Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met December 10, 2024, with Supervisor Tim Stein presiding and all five members present. The board approved the November minutes, the November 30 Treasurer's Report, a new clerk computer system, a 2025 summer tax collection agreement, and the 2025-26 meeting schedule. Discussion continued on short-term rental (STR) permit approvals, fire department expansion, and the status of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) Segment 9, which remains paused.
Public Comments
Victoria Sutherland, representing the Little Traverse Lake Association, asked about a possible zoning change on M-22; Tim Stein responded there is no zoning change proposed and none is planned, though the Planning Commission will review that section as part of the 2025 master plan update. Kathy Anderson raised concerns about STR permit timing, asking whether November 30 was a hard cutoff; Stein clarified applications will continue to be accepted until the township's cap of 36 permits is reached. Matt Sutherland asked whether the 20 "agreements in hand" meant approvals; Stein said he and Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan would review and approve qualifying applications on Saturday. Gwen Allgier expressed disappointment that SBHT Segment 9 was halted, noting it would have addressed lake-level issues and an aging culvert needing replacement, and lamented loss of trees from beech disease. A letter from Bob Dekorne thanked the board for its SBHT efforts but questioned the trail's routing.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Planning Commission Chair Todd Nowak reported Dean Manikas has been in contact with Yarrow Brown and will contact Tim Stein regarding a "payment in lieu of taxes" housing concept. This remains preliminary discussion, to be considered for inclusion in the township master plan survey if it has merit.
Infrastructure Projects
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) Segment 9 remains paused indefinitely following an NPS decision; Stein said follow-up conversations with the Tribe indicate they are pleased with the outcome. Public comment noted the paused trail was expected to fund replacement of an aging culvert affecting lake levels.
Other Business
Cedar Fire and Rescue (John Imboden) reported interest from Elmwood Township in joining the four-township fire department, potentially expanding it to five members, with discussions ongoing. New union contract negotiations are nearly complete, pending insurance figures; a special December meeting may be called for board ratification. Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan reported a land use permit issued to Donna Harwick for a barn, applications for a boardwalk through wetlands, and over 20 STR applications under review. The board approved 2025-26 meeting dates (second Tuesday monthly, 7 pm) and approved payment of bills.
Financial Summary
- Treasurer's Report (11/30/24): Beginning Balance $350,337.86; Disbursements -$151,236.42; Revenue $23,628.51; Ending Balance $222,729.95 — approved 5-0.
- New clerk computer system approved up to $1,500 (quoted at $1,419.00 with system and warranty) — approved 5-0.
- Agreement with Northwest Educational Services for 2025 summer property tax collection at $2.50 per parcel — approved 5-0.
- Universal communication system proposal ($199/month from Up Ahead) was declined by the clerk as not beneficial.
Action Items
- Vince to set up new clerk computer system.
- Clerk to contact Samar at Pyramid Tax to begin new payroll system in January.
- Angie Diotte to post February office hours (Dec. 26, Feb. 14 and 28) on website and in newspaper.
- Scott Sheehan and Tim Stein to complete STR application review and approvals Saturday following the meeting.
- Dean Manikas to contact Tim Stein regarding payment-in-lieu-of-taxes housing concept for possible inclusion in master plan survey.
- Possible special board meeting in December to ratify new union fire contract.