Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met February 10, 2026, with Supervisor Tim Stein, Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tracy Olsen, and Angie Diotte present. The board approved January minutes, the Treasurer's January report, a zoning fee schedule change, a summer tax collection agreement with Leland Public Schools, the 2026/27 Truth in Taxation Resolution, salary resolutions for Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer, and a fireworks permit for M. Wysocki.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered on the agenda items. During the Open Public Forum, Dave Roznaski thanked the board for its work; no other issues were raised and no written correspondence was received.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Tim Stein noted the concrete pad at the park is cracked and suggested obtaining a quote for repair as part of 2026/27 budget planning. No vote was taken; this is a proposed budget item for further consideration.
Other Business
Supervisor Stein reported MTA is asking townships to sign a governance principles pledge. Clerk Tracy Olsen reported W2s were issued and meeting synopses will now be posted for the Leelanau Enterprise. Planning Commission (Todd Nowak) reported approval of an amendment to Article 7 (Agriculture District) deleting Section 9.01 (mining), now moving to the county. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan reported 5 land use permits issued in January, STR permits at capacity with 4 on the waiting list, no violations, and engagement of Chris Grobbel for land splits/lot line adjustments. The Zoning Board of Appeals (Jan Nowak) approved an amended 40-foot variance near W. Traverse Lake Rd after a Road Commission right-of-way issue arose. Maintenance report: front storm door needs a chain due to wind damage; Nello Valentine to be contacted. Assessor report: BOR dates set (Organizational Meeting March 3 at 11am; sessions March 9 and March 11). Fire Department update: Tobin approved again as audit firm; John Depuy may resign as member-at-large, recommending Kathy Fordyce (Empire resident) as replacement. Annual Meeting (March 21) agenda discussed: Tom Nelson (Conservancy) on Sugarloaf, Chief Doornbos on fire millage renewal, Tim Stein on Segment 9 road work, Todd Nowak on PC annual report. Fireworks permit approved for July 5, 2026 on LTL (rain date Sept. 5), with $5 million insurance policy confirmed.
Financial Summary
Treasurer's Report (Jan 31, 2026): Beginning balance $310,600.40; disbursements -$102,274.41; revenue $267,139.70; ending balance $475,465.69. Final tax day is 2/13/26. Land Division fee set at $450 and Property Line Adjustment fee at $250. Summer tax collection fee with Leland Public Schools set at $2.50 per parcel. Truth in Taxation Resolution approved: total millage rate of 3.5062 mills (Operational .5350, Fire/Emergency 2.470, Road maintenance .4962), plus 1% Property Tax Administration Fee (roll call: all Aye). Salary resolutions approved: Supervisor $18,000 (all Aye); Clerk $23,250 (Jan Nowak and Todd Nowak voted Nay, motion carried); Treasurer $21,500 (Jan Nowak voted Nay, motion carried). Budget discussion items for 2026/27 include finishing West end LTL road work, an estimated $15,000 for master plan printing/legal/public hearing costs, park concrete pad repair quote, and a new cemetery barn shed.
Action Items
- Angie Diotte to be in the office 2/13 and 2/17 for tax day.
- Tim Stein to contact Nello Valentine regarding storm door chain repair.
- Chris Grobbel to begin handling land splits/lot line adjustments, billing township directly.
- Site visit with the Conservancy scheduled for February 19 at the Sugarloaf property.
- Board to consider replacing John Depuy on the Fire Board with Kathy Fordyce.
- BOR tax rolls due to the county by 5pm Friday, March 11.
- Prepare general fund balance report for the March 21 Annual Meeting.