Summary
The Cleveland Township Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing was held March 29, 2025, chaired by Supervisor Tim Stein. The board approved prior minutes (Ayes 5, Nays 0), reviewed reports from the Supervisor, Fire Chief, Road Commission and Planning Commission, adopted 2025/26 salary resolutions, approved the 2025/26 budget, approved a new Interlocal Fire Department Agreement, and approved March bills. A special board meeting followed the annual meeting to formalize these votes.
Public Comments
Mark Fisher asked about the STR fine amount ($350 per occurrence) and raised a safety concern about speeding on Maple City Road near the boat ramp, suggesting a no-passing zone since the speed limit cannot be lowered. Gwen Allgaier thanked the Road Commission for its work. A resident asked about ambulance billing rates and township hall internet/parking capacity; officials confirmed fiber optic service exists and noted the hall is land-locked for parking expansion. Lisa Jennison, a Lime Lake Association board member, reported a shoreline renovation in the Northeast corner of Lime Lake that appears to violate the Planning Commission's 75-foot setback; the matter has been referred to attorneys for both the Association and property owner. Mr. Allgaier discussed beech disease and tree removal efforts along Lake Michigan Drive.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Planning Commission, per Todd Nowak, recommended amendments to Section 9.12 (parks and conservancy natural areas) and Section 9.13 (private forest) to allow certain uses.
Infrastructure Projects
Brenden Mullane (Leelanau County Road Commission) reported $350,000 annual primary road funding requiring match, with $800,000 needed this year for a two-year project on County Rd 626 near Northport; about $1 million is spent annually on paving. The county has $6 million in unmet local road requests and cannot match the usual 50/50 split this year. PILT funding totaled $11,700. Scenic Mountain View Estates subdivision and Fairway Drive work is planned for Cleveland Township, likely this fall. Fire Chief Doornbos reported preliminary architectural plans (Ray Kendra) for a second fire station, submitted to the Fire Board and Kasson Township Board for review; funding sources (bonds, millages, grants) remain undetermined. A 5-year budget projects a $15,000–$16,000 township cost increase for the second station.
Other Business
Township hall improvements included new laminate flooring and a water purification system; a new gas furnace and A/C are planned for 2025/26. Commissioner Gwenne Allgaier reported ongoing broadband expansion (BEAD funding).
Financial Summary
Taxable value: $157,325 (up 4.4%). Total revenue: $1,013,058 vs. total expenditures $798,856. Key revenue items include Fire/Emergency $410,000, State Revenue Sharing $121,261, PILT $13,650. Key expenses: Fire/Emergency Services $392,490, Wages/Salaries $79,840, Professional Services $37,000, Roads $82,000. General Fund Balance (2/28/25): $669,667.47; projected balance: $455,014. Salary resolution set Supervisor $16,500, Clerk $22,350, Treasurer $19,785, Trustees $180/meeting, per motion by Mark Fisher, seconded by Gwenne Allgaier, passed by voice vote. The 2025/26 budget was approved 5-0 (Jan Nowak/Angie Diotte).
Action Items
Beginning 4/1/25, violation notices/tickets will be issued for unpermitted STRs. The B1/B2 zoning moratorium remains pending Planning Commission review, with hope to lift it by year-end. The Lime Lake shoreline setback dispute is now in attorneys' hands. Interlocal Fire Department Agreement 2025-05 was approved by roll call (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte all Aye).