Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met March 10, 2026, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding. The board approved the February minutes, agenda, Treasurer's Report, and bill payments unanimously (5-0) on each vote. Major actions included appointing Kathy Fordyce to the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) Board, adopting a resolution to place a 2.5-mill Fire/Emergency Services renewal on the August 4, 2026 ballot, approving the 2026/27 Truth in Taxation Resolution, and approving the March 21 Annual Meeting agenda.
Public Comments
Jim Masseroni asked whether the township would consider the National Park Service's potential reconsideration of a trail on the West End of Little Traverse Lake Rd. in lieu of planned road improvements there, and noted a large tree branch had fallen near the boat launch (the Road Commission will address it). Kate from the Leelanau Enterprise asked about the start time for the upcoming Annual Meeting. No formal board responses or votes resulted from these comments.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Stein reported plans to meet with Scott Tucker and Brendan Mullane on March 13 to discuss addressing two beaver dams between West Traverse Lake Rd. and County Road 669 near the Fish Camp area, which pose potential property damage risk to Little Traverse Lake. The township hopes the National Park Service will agree to remove the dams by the end of October if they are found present.
Other Business
The Planning Commission (Todd Nowak) reported the County Planning Commission approved forwarding the Article 9 Agricultural District mining section to the board next month; a proposed solar panel ordinance for the agricultural district is expected in April, with surveys to begin in June. The Zoning Administrator reported 3 Land Use Permits issued in February (8 year-to-date), one active lot line adjustment, and one zoning violation (unauthorized commercial outside storage), for which a notice of violation was issued and follow-up compliance checks will occur. Old business included discussion of a possible CAFR substation near Myles Kimberly Park on the Cleveland/Kasson border, with a meeting scheduled March 18 with Roy Roystin and Chief Doornbos; the old ambulance was declared surplus and listed for sale.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Angie Diotte reported (as of February 28, 2026): Beginning Balance $475,465.69; Disbursements -$11,577.09; Revenue $200,955.51; Ending Balance $664,844.11 (approved 5-0). Taxable value rose 9.8% from 2025. The board approved the 2026/27 Truth in Taxation Resolution and authorized the Clerk and Treasurer to adjust the 2025/26 budget to reconcile line-item balances (both 5-0). A resolution for renewal of the 2.5-mill Fire/Emergency Services millage (2026-2028) was approved by roll call, all members voting Aye.
Action Items
- Tim Stein to meet with Scott Tucker and Brendan Mullane, March 13, regarding beaver dam removal.
- Meeting with Roy Roystin and Chief Doornbos on March 18 to discuss a CAFR substation.
- Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan to follow up on compliance for the commercial outside storage violation.
- Annual Meeting scheduled March 21, with a special meeting to follow to approve the budget (due by April 1).
- Kathy Fordyce appointed to CAFR Board, replacing John Depuy.