Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on March 10, 2025, with Supervisor Shaw presiding. The Board approved the consent calendar, authorized a pickleball court schedule request, adopted resolutions supporting grant applications for the Cherry Bend Trail Connector and related projects, approved a revised marina furnishings purchase list, made ZBA and Planning Commission appointments, and approved payment of invoices totaling $82,760.16.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during the general Public Comment period or the Extended Public Comment period at the end of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved Rita's SenioRitas' request to reserve the pickleball court on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon, May through October 2025. Motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Jordan Gallagher, passed unanimously by voice vote, authorizing Supervisor Shaw to approve the schedule.
Planner Sarah Clarren presented Resolution 3 of 2025 supporting a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application for the Cherry Bend Trail Connector, noting a detailed memo was in the packet and that public comment opportunities had been provided. Motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Darga, passed 6-0 by roll call vote.
Infrastructure Projects
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine updated the Board on strategies for boat haulers to launch large boats before May 1, after which the road project will reduce lane size, requiring use of Grandview Road to access the marina entrance. He also presented a furnishings and equipment list for the boaters' building estimated at $151,685.60. The Board postponed decisions on Brewery Creek security cameras and a winter tarp for pavilion storage, reducing the total by $20,000. Motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Jordan Gallagher, approved the updated marina purchase list not to exceed $135,000, passing unanimously by voice vote. Marina wi-fi issues remain unresolved; the township will continue with Michigan Broadband for now.
On the new cell tower proposal, Trustee Darga opposed selling the old tower and preferred locating a new tower on the Brewery Creek property, as far North and West as possible. Cell tower representatives were unable to attend; the item will return in April.
Other Business
Supervisor Shaw submitted a written report noting that grant funding processes are complicated and that he and Planner Sarah Clarren have spent significant time on them. Clerk Preston noted a May 6 election applies only to Suttons Bay School District residents. The Board approved nominations of Aaron Cliff to the ZBA (replacing Gary Bergstrom, term 3/10/25-6/7/26) and re-appointed Rick Bechtold to the Planning Commission (term 6/1/25-5/31/28); motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher, passed unanimously. No Board members expressed interest in the Par Plan Board of Directors, so no action was taken.
Financial Summary
Marina furnishings purchase approved not to exceed $135,000, reduced from an estimated $151,685.60 by removing Brewery Creek cameras and a winter tarp (saving $20,000). Invoices totaling $82,760.16 were approved for payment via motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher, passing unanimously.
Action Items
- Cell tower discussion to return to the Board in April, with Trustee Darga favoring a new tower on Brewery Creek property over selling the old tower.
- Marina wi-fi issues remain unresolved; township to continue with Michigan Broadband in the interim.
- Decisions on Brewery Creek security cameras and winter pavilion tarp postponed for future consideration.
- Road Commission Annual Report moved to next month's meeting.