Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met August 11, 2026, with Supervisor Tim Stein, Todd Nowak, Tracy Olsen, and Angie Diotte present. The board approved July minutes, the July Treasurer's Report, a zoning ordinance amendment on small solar energy systems, a resolution to pursue a special assessment district (SAD) for the Shelda Creek culvert project on West Traverse Lake Rd (WLTL), and payment of bills. Ongoing concerns included FOIA fee disputes with resident Peter Skribanek and rising insurance costs for Cedar Area Fire and Rescue.
Public Comments
Josh and Kathryn Blyth attended the open public forum, noting they had submitted written letters to the board and wished to introduce themselves in person ("names with faces"). No other public comments on the agenda were made.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Stein reported ongoing efforts to mitigate high water levels on Little Traverse Lake via culvert improvements at the West Traverse Lake Rd/Shelda Creek crossing. Engineering firm Gosling Czubak completed topographic survey (7/29) and HEC-RAS modeling (7/31); plans were finalized and submitted to EGLE. The chosen design adds two 36x72 double culverts, lowering the lake's base level by 9 inches. Team Elmer's and Gosling Czubak proposed a project cost of $1.1 million, including financing and contingencies. The board adopted Resolution 2026-202 (moved by Tim Stein, seconded by Todd Nowak; Ayes 4, Nays 0) tentatively declaring intent to establish a special assessment district covering 172 parcels, with a public hearing set for September 8, 2026, at 7:15 pm. Paving of West End will not occur in 2026, but is planned for 2027.
Other Business
Clerk Olsen reported successful August 4th election turnout and noted the Fire and Emergency millage passed. The Planning Commission continued outreach on the Master Plan via ads and social media. The Assessor reported two exemptions approved at the July 21 Board of Review (BOR) meeting and discussed combining BOR functions with Centerville and Kasson Townships, sharing assessor Julie Krombeen; motion approved (Angie Diotte/Todd Nowak; Ayes 4, Nays 0) authorizing Stein to pursue an interlocal agreement.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (July 31, 2026): Beginning balance $614,676.14; disbursements $112,767.64; revenue $22,401.64; ending balance $524,310.14 (approved 4-0). Cedar Area Fire and Rescue's workman's comp insurance is shifting from Accident Fund to VFIS, raising premiums from $16,000 to approximately $28,000 annually; Accident Fund is also seeking $23,000 in retroactive premiums, which legal counsel is reviewing. The Shelda Creek culvert project is estimated at $1.1 million, to be funded via a special assessment district on lakefront property owners.
Action Items
Clerk Olsen to respond to Peter Skribanek's FOIA appeals; board issued a 10-business-day extension notice per Michigan FOIA Act. FOIA request costs to be discussed further at the next meeting. Tim Stein to contact Centerville and Kasson Townships regarding a BOR interlocal agreement. Stein to finalize fire department interlocal agreement amendments with legal counsel by the September 2, 2026 meeting; public hearing on fire department budget set for 9/2/26 at Cedar Fire and Rescue, 5 pm. EGLE permit application for the culvert project to be submitted. Public hearing on the special assessment district scheduled for September 8, 2026, 7:15 pm.