Summary
The Cleveland Township Board approved cost-saving road bids that allowed addition of a new project (Bluff Lane), approved the July Treasurer's Report, renewed the CAFR Inter-Local Agreement via Resolution 2500-02, and heard a detailed presentation from the Leelanau Conservancy on the proposed Sugar Loaf conservation and recreation project. The board tabled action on a PILOT (obtainable/workforce housing) ordinance pending further research.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered on the agenda. During the Open Public Forum, John Imboden raised a question about affordable housing, asking how many restaurant workers the township has and how significant the issue is, suggesting the township consider putting something in place given current economic conditions. No board response or vote followed.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Tim Stein reported the Planning Commission had spoken with Barb Conley of Leelanau Township, who forwarded a copy of their "Workforce Housing" PILOT ordinance for comparison. Northport Village is also considering a similar ordinance and meeting with Leelanau Township this week. Stein expressed concern that Cleveland Township, as a part-time township, lacks capacity to manage PILOT requirements and that no specific area has been identified for use. The board decided to put the ordinance on hold, have the Planning Commission review it against the Master Plan, and gather more information on tax incremental financing from John Gallagher, and consult Dean Manikas for an update. John Imboden also raised affordable housing concerns for restaurant workers during public forum (see Public Comments).
Parks and Recreation Matters
Janee Rowe, Becky Hill, and Kevin of the Leelanau Conservancy presented the Sugar Loaf Project: roughly 285 acres and two mountain parcels being donated by current owner SPV45LLC (of five parcels total; three will remain on the tax roll). Fundraising has reached $7.1 million of an $8 million goal, with hopes to finalize by year-end and begin contractor work in spring/summer over an estimated five-year project. Plans include restoration, erosion control, universal-access and groomed cross-country trails (no downhill grooming), parking, a possible ice rink, trailhead restrooms, community pavilions, and a sledding hill. Separately, Maintenance Report noted Davy's Tree Service damaged the township park lawn while parking equipment; the company's Kent, Ohio office responded within 30 minutes to repair the area, and stakes will be installed to prevent future parking there.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Tim Stein reported confirmed bids from the Leelanau County Road Commission: Scenic Mountain View Estates at $168,230.00 and Fairway Drive at $48,820.00, totaling $217,050.00 versus the $430,000.00 originally planned. Citing the savings, Stein recommended adding Bluff Lane, projected in the mid-thirties, citing four years of resident complaints. Motion by Tim Stein, seconded by Jan Nowak, to approve the two quotes plus the Bluff Lane addition to the 2025 Planned Road Improvements passed 5-0.
Other Business
Minutes of July 8, 2025 approved 5-0. Zoning Board of Appeals approved a 12-foot setback variance for Rob Sturgeon on Lime Lake for a bedroom addition. Land use permits issued in July to William Neiminen and Scott Stone. Zoning Administrator continues mailing STR violation letters; no STR permits remain available. Clerk Tracy Olsen is reconciling cemetery records with Richard Hulbert and noted a payroll timing error for the ZBA meeting, corrected for September payroll. Assessor's July meeting was cancelled (no business). Cedar Fire and Rescue update (John Imboden) covered rising health insurance premiums, a second station specification presentation, retirement of the labor attorney, and a first-draft audit. Resolution 2500-02 renewing the CAFR Inter-Local Agreement passed by roll call, 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (July 31, 2025): Beginning Balance $606,443.89; Disbursements -$101,372.40; Revenue $25,983.19; Ending Balance $531,054.68 — approved 5-0. Road bids totaled $217,050.00 against a $430,000.00 budget. The two Sugar Loaf parcels being donated carry a taxable value of $950,000, equal to 0.055% of the township's total taxable value of $168 million. Payment of bills for August 12, 2025 approved 5-0.
Action Items
Board/Planning Commission to compare Cleveland Township's ordinance to Leelanau Township's PILOT ordinance and evaluate fit with the Master Plan before further action. Contact John Gallagher for tax incremental financing information and Dean Manikas for a PILOT update. Zoning Administrator continuing outreach to remaining STR violators (about 9 unreached, one permit pending); permit holders must submit 2026 rental applications before Nov. 1. Cedar Fire and Rescue board must eventually sign off on second station specifications.