minutes. In response to public comment, Supervisor Shaw noted that MDOT only removed trees it was required to remove and would replace trees at a 1.5 to 1 ratio.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Planner Sarah Clarren presented a quote from Great Lakes Recreation to install playground equipment purchased the previous year. On a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher, the board approved the quote in the amount of $5,350.00.
Infrastructure Projects
Dan Crane of APC Towers presented two options to address a coverage gap in the eastern township: purchasing the AT&T-leased tower at the old fire station, or building a new tower in the Brewery Creek area, placed as far north on the parcel as possible. The board preferred the new tower option. On a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Gallagher, the board voted to proceed with attorney review and negotiations for the Brewery Creek option.
Planner Sarah Clarren presented Waterways Grant Agreement Amendments for Marina Phases 3B and 3C, noting the grants expire July 21, 2025, while the project end date is projected as July 11, 2025. On a motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga, the board approved the extensions and authorized the Supervisor to sign the agreements.
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine reviewed a marina change order for value-added improvements previously cut to reduce costs, made possible because the contract came in under budget. Clerk Preston noted the projected 2025 ending cash balance, without contract changes, should be three million. On a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Lautner, the board approved the change order in the amount of $271,994.12.
Jenuwine also presented a proposal to repurpose a finger pier and affix it to C Dock, providing an additional 30' slip and potentially a 24' slip. On a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher, the board approved $10,000.00 for the additional pier.
Other Business
Clerk Preston reported that a first quarter revenue/expenditure report was included in board packets. Clerk Preston explained the need to hold public hearings to establish the 2025 special assessment roll for two road maintenance districts. On a motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher, the board set these public hearings for May 12, 2025.
Financial Summary
- Playground equipment installation quote approved: $5,350.00
- Marina change order approved: $271,994.12
- Additional marina pier approved: $10,000.00
- Invoices approved for payment: $456,804.54
- Projected 2025 ending cash balance (without contract changes): three million
Action Items
- Attorney to review and begin negotiations for the Brewery Creek cell tower option.
- Supervisor Shaw to sign Waterways Grant extension agreements for Marina Phases 3B and 3C.
- Public hearings for the two Road Maintenance Special Assessment Districts scheduled for May 12, 2025.