Summary
The Cleveland Township Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing, chaired by Supervisor Tim Stein, covered the Supervisor's annual report, a Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) update from Chief Andy Doornbos, a Leelanau Conservancy presentation on the Sugar Loaf property, a county update from Commissioner Gwen Allgier, salary resolutions, and the Planning Commission's annual report. The Board approved the 2026/27 budget by a 5-0 vote (Ayes 5, Nayes 0) in a subsequent special meeting.
Public Comments
Gwen Allgier raised concerns from an elderly Glen Arbor resident about checking on elderly/disabled residents during severe weather; Chief Doornbos noted an upcoming Senior Service group outreach meeting could help. Paul Dechow asked about wildfire trends; Doornbos said 2025 saw fewer wildfires, possibly due to spring cleanup. On the Sugar Loaf project, Dechow asked about tree loss on the slopes; Conservancy representatives said backcountry skiing runs would be preserved and trees replanted over time. Allgier asked about remaining private land near the airfield, confirmed by Conservancy staff. On county matters, Dechow asked if the finance/personnel department transition was improving; Allgier said yes. Lynn Allgaier raised concerns about fuel load from dead trees near Traverse Lake Rd; Stein confirmed ongoing coordination with the National Park Service, including a planned early-April meeting with Scott Tucker on fuel load and beaver dam control. On planning matters, Allgaier and Dechow asked about STR permit availability (4 on hold, ~30 held by residents) and enforcement via Granicus; and about legality of a truck/trailer parked on a Route 22 property, confirmed legal.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Planning Commission (Todd Nowak) reported recommending a PILOT ordinance and an amendment to Zoning Section 8.05 ("land occupancy by buildings"), tied to Master Plan Housing Objective 1 to expand housing near former Sugarloaf Resort and CR 667. Exploratory talks were held with the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council on "attainable housing" development; a related survey/questionnaire is planned for June.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Leelanau Conservancy, represented by Tom Nelson, Jana Roe, and Becky Hill, reported closing on the 280-acre Sugar Loaf property March 11, 2026, gifted by the Virginia Ball Foundation after an $8 million fundraising goal was met. Plans include trails, a pavilion, restrooms, gravel parking, a nature play area, and a demonstration garden. A site plan public hearing is targeted for May 6, with a ribbon cutting to follow. The township also plans to repair the pavilion concrete floor at the township park and the cemetery maintenance building in 2026.
Infrastructure Projects
Roads repaved in 2025 included Scenic Mountain View Estates, Fairway Dr., and Bluff Lane. A new HVAC system was installed at the township hall. For 2026, the West End of Little Traverse Lake Rd. is planned for completion. The cemetery irrigation system will also be reviewed.
Financial Summary
Taxable value is $179 million, up 9.8%. Key revenues include $862,380, with Fire/Emergency $449,484, State Revenue Sharing $115,986, Property Tax Admin Fee $176,190, PILT/Reimbursement $13,650, and Reimbursements/Licenses/Fees $26,000. Key expenses: Fire/Emergency Services $380,998 (Wages $98,615, Professional Services $35,400), Road Repair/Maintenance $275,000. Total revenue $1,013,058 vs. expenditures $798,856; General Fund Balance (2/28/26) $664,844.11, projected (2/28/27) $651,611.00. CAFR's 2025/26 operating budget totals $1,385,902.01, over 90% township-funded; capital contributions totaled $112,275.24. Salaries approved: Supervisor $18,000, Clerk $23,250, Treasurer $21,500, Trustees $180/meeting (motion by Gwen Allgaier, seconded Paul Dechow, passed by voice vote). The 2026/27 budget was approved 5-0 (motion Jan Nowak, support Todd Nowak).
Other Business
No bills were presented for payment in March. The Annual Meeting adjourned at 11:09 am, Budget Hearing at 11:50 am, and the Special Meeting at 11:31 am (per minutes).
Action Items
Complete Sugar Loaf site plan review, targeting a May 6 public hearing. Distribute attainable housing survey/questionnaire in June. Meet with Scott Tucker in early April regarding fuel load and beaver dam control. Refurbish the cemetery maintenance building and review its irrigation system in 2026.