Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met on August 13, 2024, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding. The board approved the July 9, 2024 minutes, the Treasurer's Report, payment of bills, the 2023 Leelanau County PILT Payment, and Zoning Ordinance Amendments 9.12 and 9.13. Brittany Morton-Smith was sworn in as the newest Planning Commission member. Extensive discussion centered on opposition to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) Segment 9, with the board planning to formalize its position at the September meeting.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke during the Open Forum, primarily regarding SBHT Segment 9. Susan Wheaton and Barbara Stamiris, both of the Northern Michigan Environment Action Council, thanked the board for scrutinizing the trail's impact on nature. Dan Heatly, a visitor from LA, praised the area's biking trails and commended the board's fiscal and generational stewardship. Keith Wright stated the project's cost is not justifiable. Sue Jennings thanked the board for protecting the dunes and wetlands, calling their preservation "priceless." Doug Verelle argued the trail route through Bohemian Road would destroy over 7,000 trees and damage dune swales that filter water into Little Traverse Lake, questioning why outside entities should set the agenda for the township. No formal board action was taken in response to these comments beyond the ongoing review process.
Infrastructure Projects
Tim Stein reported that Spectrum completed contracted internet improvements, bringing service to 700 new users countywide, 500 within Cleveland Township. The East End of LTL Road rebuild/repaving is progressing; culverts and gravel pad are in place, and engineer Craig Brown will notify the township before repaving begins, with closures to be posted on the website and shared with the lake association via Jerry. Correspondence was received from the Leelanau County Road Commission regarding speed limits on Little Traverse Lake Road; the board is considering a new speed study under Michigan law allowing recommendation down to the 50th percentile.
Extensive discussion addressed SBHT Segment 9. Tim Stein raised fiscal concerns over the $15.5 million cost for 4.2 miles, estimating roughly $100 per user over 30 years, and noted MDOT lacks final engineering, permits, or plans. Numerous resident letters opposing the segment were received. The board plans to contact the park service and place action items on the September agenda to formalize the township's position.
Other Business
Clerk Tracy Olsen reported a successful August election, a $120 QuickBooks refund (with the service fee rising from $60 to $65), and plans to consult Vince about a new computer system. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan issued permits to John Gardner (in-ground pool/patio), Eric Muir (new garage), and John Zientek (home replacement with certified survey). Maintenance updates included window cleaning and a contractor assessing floors, bathrooms, and kitchen for estimates. No BOR meeting was held in July; a December meeting is being considered.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (July 31, 2024): Beginning Balance $481,584.22; Disbursements $106,232.55; Revenue $23,295.58; Ending Balance $398,647.25. Approved 5-0. The 2023 Leelanau County PILT Payment of $11,312.47 was approved 5-0, with Cleveland Township ranking 3rd in the county. Payment of bills for August 13, 2024 was approved 5-0.
Action Items
- Contact the park service and review SBHT Segment 9 correspondence; place action items on the September agenda regarding the township's position.
- Clerk Tracy Olsen to consult Vince on a new computer system and data transfer.
- Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan to obtain an updated external hard drive and launch online permit applications by month's end.
- Maintenance contractor to provide estimates and samples for floor, bathroom, and kitchen work.
- Board to review Leelanau County Road Commission correspondence on Little Traverse Lake Road speed limits and consider a new speed study.
- Craig Brown (engineer) to notify township before LTL Road repaving begins; closures to be posted and communicated to the lake association via Jerry.