Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met November 11, 2025, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five members present. The board approved the October 14 minutes and Treasurer’s Report, renewed the Granicus contract for 2026, and voted to amend the 2024 short-term rental (STR) resolution to formally cap permits at 36. The board also decided to place the PILOT (affordable housing) program on hold.
Public Comments
Jim Massaroni commended the board’s earlier decision not to pursue the PILOT program, noting Traverse City’s challenges with similar programs and suggesting TIF financing offers more flexibility. He also asked about the township’s future role if the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue building undergoes major renovation or replacement; Stein said Cleveland Township would be a fully vested partner on a percentage basis if that occurs. Kathy Anderson raised concerns that 19 STR operators found in violation were not fined, only required to remove their listings, while compliant residents paid roughly $1,000 in septic and permit costs. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan and Stein explained that the first year included a grace period before fines would be issued and clarified the renewal process. Massaroni noted the board appears likely to take stronger enforcement action on violations in 2026. The board also referenced a letter from the Lime Lake Association and Leelanau Clean Water Board recommending the STR permit cap remain unchanged.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
A letter from Yarrow Brown regarding the PILOT program prompted discussion. The board concluded it lacks administrative capacity to manage the program as structured and voted to place it on hold pending future need, rather than adopting it as proposed by the Planning Commission.
Infrastructure Projects
Maintenance Report: water was shut off at the cemetery for the season, and Lemcool’s Heating completed removal of an old fuel oil tank from the township building’s basement.
Other Business
The Planning Commission continued review of the Master Plan and revised Section 9.08 mining ordinance. The Zoning Administrator reported seven new land use permits issued and two active complaints (illegal storage/debris on Wheeler Road; a sauna built too close to the lake on Harbor Hwy). A ZBA hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 6:30 pm for a variance request by Michael and Sandy Deeton to replace a nonconforming deck. The board approved (5-0) amending Resolution 2024-0514-01 to formally list 36 as the allowable number of STR permits, following legal counsel’s recommendation. Cedar Fire and Rescue updates included ongoing discussion of a possible second station in Kasson and a request for a building code review of the shared fire hall.
Financial Summary
- State revenue sharing reduction: $2,404 (about 2% cut in constitutional revenue sharing for 2026).
- Treasurer’s Report (as of Oct 31, 2025): Beginning balance $565,065.64; disbursements $98,218.04; revenue $9,727.10; ending balance $476,574.70. Approved 5-0.
- Granicus contract renewal for 2026 approved at $5,581.08 (5-0).
- Payment of bills for November 11, 2025 approved (5-0).
Action Items
- ZBA hearing on Deeton variance request set for December 8, 2025, 6:30 pm.
- Stein to amend Resolution 2024-0514-01 to formally cap STR permits at 36.
- STR renewal applications due by November 1 annually; Sheehan to continue digitizing paperwork.
- Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Board to review fire hall building for code compliance and possible new station needs.
- PILOT/affordable housing program tabled pending future need.