Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met November 12, 2024, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five members present. The board approved the October 8 minutes and the October Treasurer's Report (5-0 each), reviewed progress on a Lake to Lake (LTL) Road speed limit reduction request, discussed renewal of the four-township fire/emergency interlocal agreement, reviewed a Leelanau County Road Commission (LCRC) invoice for road work completed under budget, and approved payment of bills (5-0).
Public Comments
During open forum, Marnie Sutter asked what "LUP" means; it was clarified that a Land Use Permit is required before a building permit can be obtained. No public comments were made on agenda items.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Todd Nowak reported the Park and Recreation plan required for the Master Plan must be submitted by February, and the township will not meet that deadline; it becomes next year's objective. Separately, Williams and Bay will remove the township park porta-potty the first week of the meeting and reinstall it May 1, 2025.
Infrastructure Projects
The cemetery water system has been shut off and blown out for winter. The board reviewed the LCRC invoice for completion of the East End LTL Road: actual cost $128,659.51 versus a projected $188,476.00, saving about $60,000. Remaining road millage funds ($80,000) will go toward Scenic Mountain View Estates, Fairway Drive, and Bluff Drive Circle, a project totaling $343,000; the township plans to apply $140,000 now plus $100,000 annually, alongside LCRC's 7% local-match funding, with work slated for mid-to-late summer. Stein continued efforts to lower the LTL Road speed limit from 40 to 35 mph, navigating technical definitions with Michigan State Police; a call from LCRC was expected November 14 to confirm status. An update on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) Segment 9 noted plans for a parking lot at 669 and M22, and ongoing permitting/wetlands issues with GT Band and MDOT; a press release was expected November 13.
Other Business
The Planning Commission discussed possible spot zoning near 667 and M22 Market affecting 14 residents, to be included in an upcoming survey. The Zoning Administrator reported 16 STR applications received, two land use permits issued (Robert Nowak, Joseph Kobe), and a boardwalk request at 632 E Sugar Bay Ln approved by EGLE. The fire interlocal agreement (expiring 2025) will be renegotiated; Cleveland Township declined to help fund Kasson Township's proposed second fire station (estimated $5 million bond) but would reconsider a smaller substation. Elmwood Township's interest in joining the agreement will be discussed further. The December Board of Review meeting may be canceled if no assessment appeals are filed.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (October 31, 2024): Beginning Balance $428,202.66; Disbursements -$92,809.06; Revenue $14,944.26; Ending Balance $350,337.86 (approved 5-0). LCRC road invoice came in under budget by roughly $60,000 ($128,659.51 actual vs. $188,476.00 projected). Bills for November 12 were approved 5-0 (amount not specified).
Action Items
Await LCRC call November 14 on LTL Road speed limit status. After Thanksgiving, review STR applications and mail certified acceptance/denial letters. Contractor Nello Valentine III to replace storm-damaged hall door next week. Clerk to obtain computer cost estimates for next meeting. Continue negotiations on fire department interlocal agreement renewal, including Kasson Township's second station proposal and Elmwood Township's request to join.