Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met April 13, 2026, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding. Trustee Jordan Gallagher was excused. The Board approved the consent calendar, agenda modifications, several marina-related financial and operational items, committee appointments, and a $257,183.74 invoice payment covering the final firetruck payment and marina bond payment.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board approved committee appointments recommended by the Supervisor, including several new members to the Parks and Recreation Committee: Ed Basile (2-year term, 6-1-26 to 5-31-28), Bryan Currie (2-year term, 4-1-26 to 3-31-28), Sara Kopriva (2-year term, 5-1-26 to 4-30-28), Julianna Paterra (2-year term, 4-13-26 to 4-12-28), and Chelcie Eisner (filling a vacant term through 11-19-26). The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine reported that marina spending in the prior year focused on completing new facilities, with future proposals to be well-vetted for economic benefit. The Board accepted a $2,600.00 Clean Boats, Clean Waters Grant (no match required) for educational materials, passed unanimously. A motion to authorize $6,800.00 for a launch ticket booth from Pahls was made by Clerk Preston and seconded by Trustee Lautner, though no vote outcome was recorded. The Board approved purchase of an ice-making machine, with Jenuwine citing a 1.4-year payback and $7,000.00 in projected annual profits afterward; passed unanimously. New winter storage rates were approved unanimously after comparison to other facilities. Dock replacement engineering drawings are underway and will be sent to three firms; a manufacturer estimated the current dock system has about three more years of life with maintenance. The Board approved a $25 annual wait-list renewal fee and a $100 transfer-list fee plus $25 annual fee, with a five-year wait requirement for existing slip holders, passed unanimously. Traverse City Light & Power (TCL&P), represented by Jacob Hardy, proposed four free EV fast-charging stations at Brewery Creek at no township cost; the Board reached consensus to support the concept, with Hardy to return once a site is chosen. The Board also voted unanimously to formally allow broadside docking at the ends of the three piers in summer and winter storage in the parking lot.
Other Business
Brendan Mullane of the Leelanau County Road Commission presented the annual report on activities and finances. The Board scheduled public hearings for the Timberlee Area Road Maintenance District special assessments at the next meeting. The Board voted unanimously to continue offering full insurance to employees eligible for Medicare rather than shifting them to the Priority Advantage Plan. A resolution supporting the Grand Traverse Yacht Club Foundation’s charitable gaming license application passed 6-0 by roll call. The Board also discussed redesigning the office reception area (one bid received at $6,800.00) and agreed by consensus to seek additional bids, with Supervisor Shaw recommending added security features.
Financial Summary
Key figures included: $2,600.00 Clean Boats, Clean Waters Grant (no match required); $6,800.00 proposed for launch ticket booth (vote outcome not recorded); ice machine purchase projected to pay back in 1.4 years with $7,000.00 annual profit thereafter; new wait-list ($25 annual) and transfer-list ($100 plus $25 annual) fees approved; $6,800.00 bid for reception area redesign; and $257,183.74 in total invoices approved, including the final firetruck payment and marina bond payment.
Action Items
Clerk Preston will bring fire millage figures and ballot language to the Board next month. TCL&P’s Jacob Hardy will return to the Board once an EV charging station site is selected. Dock engineering drawings are to be distributed to three firms for review. The Board will seek additional bids for the reception area redesign, incorporating security upgrades as suggested by Supervisor Shaw. Public hearings for the Timberlee Area Road Maintenance Districts are scheduled for the next Board meeting.