Summary
The Bingham Township Board met on April 15, 2024, with all board members present. The Board approved the agenda and the March 18, 2024 minutes, held an extended discussion on a proposed blight ordinance, approved a Parks & Recreation 5-year plan contract, approved several Parks and Recreation expenditures, and reviewed committee reports including zoning, assessor, and cemetery matters. Vendor and payroll payments were approved, and the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Public Comments
Public comment was held during discussion of agenda items rather than as a separate segment.
- Jens Hensel raised concerns about a property at Shady Lane and M22, suspecting an unpermitted business was being run there. Steve Patmore responded that no business permit had been granted and that evidence would be needed to act. Hensel also asked the Board to verify whether a business was being operated and suggested the Board contact surrounding townships about similar situations.
- Clayton Tribel stated that townships are not required to write their own blight ordinance since the State has one that can be used, and noted it was recently applied in Traverse City. He provided a copy of the State ordinance to Werner and asked questions about the property owner's circumstances (minors on site, mental health, financial capability to clean up, available help). He suggested the ordinance process could work alongside a humanitarian effort and asked what the first step would be; Stone responded that the first step would be for the attorney to review the state ordinance, which Tribel requested be done by the next meeting.
- Julia Phillips said the State ordinance's definition fits the situation, noting it allows a set number of days for clean-up before fees are assessed, and mentioned neighbors have observed trucks entering the property.
- Maureen Hensel expressed concern that the property is a fire hazard affecting neighboring properties. Werner responded that the Fire Department had inspected the property and believed they could handle a fire there if one occurred.
- Anne Avery said she felt the property owner/neighbors are misunderstood and that many people would be willing to help if the owner were receptive.
- Christy Brow noted the Township could use the State ordinance but could not modify it.
Board members (not the public) also commented: Layman suggested that neighbors write and sign a letter of concern to the property owner. Stone reported he had reviewed 6 of 11 neighboring township ordinances and had been advised that the Township should not write an ordinance unless prepared to fully enforce it, since court costs for clean-up could exceed the cost to the owner. Werner stated she would forward the state blight ordinance to the Township attorney and report back at the next meeting.
No further public comments were made under the final Public Comments and Announcements agenda item.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Todd Stone reported that Parks & Rec is working with Steve Hannon on a 5-year plan; his proposal totaled $3,312, with the Committee adding a possible additional 10 hours ($320) if needed. The Board (Grant/moved; Morio/supported) approved the proposal for $3,312 plus up to $320 additional, for a total of $3,632, funded from the 245-248 Parks and Rec improvement line. Motion carried.
The Board had previously approved contracting for concrete pads for porta johns in the parks. Graham Builders was the only interested contractor, bidding $2,000. The Board (Grant/moved; Layman/supported) approved this bid. Motion carried. Stone has obtained the soil erosion permit and will notify the builder to proceed.
A work day is scheduled for April 27, starting at Bingham Park, to repair tables. The Board (Grant/moved; Werner/supported) approved $175 for lumber, a sander, and paint for this work day. Motion carried.
Stone contacted Gosling-Czubak regarding paving the parking lot at Boughey Park, estimated at about $75,000; the firm will prepare a proposal for the scope of work.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer infrastructure projects were discussed in this meeting.
Other Business
- Assessor Committee Report: Two interviews were held for Angela Friske's position, and other applications have been received. Angela Friske agreed to continue helping for another month.
- Building and Grounds Committee: No new report; flooring installation will occur after the May 7 election.
- Cemetery Committee: A meeting was scheduled for Friday to discuss needed tree work. A key to a building at Keswick Cemetery is missing and the door is currently unlocked.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator: A number of permit applications were received. The ZBA granted a variance for a house on Sandy Beach Drive. Short-term rental (STR) count is at 72, with an expected limit of 86. A Master Plan meeting is scheduled for the following week. A replacement is needed for Charlie Dashner on the Planning Commission (to be advertised in the summer tax bill), and another member is needed for Parks & Rec, as Heather Jordan is resigning and will be advertised for replacement.
- Planning Commission: A special work session is scheduled for April 23.
- Fire Authority: Documents were mailed; no further discussion noted.
- Assessor's Quarterly Report: Angela Friske submitted the report, which the Board (Werner/moved; Grant/supported) approved. Motion carried.
- Clerk: 691 absentee ballots were mailed out. Kathy Morio announced she will not run for re-election; applications for candidacy are due by 4pm on April 23.
- Treasurer, Trustee, and Supervisor reports: None given.
Financial Summary
- Parks & Rec 5-year plan professional services: approved at $3,312, plus up to $320 for additional 10 hours if needed, totaling $3,632, funded from the 245-248 Parks and Rec improvement line.
- Concrete pads for porta johns: approved bid of $2,000 from Graham Builders.
- Work Day supplies (lumber, sander, paint): approved at $175.
- Boughey Park parking lot: estimated cost of approximately $75,000 quoted by Gosling-Czubak; a formal proposal is pending.
- Vendor invoices: approved payment of $20,182.93.
- Payroll: approved payment of $11,078.73.
Action Items
- Werner will send the Michigan blight ordinance to the Township attorney for review and report back at the next meeting (requested by Clayton Tribel to occur by the next meeting).
- Layman suggested (not yet acted upon by the Board) that neighbors write and sign a letter of concern to the property owner regarding the blight situation.
- Stone will continue reviewing other townships' ordinances for guidance on the blight ordinance matter.
- Stone will notify Graham Builders to schedule the concrete pad work now that the soil erosion permit has been obtained.
- Parks & Rec work day is scheduled for April 27 at Bingham Park.
- Gosling-Czubak will prepare a proposal for the Boughey Park parking lot project.
- Applications are due by 4pm on April 23 for candidates interested in running for Kathy Morio's Clerk position, as she will not seek re-election.
- A replacement is needed for Charlie Dashner on the Planning Commission (to be advertised via summer tax bill notice) and for Heather Jordan on the Parks & Rec committee.
- The missing key to the building at Keswick Cemetery needs to be addressed, as the door is currently unlocked.