Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met May 13, 2025, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all members present (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte). The board approved the April 8 minutes with a correction, approved the April 30 Treasurer's Report, approved the MUWM Insurance Package for 2025, and approved payment of bills. Zoning, maintenance, and planning updates were reported, and public comments addressed a locked meeting door and short-term rental (STR) enforcement.
Public Comments
Cookie Currier stated she attempted to attend a prior Planning Commission special hearing but found the door locked and said she knocked; Todd Nowak responded that no one heard a knock and that he had entered/exited via the front door. Currier also asked whether people would be fined for lacking STR permits; it was noted the ordinance took effect January 1 and that those with rental history have permits, with records available through Scott Sheehan. Gwen Alligier commented that a proposed road millage would need to be a township-level issue, not a countywide one, referencing correspondence discussed earlier in the meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Planning Commission Report (Todd Nowak): a public hearing on the housing objective pilot program is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at 6:45 pm.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Maintenance Report (Tim Stein): cemetery water turned on, boat launch opened, picnic tables placed in the pavilion area, and the dock installed. Two new dock bumpers were ordered to replace ones damaged last year. The float ring, replaced every third year, is due for replacement this weekend, with Tim Stein installing it. New HVAC work has begun, and window cleaning is scheduled for May 28.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer infrastructure projects beyond routine park/cemetery maintenance were discussed.
Other Business
Planning Commission (Todd Nowak): a May 7 public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to Section 8.05 (business district) was forwarded to the Leelanau County Planning Commission for review. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan issued land use permits to Caleb Raternik (6085 S. Lime Lake Rd., new home) and Bill Dunwoodie (845 E. Nancy Jo Ln., garage replacement); the township has 31 STR permits, with violation letters to be sent soon. Assessor Julie Krombeen reported the township was selected for a PA660 audit. Old business included an update on the Cedar Fire and Rescue interlocal agreement, with Kasson Township's attorney reviewing the agreement and reporting to the Cedar Fire Area board. Correspondence from Doug (Leelanau Township) requested support for adding a half-mill increase to the county road maintenance fund; Gwen Alligier noted this should remain a township, not county, matter.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (Angie Diotte), April 30, 2025: Beginning Balance $696,030.91; Disbursements -$103,563.97; Revenue $1,449.93; Ending Balance $593,916.87. Approved 5-0. The MUWM Insurance Package for 2025 was approved 5-0 despite rising costs due to inflation and CPI increases; Tim Stein will explore alternative bids. Payment of bills for May 13 was approved 5-0.
Action Items
Tracy Olsen to correct the April 8 minutes regarding the hall rental fee motion outcome. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan to send STR violation letters in the coming week. Tim Stein to install the new float ring this weekend. Tim Stein to contact other township supervisors regarding insurance bids. Fire board attorney to review the Cedar Fire interlocal agreement and report to the Cedar Fire Area board. Housing objective pilot program public hearing set for June 4 at 6:45 pm.