Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met June 10, 2025 with Supervisor Tim Stein, Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, and Tracy Olsen present. The board approved the May 13 minutes (with a correction to zoning section reference), the Treasurer's Report, an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 8.05, and payment of bills, all by 4-0 votes. Discussion continued on the Attainable Housing PILOT ordinance, the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue interlocal agreement, and road speed studies on Little Traverse Lake Rd and Hlavka Rd.
Public Comments
Clayton Ball of Bluff Lane addressed the board during Open Public Forum, stating this was not his first appearance regarding deteriorating road conditions on his road. He described progressively worsening potholes (from 2-3 feet to 4-5 feet) and said a third of the circle's road bed is now gone due to lack of maintenance. Ball suggested the township should have continued standard maintenance and expressed concern that residents would be asked to pay for repairs the township's inaction caused. No formal response or resolution was recorded in the minutes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Todd Nowak reported a Public Hearing was held June 4 on the workforce PILOT draft ordinance, with good public feedback; it now moves to the Leelanau County Planning Commission. Dean is working to bring Yarrow Brown to the next Planning Commission meeting for insight. Separately, Tim Stein reported the Planning Commission's recommended Attainable Housing PILOT Ordinance would align with the master plan to allow affordable housing incentives for developers in the southwestern portion of the township. The board plans to take action in July or August after further review; it will be discussed in detail as an action item next month.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Stein reported no parking lot will be built across the street this year due to federal funding constraints and Scott Tucker's inability to hire staff. A beaver dam protocol agreement is under review over the next 90 days to help mitigate high water on Little Traverse Lake. Maintenance report noted installation of a new furnace/heat pump system and an agreement with Blarney Castle for a 500-gallon propane tank, yielding a $2,000 credit for pumping the old fuel oil tank.
Other Business
The Cedar Fire and Rescue interlocal agreement is being updated (board terms extended from 4 to 6 years, expanded chief authority, new public referendum provision); a public hearing is set for 6:30 pm July 8, 2025. Speed studies continue on Little Traverse Lake Rd (targeting 35 mph) and Hlavka Rd (targeting at least 40 mph, requested after a driveway permit issue for resident Takei Yamasaki). Tracy Olsen will research MTA recommendations and costs for posting cemetery plot information online, per a request from Kasson Township trustee Tad Carter.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (May 31, 2025): Beginning Balance $593,916.87; Disbursements -$25,410.74; Revenue $54,411.54; Ending Balance $622,917.67. Approved 4-0. QuickBooks subscription rate increasing by $10 to $75.
Action Items
Zoning Administrator to meet with Tim Stein before sending STR violation letters (32 STR permits currently). Tracy Olsen to research online cemetery plot listing costs/feasibility. Attainable Housing PILOT Ordinance to be an action item at the July or August meeting. Public hearing on Cedar Fire and Rescue interlocal agreement scheduled for July 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Road maintenance concern on Bluff Lane raised by resident Clayton Ball remains unresolved, marking a recurring complaint requiring follow-up.