Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met October 8, 2024, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all board members (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte) present. The board approved the September 10, 2024 minutes and the September Treasurer's Report, authorized pursuit of a lower speed limit on Little Traverse Lake (LTL) Road, renewed the Granicus short-term rental (STR) monitoring contract, approved Spectrum internet service for the township hall, and approved payment of bills.
Public Comments
Cookie Currier asked how the township would police STR compliance for owners who don't pay; Tim Stein and Scott Sheehan responded that Granicus monitoring will flag non-compliant rentals, with a warning letter and grace period followed by a municipal civil infraction if unresolved. Cathy Anderson clarified that AirBnB/VRBO-type residential rentals are monitored but Sugarloaf, a commercial resort, is not, as it is treated differently under zoning rules. Dave Skjaerlund thanked the board for road paving and for reconsidering the LTL speed limit, citing a camera study showing significant non-vehicular (walking/biking) traffic and noting Michigan law sets a 25 mph limit near parks. Bruce Kleinmyer, an STR operator, asked about the cutoff date for permit approval; the board indicated a mid-December target that could be revisited if needed. A resident requested and received a copy of the TART letter regarding the SBHT Segment 9 trail route.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Planning Commission member Todd Nowak reported that Dean Manika is seeking board input on a Recreational Master Plan for the park, using a boilerplate plan from Networks Northwest adapted to township specifics; this will likely be brought to the next Planning Commission meeting. Maintenance report (Tim Stein) noted the dock is being taken down and picnic tables stored for the season, with Jackson Zywicki handling the work.
Infrastructure Projects
The East Traverse Lake Road project is complete; the township expects a bill of $198,000 against $200,000 budgeted in the road fund. The board discussed the LTLPOA request to lower the LTL Road speed limit from 40 to 35 mph (or possibly further), citing Michigan law (MCL 257.627) setting residential speed limits at 25 mph. Motion by Jan Nowak, seconded by Angie Diotte, to pursue a lower speed limit, with Tim Stein to report back next month; passed 5-0. Correspondence from TART reaffirmed their preferred SBHT Segment 9 route.
Other Business
Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan reported 12 STR applications received since launch and two new land use permits issued (Chris Painchaad, Charles Poor). Fire/Emergency (Cedar Fire and Rescue) update from John Imboden: Kasson Township sent a letter urging continued work on a proposed second fire station; the fire board plans to address it after the new year, with two committees (location and finance) formed; the 4-township agreement is up for renewal in 2025. Assessor Tim Stein noted a possible meeting in December if needed.
Financial Summary
- Treasurer's Report (Sept 30, 2024): Beginning balance $405,627.64; disbursements -$13,536.53; revenue $36,111.55; ending balance $428,202.66. Approved 5-0.
- East Traverse Lake Road project: $198,000 bill expected against $200,000 budgeted.
- Granicus STR monitoring contract renewal: $5,073.71 (per document), approved 5-0.
- Spectrum internet: $74.99/month with autopay ($79.98 without), plus optional $20/month backup ($94.99 total); approved 5-0.
Action Items
- Tim Stein to report back next month on progress pursuing a lower speed limit on LTL Road.
- Tim Stein to attend the November fire board meeting in place of John Imboden.
- Fire board to work on second station proposal after the first of the year; 4-township agreement renewal due in 2025.
- Township to continue monitoring STR compliance via Granicus/Scott Sheehan, with warning letters and possible civil infractions for non-compliance.