Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met on November 12, 2024, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five board members present (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte). The board approved the October 8, 2024 minutes (5-0), the October 31, 2024 Treasurer's Report (5-0), and payment of bills (5-0). Key topics included road funding, speed limit review on LTL Road, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) Segment 9, fire department interlocal agreement discussions, and zoning/master plan updates.
Public Comments
Marnie Sutter asked what "LUP" means; it was clarified as Land Use Permit, required before obtaining a building permit. No other public comments on the agenda were made.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Todd Nowak reported that Planning Commission work on master plan goals, including a resident survey, would not be completed by the Parks and Recreation Department's February deadline, pushing that work into next year. Separately, the township park's porta potty is being removed by Williams and Bay for the winter and will return May 1, 2025.
Infrastructure Projects
Tim Stein reported Cleveland Township will receive at least 7% of Leelanau County Road Commission (LCRC) local improvement funds for 2025, with potential increases if other townships lack major projects. The LCRC invoice for completion of the East End LTL Road came in at $128,659.51, under the projected $188,476.00, leaving about $60,000 unspent toward future work on Scenic Mountain View, Fairway Drive, and Bluff Drive Circle, a project estimated at $343,000. The township continues pursuing a speed limit reduction from 40 to 35 mph on LTL Road; the Leelanau County Road Commission was expected to respond November 14. Stein also reported ongoing coordination on SBHT Segment 9, including a planned parking lot at 669 and M22, with permitting challenges due to wetlands; a press release was expected from the Sleeping Bear Lakeshore Visitor Center.
Other Business
Clerk Tracy Olsen reported completion of the election, ongoing cemetery requests, and cancellation of Bright Speed service in favor of Spectrum. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan issued land use permits to Robert Nowak (carport) and Joseph Kobe (driveway), and reported 16 STR applications received, with a streamlined online PDF application process implemented. Maintenance issues included storm door replacement and winterizing the cemetery water system. The Assessor's Report noted no adjustment requests, so the December Board of Review meeting will likely be canceled to save costs. Regarding the four-township Fire/EMS agreement, Stein reported Cleveland Township opposes funding 50% of a proposed $5 million bond for a second Kasson Township fire station, though it would reconsider a smaller substation/ambulance base proposal. The interlocal fire agreement expires in 2025 and will be renegotiated, including Elmwood Township's request to join.
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: $128,659.51 actual vs. $188,476.00 projected, saving approximately $60,000. Future road project cost estimated at $343,000, with $140,000 currently budgeted and annual $100,000 contributions planned.
Action Items
- Clerk Tracy Olsen to obtain computer cost estimates for next meeting.
- Zoning Administrator to mail certified letters after Thanksgiving regarding STR application approvals/denials and escrow refunds.
- Tim Stein awaiting Leelanau County Road Commission call (11/14) on LTL Road speed limit reduction status.
- Tim Stein to report back on SBHT Segment 9 press release details from Sleeping Bear Lakeshore Visitor Center.
- Board to revisit interlocal fire agreement terms before 2025 expiration, including Kasson Township's second station proposal and Elmwood Township's request to join.