Summary
The Charter Township of Elmwood Board of Trustees met on February 9, 2026, with Clerk Connie Preston presiding in the absence of Supervisor Jeff Shaw. The Board approved the consent calendar and agenda unanimously, introduced amendments to the Uniform Sewer Use Ordinance, approved a resolution supporting a Rotary Charities grant application for the Cherry Bend Trail Connector, renewed the annual poverty exemption resolution, and approved payment of invoices totaling $32,340.76.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either the initial Public Comment period or the Extended Public Comment period at the end of the meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Noah Karberg, Director of the Grand Traverse County Department of Public Works, presented proposed amendments to the Uniform Sewer Use Ordinance. He noted the changes were largely administrative, including updating references from the DEQ to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, revised definitions, and new allowable sampling technologies. He explained that Blair Township would be specifically named as connecting to Garfield Township's sewer system, and that the City of Traverse City, as owner of the wastewater treatment plant, would hold Control Authority over industrial pre-treatment inspections and enforcement within the Township. Trustee D. Gallagher asked about the purpose of fines and where fine revenue would go; Mr. Karberg stated the goal was compliance rather than revenue generation and that he was unsure whether fine proceeds would go to the City or Township. Trustee Lautner moved, seconded by Trustee D. Gallagher, to introduce the ordinance amendment, and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Other Business
Clerk Preston reported that Supervisor Shaw had submitted a written report and that the Master (Comprehensive) Plan would be placed on next month's agenda. No trustee remarks, engineer's report, or old business items were presented.
Financial Summary
Sarah Clarren, Planning/Zoning Administrator, introduced Resolution 1 of 2026 supporting a Rotary Charities Assets for Thriving Communities grant application in the amount of $50,000.00 for the Cherry Bend Trail Connector. The motion, made by Trustee Lautner and seconded by Trustee Darga, passed 6-0 by roll call vote.
Resolution 2 of 2026, establishing updated Poverty Exemption Income Guidelines and Asset Test Policy per Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, was approved 6-0 by roll call vote following a motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Darga.
The Board approved payment of invoices totaling $32,340.76 on a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee D. Gallagher, passing unanimously by voice vote.
Action Items
- Master (Comprehensive) Plan to be placed on the March agenda.
- Uniform Sewer Use Ordinance amendment introduced; further action/adoption steps not specified in the minutes.
- Staff to proceed with submitting the Rotary Charities grant application for the Cherry Bend Trail Connector following resolution approval.