Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met January 14, 2025, with Supervisor Tim Stein, Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tracy Olsen, and Angie Diotte present. The board approved the December 10, 2024 minutes and the December 31, 2024 Treasurer's Report, adopted a 2025 Poverty Exemption resolution, reappointed three Board of Review members, approved two summer tax collection agreements, and gave tentative support for funding operational costs of a proposed second Cedar Area Fire and Rescue station in Kasson Township. All votes passed 5 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Public Comments
Attendees included Gwen Allgier, Zach (Leelanau Enterprise), Jim Massering, and one other member. During Open Forum, Jim Massering asked whether STR permits are public record; Tim Stein confirmed they are. Massering also raised parking concerns, which Stein said are being discussed with Scott Tucker, pending a response from "the Tribe" on funding; the trail originally in the plan remains unresolved. One anonymous letter of complaint was received but not addressed since it was unsigned.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Planning Commission report noted continued work on the master plan's housing objective 1, action step 1, aimed at providing additional housing growth within specific areas. No further detail or votes were recorded.
Other Business
Clerk Tracy Olsen reported purchasing a new computer from Inacomp Computer Center for $1,611.00 (including data transfer) and completed payroll transition to Kim at Pyramid Tax, discontinuing service with Tim Taft. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan reported 31 land use permits issued in 2024 (down from 51), 27 current STR permits, and 12 STR properties in violation of 39 current STRs; enforcement letters will be sent by certified mail, with Sheehan to seek reimbursement for costs. A Public Hearing on the Flaska Property site plan is set for February 5, 2025, at 6:45 pm. The ZBA will hear two applications (Paraavanty lake setback; Jackman bedroom/porch addition) on the same night in mid-February, date TBD. Maintenance report: garbage service resumes with GFL on April 2, 2025; flooring replacement nearing completion. Board of Review organizational meeting set for March 4 at 11 am; hearings March 10 and 12. The Board discussed a proposed second Cedar Area Fire and Rescue station in Kasson Township (Noonan's donating land near Guffey's Auto); Cleveland Township agreed to help fund operating costs (not construction), keeping its rate near 2.5–2.75 mills. Motion by Todd Nowak, seconded by Angie Diotte, passed 5-0. The Annual Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10 am.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (Dec. 31, 2024): Beginning Balance $222,729.95; Disbursements -$15,443.82; Revenue $95,562.36; Ending Balance $302,848.49 (approved 5-0). Summer Tax Collection Agreements approved for Leland Public Schools and Glen Lake Community Schools, each at $2.50 per parcel for 2025 (both approved 5-0). Poverty Exemption guidelines resolution adopted, maintaining thresholds at 150% of federal poverty guidelines (5-0). Payment of bills for January 14, 2025 approved 5-0.
Action Items
- Scott Sheehan and Tim Stein to compile a master STR list, cross-referencing non-applicable properties, and send certified violation letters; Sheehan to submit receipts to Angie Diotte for reimbursement.
- Tim Stein to arrange BOR 2-year, 4-hour state-certified training via MTA.
- Tim Stein to represent Cleveland Township at the February Cedar Area Fire and Rescue meeting to confirm support for the Kasson station.
- Board to finalize agenda and speaker list for the Annual Meeting (March 22 or 29).
- Follow up on parking resolution with Scott Tucker, pending Tribe response.