Summary
The Cleveland Township Board met December 9, 2025, with Supervisor Tim Stein, Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tracy Olsen, and Angie Diotte present. The board approved prior minutes, the November Treasurer's Report, 2026/27 meeting dates, a wage increase for the Zoning Administrator, and adopted an updated Short-Term Rental (STR) enforcement resolution. A resident, Todd Kraemer, requested an STR permit during public forum.
Public Comments
No public comment was made on the agenda. During the Open Public Forum, Todd Kraemer spoke on behalf of the Kraemer family regarding their property on Little Traverse Lake, explaining that his father Bob Kraemer wanted the home kept in the family for future generations, but rising maintenance costs and his mother's care needs require renting the property responsibly. He stated the family was unaware a permit was needed, believing prior notice letters were from a neighbor, and that they have since submitted an application with strict renter standards (no parties, quiet hours, screening). Tim Stein said he would investigate the matter further with Zoning Administrator Scott Sheehan.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Planning Commission member Todd Nowak reported an informal discussion with Mike Rivard of the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council about acquiring 40-acre or larger tracts to build 30-35 housing units (single-family, multi-family, and townhouses) on a 10-acre parcel, potentially fitting Residential 3 or commercial zoning. Todd Nowak has an informational pamphlet available. Correspondence noted the Sleeping Bear Gateway group published an end-of-year report introducing its board and outlining objectives for affordable and obtainable housing in Leelanau County.
Other Business
Tim Stein reported Solon and Centerville townships approved the Cedar Fire and Rescue budget, finalizing it; Elmwood declined to participate. Kasson Township (Greg Julian) is still deciding on a second station. Chris Comeaux reported an engineering firm assessed the current station building for Solon and Centerville, with renovation/rebuild presentations expected next month. Rick Royston will serve as Cleveland Township's alternate representative. Calls exceeded 700 this year. The Zoning Board of Appeals held a December 8 hearing on a variance for Michael and Sandy Deeton (South Lime Lake Rd) to replace a nonconforming deck, approved with no future additions such as screening or awnings. No zoning complaints or violations were reported in November; 3 land use permits were issued.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Angie Diotte reported for November 30, 2025: beginning balance $476,574.70, disbursements $102,684.16, revenue $23,515.71, ending balance $397,406.25; approved 5-0. The board approved a 6% wage increase for the Zoning Administrator/STR Enforcement Officer, from $15,780 to $16,725, effective 1/1/26 (5-0). Payment of bills for December 9, 2025 was approved 5-0. Spectrum internet costs rose $20 to $99.99/month.
Action Items
Tim Stein will investigate the Kraemer family's STR permit situation with Scott Sheehan. The Zoning Administrator is preparing 2026 STR permit renewals; 7 applicants remain on the waiting list. Solon and Centerville expect Cedar Fire station renovation/rebuild presentations next month. STR Resolution 2025-1209-01 was adopted unanimously by roll call vote (Jan Nowak, Todd Nowak, Tim Stein, Tracy Olsen, Angie Diotte all Aye), reinforcing enforcement requirements for STR permits in Residential 1, 2, 3, and Agricultural districts effective 1/1/25.