Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met May 12, 2025, with Supervisor Shaw presiding and Trustees Lautner, Don Gallagher, Preston present (Darga, Jordan Gallagher, and Mikowski excused). The Board approved two road special assessment resolutions, authorized a $389,400 design contract for the Cherry Bend Trail Connector, approved several marina-related items, and addressed park equipment and financing matters.
Public Comments
Jack Chrestensen was listed under Public Comment; the minutes do not record the content of his remarks or any Board response. No written comments were noted, and Extended Public Comment at the end of the meeting drew none.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Leelanau Soccer Club requested permission to install a concrete slab for a new, slightly larger equipment shed at the soccer field; the Board approved this unanimously (motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher). The Board also voted unanimously to sell the park's merry-go-round via Municibid (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Lautner). After reviewing two bids for park wood chips, the Board voted unanimously to purchase from Kamps (motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Don Gallagher).
Infrastructure Projects
The Board adopted Resolution 3 of 2025 adjusting the special assessment roll for S. Blue Ridge Lane, E. Old Orchard Road, and S. Orchard Way (4-0 roll call vote) and Resolution 4 of 2025 for East Timberwoods Drive, S. Fox Valley Lane, and S. Cottonwood Drive (4-0 roll call vote); public hearings on both drew no comments. The Board authorized a professional services agreement with Wade-Trim up to $389,400 for the Cherry Bend Road and Trail design, with the Road Commission covering $92,000 of the design cost via intergovernmental agreement; engineer Joe Slonecki noted right-of-way negotiation costs as the main variable. Regarding the marina, Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine proposed renting the new building in the off-season (he will investigate rates and report back) and requested renting 70 parking spaces at Brewery Creek for summer boat storage (he will adjust the number and report back, balancing overflow parking needs). Road Commission Manager Brenden Mullane discussed Sylvia Street paving financing, suggesting a local road millage instead of special assessment districts, which he felt were fairer for dead-end roads; the Board agreed to consider financing options in the future.
Other Business
The Board approved a temporary BATA bus stop at the township hall (Option Three) to replace a closed stop during road construction. Marina-related purchases were approved: two AEDs and a pest control contract. The Board approved renewing Par Plan insurance. Harbormaster Jenuwine was granted permission to hold three boater goodwill events, subject to special use permit review by Planner Sarah Clarren.
Financial Summary
- Cherry Bend Trail/road design contract with Wade-Trim: up to $389,400.00, with $92,000.00 to be paid by the Road Commission.
- Two AEDs purchased for $4,600.00.
- Pest control contract with Chemical Control: $4,523.75.
- Par Plan insurance renewal: $48,030.00.
- Invoices paid: $283,722.62.
Action Items
- Harbormaster Jenuwine to investigate off-season rental rates for the marina building and report back to the Board.
- Harbormaster Jenuwine to adjust the number of Brewery Creek parking spaces for boat storage and report back.
- Board to consider future financing options for Sylvia Street paving.
- Homeowners advised to move sprinkler heads within road right-of-way to avoid damage during shoulder work.