Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met May 12, 2026, with all five members present. The board approved April minutes and the April 30 Treasurer's Report, approved a contract for an AI zoning support tool, approved the CAFR Strategic Plan 2026-2030 for the Cedar Area Fire and Rescue Department, and voted unanimously to place a Headlee Override millage referendum on the August 4, 2026 ballot. Much discussion centered on high water levels at Little Traverse Lake and planned culvert/engineering improvements, generating significant public comment.
Public Comments
Todd Bredin, a 36-year lake resident, said flooding began after decades without problems and that multiple engineers who studied the site told him the culvert "has got to go." He criticized fellow resident Jeff Shutz, a Lake Association board member, for spreading what Bredin called misinformation that removing/altering the culvert would drain the lake, and urged the board to trust engineers rather than the Lake Association.
Gwen Allgier thanked the Road Commission for planned work but raised concern about water levels, citing a 2018 University of Alberta study finding 25% shoreline leakage. She said one neighbor spent $70,000 replacing floorboards due to flood damage, another neighbor's sister had similar damage, and one resident was evicted due to fumes from high water. She urged the board to ensure new culverts are installed at appropriate height using sound science and compromise, and thanked the board for STR-related work.
Brenden Mullane of the Road Commission noted a road tour is scheduled for June 3.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Per the Maintenance Report (Tim Stein), the boat launch dock was repaired after boat damage, and a port-a-potty was placed at the township park.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Stein reported on a May 4 meeting with Scott Tucker (National Park Service) and Brenden Mullane (Road Commission) regarding high water over the past three weeks. NPS is establishing a protocol to potentially allow removal of dams between LTL and 669 and at Fish Camp, though wilderness-area rules limit action. "Beaver Deceivers" (pond levelers) were discussed as a long-term solution, potentially studied by the University of Michigan, with funding shared among the lake association, township, and NPS. The township is contracting with Gosling Zubac for culvert engineering, planning to add two adjacent culverts alongside the existing one, sized to the high-water level, timed before planned improvements to West Little Traverse Lake Road (summer/early fall). Mullane reported EGLE is interested in the culvert design pending approval.
Other Business
Planning Commission (Todd Nowak) held a May 6 public hearing on the Leelanau Conservancy Sugarloaf properties site plan, which was approved with no negative feedback; work continues on a solar array/commercial project and the master plan. Zoning Administrator's report led to board approval of an AI zoning tool contract for the township website (motion by Jan Nowak, supported by Angie Diotte; Ayes 5, Nays 0), with a 60-day pre-renewal review recommended. Assessor Stein noted free State Treasury BOR training available July 13 and 16. Fire Board update: first joint meeting held at Kasson Township on the 2026-2030 draft plan; next meeting June 3 at Centerville Township Hall. Road Commission update (Mullane): new state gas tax funding (.21 cent/gallon) and a new Neighborhood Road Fund (no match required, 75% to primary roads) were described; Traverse Lake Road and Lime Lake Road resurfacing planned this year; Suttons Bay facility storage expansion sought.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (April 30, 2026): Beginning Balance $697,283.94; Disbursements $103,687.99; Revenue $407.22; Ending Balance $594,003.17 (approved 5-0). The Headlee Override referendum, if approved by voters August 4, 2026, would raise the GOA millage by .4650 mills back to 1 mill, generating an estimated $83,000 additional revenue in the first year, restarting a 20-year Headlee cycle (2026-2045). Payment of bills for May 14, 2026 was approved 5-0.
Action Items
Board to calendar review of the AI zoning tool contract 60 days before its 12-month auto-renewal. Continued monitoring of Beaver Deceiver research/funding with NPS and lake association. Engineering for new culverts to be completed before West Little Traverse Lake Road improvements. Ongoing tension between residents (Todd Bredin) and the Lake Association/Jeff Shutz over culvert and dam removal remains unresolved and should be watched for further conflict.