Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met November 11, 2025, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five members present. The board approved October minutes, the Treasurer's report, payment of bills, and the Granicus contract renewal. Major action centered on the Short-Term Rental (STR) program: the board voted to amend Resolution 2024-0514-01 to formally list the number of allowable permits (36) within the resolution, following legal counsel's recommendation. The board also decided to put the PILOT (affordable/obtainable housing) ordinance on hold pending future need.
Public Comments
Jim Massaroni commented that he felt the board made a wise decision on the PILOT program, noting Traverse City had encountered challenges with such programs and that TIF offers more flexibility. He also asked about the board's future involvement if a new Cedar Area fire station is built, since Cleveland Township is a fully vested member; Stein responded that if major renovation or new construction occurs, Cleveland would likely be a vested partner on a percentage basis. Massaroni further remarked that the board's tone suggested more enforcement action on STR violations in 2026.
Kathy Anderson asked whether the 19 property owners found in STR violation had been fined, noting she had spent about $1,000 on septic inspection, pumping, and permit fees to comply properly. Stein explained no fines were issued in the first year, as a grace period was allowed; violators were required to remove their listings but did not pay the $350 fee. Anderson also said no notice is mailed for permit renewal; Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan clarified that permit holders receive an email with renewal instructions and a November 1 deadline to reapply.
A letter from the Lime Lake Association and Leelanau Clean Water Board was received, recommending the STR permit cap remain unchanged at 36.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Correspondence from Yarrow Brown regarding the PILOT program prompted board discussion, with a presentation scheduled November 18 at the county building. The board determined it is not currently equipped to administer the program's record-keeping requirements and voted to place the PILOT ordinance on hold, though it remains open to supporting affordable/obtainable housing if a developer proposes a specific project.
Other Business
Reports covered: state revenue sharing reduction, cemetery plot requests (Clerk Tracy Olsen working with Richard Hulbert and the Basch family), Planning Commission review of the Master Plan and mining ordinance section 9.08, several land use permits issued, zoning complaints (Wheeler Road trailer/debris issue and a sauna sited too close to Little Traverse Lake), a ZBA hearing set for December 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm for a Deeton variance request, cemetery water shutoff, completion of fuel oil tank removal by Lemcool's Heating, and no December Board of Review meeting planned unless a disabled veteran's exemption arises. Cedar Fire and Rescue updates included Centerville's pending 25/26 budget approval, a proposed second station in Kasson pending further discussion, Elmwood Township's interest in joining the interlocal group, and a requested review of the Cedar fire hall for code updates.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (October 31, 2025): Beginning balance $565,065.64; disbursements $98,218.04; revenue $100,434.43; ending balance $567,282.06. State constitutional revenue sharing will be reduced by $2,404.00 (a 2% cut) for 2026. The Granicus contract renewal was approved at $5,581.08, an increase of about $200. STR permit fee referenced at $350. Tax bills go out December 1, 2025.
Action Items
Tim Stein is to amend Resolution 2024-0514-01 to list the number of allowable STR permits (36). The ZBA hearing on the Deeton variance request is scheduled for December 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm. STR permit holders must submit renewal paperwork by November 1 for the following year. The PILOT/affordable housing ordinance remains on hold pending future need or a developer proposal. The board will continue monitoring Cedar Area Fire and Rescue developments, including the fire hall code review and Kasson's second station decision.