Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met March 9, 2026, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding; Trustee Terry Lautner was excused. The Board approved the consent calendar and a modified agenda (removing item 10b after the Googasian property grant proposal was withdrawn). Major actions included authorizing distribution of the draft Master Plan for a 63-day public comment period, approving several marina infrastructure projects, adopting an amended sewer use ordinance, and approving a budget amendment and a Carter Road speed study resolution.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered during the standard comment period. During Extended Public Comment at the end of the meeting, Grant Walstrom spoke, though no details of his remarks were recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved a request from Joe King and Ted Kraimer of Northern Angler to use the Cherry Bend Park Pavilion for fly-fishing classes on May 31, June 20, July 25, and August 22, since this was determined to be a commercial use requiring Board approval (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga, passed unanimously). The Board also approved Rita's Seniorita's pickleball schedule for Mondays and Wednesdays in 2026 (motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee J. Gallagher, passed unanimously).
Infrastructure Projects
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine presented multiple marina items. The Board approved proceeding with 250th anniversary celebration plans for June 26 (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Treasurer Mikowski). The Board authorized seeking bids for engineering a new "A dock" and possible transformer replacement. Option 2 was approved for a new dinghy dock, and a replacement swim rope for Greilickville Harbor Park was approved. The Handicaptain accessibility system ($40,000, funded by a State of Michigan grant, with township prep costs of about $2,500) was approved pending grant approval. A proposed launch-fee collection booth (estimated $8,000) was discussed; the Board directed the Harbormaster to bring back quotes next month.
The Board unanimously adopted the Uniform Sewer Use Ordinance of 1994 as amended in 2026 (6-0 roll call vote). The Board authorized Supervisor Shaw to sign a waiver of condemnation proceedings related to the Timberlee Drainage District easement dispute near S. Timberlee Dr. and Mount Josh Dr.
Travis Munn of Gourdie-Fraser presented Resolution 5 of 2026 requesting a traffic, engineering, and speed study on Carter Road, tied to increased traffic from the T.C. Housing Commission's Carter Centre expansion; the study is expected to support lowering the speed limit to 45 mph. The resolution passed 6-0 by roll call vote.
Other Business
Trustee D. Gallagher raised concerns about MTA-reported legislation that could override local zoning; Sarah Clarren noted the epacket included a joint opposition letter and legislator contact information. Clerk Preston presented an eCities certificate naming Elmwood an honored community. Bill Perkins of the Leelanau County Solid Waste Council reported upcoming changes, including future food waste recycling/composting requirements from the State.
Financial Summary
Approved invoices totaled $189,005.63 (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee J. Gallagher). Resolution 3 of 2026 carried forward budget funds for the Cherry Bend Trail final design (6-0 roll call vote). A mailing to publicize the Master Plan was estimated at $5,000, with Board consensus to proceed via postcards.
Action Items
- Harbormaster to bring back quotes for the launch-fee collection booth at next month's meeting.
- Staff to confirm permits and insurance for the 250th celebration.
- Harbormaster to request bids for engineering the new A dock.
- Board to receive Master Plan open house and public hearing comments during the 63-day review period.