Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met June 9, 2026, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five members present. The board approved May minutes and the May Treasurer's Report, updated land division and lot line adjustment fees, advanced the West Little Traverse Lake (LTL) Road culvert and paving project with Gosling-Czubak, and reviewed a major expansion plan for Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR). A dispute over a resident's sign ordinance violation, including a threatened federal lawsuit, was discussed at length.
Public Comments
Michelle Anderson asked how long before CAFR expansion moves forward (Stein estimated about 2 years) and whether the number of residents served by the fire station is tracked; Stein noted Cleveland Township has around 1,600 residents. Jerry Lee Anderson asked about negotiations with park services regarding Shalda Creek; the board responded it cannot speak for park services on that matter. Correspondence from Josh Blyth regarding an STR permit was read into the record. Correspondence from Peter Skribanek was also read, stating that if forced to remove signs he considers in violation of the township sign ordinance, he intends to file a federal lawsuit against the township and board members individually, citing constitutional rights concerns.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Maintenance Report noted adjustments to the township dock, gravel added to potholes at the park, gravel replacement at rough spots in the cemetery, a new door installed on the cemetery building, and tree clearing by Rich Hulbert. The cemetery building still needs painting.
Infrastructure Projects
The board discussed the West Little Traverse Lake Road culvert and paving project, working with Gosling-Czubak, EGLE, and the Leelanau County Road Commission to double culvert capacity at two adjacent locations set at level 94.3. EGLE tentatively approved the plan, but classification as a "major project" requires a 6-week public comment period; work is targeted for mid-October 2026 or it becomes a 2027 project. Motion by Todd Nowak, seconded by Angie Diotte, to proceed with Gosling-Czubak and continue coordination with EGLE and the Road Commission passed 5-0.
Separately, the board reviewed a CAFR expansion plan involving a proposed $12 million, 20-year bond issue (estimated under 1 mill impact), shared 25% among four townships, to renovate the Cedar Fire Station and build a new auxiliary station near county roads 616 and 669. The interlocal agreement must be amended to reflect shared-cost terms; new legal counsel is being sought. Cleveland Township will host the next CAFR meeting July 1, 2026 at 5 pm.
Other Business
The Planning Commission is finishing solar array review (case 4.28) before a county public hearing July 1 at 6:45 pm, and continues master plan work with pay set at $30/hour for Natalie and Paul, not to exceed a set amount. The board approved a 13.6% increase in the Municipal Underwriters of West Michigan 2026 insurance renewal, with Stein seeking authorization to obtain alternative bids for 2027. Payment of bills for June 9, 2026 was approved (Motion: Tracy Olsen/Angie Diotte, 5-0).
Financial Summary
- Treasurer's Report (May 31, 2026): Beginning Balance $594,003.17; Disbursements -$17,068.28; Revenue $19,855.62; Ending Balance $596,790.51. Approved 5-0.
- New fee schedule: Land Division $450 for 4 parcels or less, plus $50 per additional parcel; Lot Line Adjustment $250. Approved 5-0 (Motion: Tim Stein/Todd Nowak).
- CAFR expansion proposal: $12 million bond over 20 years, shared 25% among four townships, estimated under 1 mill per taxpayer.
- Insurance renewal increased 13.6% this year, following an 8.9% increase last year; no liability changes made.
Action Items
- Township attorney continuing work on the sign ordinance violation dispute involving Peter Skribanek, who has threatened a federal lawsuit against the township and board members individually.
- Board to seek recommendations from the Fire Chief and new legal counsel to amend the CAFR interlocal agreement for shared expansion costs.
- Cleveland Township to host next CAFR meeting July 1, 2026 at 5 pm.
- Public hearing on solar array set for July 1, 2026 at 6:45 pm at the county level.
- Stein to seek alternative insurance carrier bids for the 2027 policy year.
- Continued coordination with Gosling-Czubak, EGLE, and the Road Commission on the LTL Road culvert/paving project, targeting mid-October 2026 completion.