Summary
The Charter Township of Elmwood Board met on August 10, 2026, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding. Trustee Jordan Gallagher was excused. The Board approved the consent calendar and agenda unanimously, adopted a resolution accepting a $400,000.00 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for the Cherry Bend Multi-Use Trail Project, approved marina security camera funding, a slip-fee rate adjustment, a fireworks display permit, a DTE tree grant, and invoice payments, while tabling a fuel tank installation request for further information.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting. During Extended Public Comment, Ronald Hines spoke; the minutes do not record the substance of his remarks or any Board response.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board adopted Resolution 11 of 2026, moved by Trustee Darga and seconded by Trustee D. Gallagher, accepting the terms of a $400,000.00 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund agreement to fund the Cherry Bend Multi-Use Trail Project. The motion passed 6-0 by roll call vote.
Supervisor Shaw reported on a DTE Foundation Tree Grant providing up to twenty trees for Township parks and grounds, requiring his signature on a three-year maintenance agreement. Moved by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Lautner, the Board unanimously accepted the grant by voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine presented three bids, ranging from $22,953.00 to $29,697.00, for security cameras at Brewery Creek to monitor the marina parking area, requesting a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000.00. Moved by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Treasurer Mikowski, the Board approved the $25,000.00 not-to-exceed amount 5-1 by voice vote, with Trustee D. Gallagher voting no.
Jenuwine also requested authority to raise marina slip fees up to 5% above forthcoming Michigan Waterways published rates, in order to issue 2027 contracts by the end of September ahead of the Waterways Commission's rate publication. Moved by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Darga, to approve up to a 5% increase above state rates for slip fees; the outcome of the vote is not recorded in the minutes.
Other Business
Chief Tampa presented a fireworks display application for August 29th on West Bay, east of Discovery Pier, consisting of ten fireworks. Moved by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Darga, the Board unanimously approved the application by voice vote.
Facilities Director Ian Ferguson and Fire Chief Keith Tampa requested installation of a 1,000-gallon diesel tank and a 185-gallon gasoline tank for Fire Department and Building/Grounds use, estimated at $34,926.00 total including tanks, pumps, electrical, and pad. The Board supported the concept but requested additional information next month, including increasing the gasoline tank to 300 gallons, confirming location, permits, and insurance liability.
Financial Summary
- $400,000.00 DNR Trust Fund grant accepted for the Cherry Bend Multi-Use Trail Project.
- $25,000.00 not-to-exceed approved for Brewery Creek marina security cameras (bids ranged $22,953.00–$29,697.00).
- An additional $2,000.00 authorized over the original approved amount for a storage container purchase.
- Up to a 5% increase above state-published rates approved for marina slip fees.
- $34,926.00 estimated cost presented for fuel tank installation; not yet approved.
- Invoices totaling $147,289.27 approved for payment.
Action Items
- Cedar Lake water levels to be discussed at next month's meeting.
- Harbormaster Jenuwine to meet again with camera vendors to confirm bids cover all needs.
- Facilities Director Ferguson and Fire Chief Tampa to return next month with additional details on fuel tank installation, including a larger 300-gallon gasoline tank option, confirmed location, permits, and insurance liability.