Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met October 14, 2025, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all members (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte) present. The board approved the September 9, 2025 minutes, the Treasurer's Report, payment of bills, and the Proposed CAFR 2026/27 Budget (under 2.5 mils), each by a 5-0 vote. The Planning Commission tabled the PILOT program and discussed the township's mining ordinance (9.08). Road maintenance projects at Scenic Mountain View Estates, Fairway Drive, and Bluff Lane were completed under budget.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on the agenda, and the Open Public Forum had none. Only one attendee, Kate from the Leelanau Enterprise, was present. Under correspondence, Clerk Tracy Olsen noted a resident had asked about a Leelanau Enterprise article stating townships are now responsible for printing their own tax bills since the county stopped doing so; Olsen clarified this has been in effect since last year, not a new change.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Supervisor Stein reported the dock was pulled from the boat launch this week, with the porta potty scheduled for removal November 3.
Infrastructure Projects
Road Commission-directed maintenance at Scenic Mountain View Estates, Fairway Drive, and Bluff Lane was completed, drawing complimentary calls and coming in under budget; the township only approved payment, with no engineering decisions made locally. For 2026, only the West End of Little Traverse Lake Road is budgeted for rebuilding.
Other Business
The Planning Commission continues the Master Plan review, planning an open house next summer and pushing a budgeted survey to next year. The Cedar Fire and Rescue Department budget discussion (Tim Stein, now serving as alternate after John Imboden's resignation) recommended approving the 26/27 budget as presented, relying on the contingency fund, with a new baseline planned for 27/28 under the interlocal agreement's 10% cap. A proposed additional fire station (Kasson Station) was discussed. No board member expressed interest in serving as an alternate CAFR Board member ($175/meeting plus mileage); Stein will seek outside candidates. A FOIA request from Clayton Ball regarding Scenic Mountain View Estates road construction was received.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (as of September 30, 2025): Beginning Balance $525,565.48; Disbursements -$11,148.40; Revenue $50,648.56; Ending Balance $565,065.64 (approved 5-0). The Proposed CAFR 2026/27 Budget was approved under 2.5 mils (5-0). Payment of bills for October 12, 2025 was approved (5-0).
Action Items
- Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan to attempt contact with three unreachable STR-listed property owners (Sleeping Bear Tree Hut, David and Karson Kammer, Audrey Krammer) by visiting addresses directly.
- Sheehan to contact a Harbor Hwy property owner about relocating a sauna near the lake and side property line.
- Tim Stein to seek recommendations or candidates for an alternate CAFR Board member.
- Board of Review meeting possibility to be revisited in November for a December date.
- Basch family cemetery matter ongoing, with a sister-in-law working to secure sign-off from two surviving brothers before spring burials.