3/23/2024 - Cleveland Township | Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing Minutes

Summary

The Cleveland Township Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing held on March 23, 2024, covered several key topics including updates on local infrastructure projects, a proposed short-term rental ordinance, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Key challenges regarding road maintenance funding and environmental concerns related to trail development were highlighted, along with a discussion on salaries for township officials.

Public comments

During public comment, residents expressed concerns regarding the short-term rental ordinance's impact on existing summer reservations and the limited number of allowed permits. Concerns were also raised about speeding on newly paved roads and the potential need for speed reduction measures. Additionally, residents commented on the need for a new environmental assessment regarding the Suttons Bay Heritage Trail, citing the changing climate and its impacts on local ecosystems.

Affordable housing initiatives

(No discussion of affordable housing initiatives was noted in the document.)

Parks and recreation matters

Julie Clark from Tart Trails updated the board on the proposed Route of Segment 9 of the Suttons Bay Heritage Trail. Key milestones achieved included completion of 60% of the design plans, with a public hearing scheduled to discuss environmental concerns arising from the project. Emphasis was placed on securing public and private funding and the timeline for construction, which is expected to begin in Spring 2025.

Infrastructure projects

Tim Stein provided updates on several infrastructure projects: - **Little Traverse Lake Rd**: A road project is set to complete by Summer 2024, at a cost of approximately $314,000, with the township's share estimated at $190,000. - **Scenic Mountain View Estate**: Planned repaving for 2025 is anticipated to be around $354,000, pending funding approval. - Concerns about road maintenance and funding were raised throughout, with $3 million needed to bring all township roads up to standard.

Other Business

The meeting also covered updates on the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Department's budget and the approval of new salaries for township officials, which were passed unanimously. Key revenue sources for the 2024-2025 budget included property taxes, state revenue sharing, and various licenses and permits, totaling projected revenue of $687,836 against expenditures of $731,705.

Financial Summary

The proposed 2024/25 fiscal year budget shows the township's taxable value increased to nearly $157 million, with significant revenue streams including: - Fire/Emergency Services: $323,920 - State Revenue Sharing: $120,441 - Total projected revenues: $687,836 vs. expenditures of $731,705. General Fund balance is reported at $565,601, projected to be $521,732 after expenses.

Action Items

- The board will publish details for the upcoming public hearing on the Short Term Rental Ordinance set for May 14, 2024. - Public input is encouraged to be gathered prior to the construction phase of Segment 9 of the Suttons Bay Heritage Trail. - The board will pursue further details to address environmental concerns related to the trail project before finalizing design plans.