Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met March 11, 2024, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding; Trustee Connie Preston was excused. The Board approved the consent calendar, authorized a Brownfield Grant application with the Discovery Center, adopted a poverty exemption resolution, accepted an MDOT grading easement offer, approved a Comprehensive Plan RFP with revised language, declined responsibility for the Cherry Square Condominiums septic system, adjusted interim harbormaster wages, and approved payment of invoices totaling $212,886.81. A request from TACS to use Greilickville Harbor Park for a regatta was denied by roll call vote.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board considered a request from Rita's Senoritas to reserve the tennis courts Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings; the Board agreed to continue allowing only Monday and Wednesday morning reservations, with all other times open to general public use. Trustees Lautner and Darga moved and seconded a motion to authorize tree planting on the DeYoung property per a provided map, which passed unanimously. TACS requested use of Greilickville Harbor Park from August 22–25 for the Melges 15 U.S. National Regatta, involving 35 boats stored on the beach; the Board raised concerns about limiting park use on a busy weekend and potential violations of the Park Ordinance regarding boats sailing through the swim area. Planner Clarren noted zoning and park ordinance issues. A motion by Trustee Trevas, seconded by Trustee Lautner, to allow the TACS event failed 2-4 by roll call vote (Yay: Trevas, Lautner; Nay: Mikowski, Gallagher, Darga, Shaw).
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Shaw noted the Township is exploring new marina software. The Board approved (Lautner/Darga, unanimous voice vote) accepting MDOT's February 20, 2024 offer for a grading easement related to the M-22 Pump Station; Trustee Darga requested photos be taken before work begins to ensure proper restoration. The Board also approved (Darga/Lautner, unanimous) a letter to Crain Engineering declining Township responsibility for the private community septic system at Cherry Square Condominiums.
Other Business
Matt McDonough of the Discovery Center presented the EGLE Brownfield Grant, a reimbursable grant requiring the Township as applicant; Otwell Mawby was hired to assist. The Board authorized (Lautner/Darga, unanimous) entering the grant application process. Planner Clarren presented the Comprehensive Plan RFP for the Master Plan update; the Board approved it (Lautner/Trevas, unanimous) with revised language ending a sentence after "sustainable development." The Board adopted Resolution 5 of 2024 establishing poverty exemption income guidelines (Darga/Lautner, unanimous). Trustee Darga proposed increasing deputy harbormaster wages to $28/hour while serving as interim harbormaster, reverting afterward; approved unanimously. Brendan Mullane of the Leelanau County Road Commission presented the annual report.
Financial Summary
Invoices totaling $212,886.81 were approved for payment (Darga/Mikowski, unanimous). Interim harbormaster wages were set at $28/hour during the interim period. Poverty exemption income guidelines and asset test policy were formally adopted.
Action Items
Photos to be taken before MDOT grading work at the M-22 Pump Station (requested by Trustee Darga). Discovery Center to return to the Board for acceptance authorization once the Brownfield Grant is awarded. Supervisor Shaw to submit letter to Crain Engineering declining responsibility for the Cherry Square Condominiums septic system. Agreement to be signed with the interim harbormaster reflecting the wage terms.