Summary
The Bingham Township Regular Board Meeting was called to order by Supervisor Werner at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum present (Trustee Layman excused). The Board approved the agenda and the January 20, 2025 meeting minutes with a minor correction to the engineer's name. Key business included an update on the Fire Hall remodel and staffing from Suttons Bay/Bingham Fire & Rescue, acceptance of the 2024 Township Audit report from Tobin & Co., and various committee, staff, and officer reports covering parks, zoning, planning, fire authority, assessing, treasury, and clerk matters. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during the designated public comment period of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Todd Stone reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee did not meet the previous week due to lack of quorum. A request was made to the road commission regarding parking, as road commission policy prohibits trees or structures in the right of way; older structures are grandfathered in but cannot be replaced if removed. A suggestion was made to obtain a survey to determine the cost figure needed for this issue. No formal decision or vote was recorded on this matter.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board discussed how to navigate ongoing road construction on M72. It was noted that a partial amount was received on a 2% report, and that if additional funding is needed, Bingham Township could help out. Treasurer Grant noted that funds are available to purchase monitors, which could be spent out of the "245" fund.
Other Business
- Chief Jim Porter of Suttons Bay/Bingham Fire & Rescue provided an update on the Fire Hall remodel, which began 6–8 years ago due to needed infrastructure work. The remodel includes additional rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen updates; one wall was found to be load-bearing, causing a delay. The project is expected to be completed by Memorial Day.
- The department has approved hiring a fourth full-time Fire EMT position, citing that it is the busiest fire department in the county with 900–1,000 calls per year.
- An ISO consultant rated Bingham, Suttons Bay, and Suttons Bay Village all at a 5 rating; a fire hydrant within 1,000 feet of a fire station and within 1,000 feet of a residence warrants this rating, which should result in insurance savings. The Board noted hiring the consultant was beneficial.
- A ground fire occurred at Shady Lane Cellars, reported by Fire Authority liaison Sandra Grant; conditions were described as "perfect" and the source was identified as a compost pile that had been burning underground.
- Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore provided a written report on the new county website and STR directory; discussion covered what information is and is not currently included. Werner asked about a water levels report previously kept by John Popa.
- The Township is in the process of STR (short-term rental) renewals.
- The Planning Commission (Patmore, Layman) reported making progress, with about two more months of work anticipated.
- The Assessor's Quarterly Report was discussed briefly; reports are statistical in nature. The Board of Review will occur in March.
- Trustee Stone raised concern about a dollar store potentially coming to Leelanau County, proposing consideration of a moratorium to control store size (10,000 square feet) given limited zoning areas; noted that a restaurant cannot have a drive-through under current rules.
- Clerk Grant explained the Township's data backup procedures, including anti-virus software, state and township voter record redundancy, and downloaded election data on the Clerk's computer, in response to a concern about being hacked.
- A concern was raised about equity and hedge firms buying homes in the county; it was suggested that STR regulations may make the area less attractive to investors, though this would need to be confirmed with the assessor.
Financial Summary
- The 2024 Township Audit report was accepted following a motion by Werner and Grant; Werner reported no questions on the audit.
- Vendor expenditures reported by the Clerk: $10,208.03.
- Payroll expenditures reported by the Clerk: $12,956.32.
- Treasurer Grant noted funds are available in the "245" account to purchase monitors, related to a partial 2% fund reimbursement discussed regarding M72 road construction.
- Property taxes were due February 15; taxes are to be forwarded to the county by February 28.
- Supervisor Werner reported working on the budget; no figures were presented at this meeting.
Action Items
- Obtain a survey and cost figure for the parking/right-of-way issue raised by the Parks and Recreation Committee.
- Continue processing STR renewals (Zoning Administrator).
- Follow up on the status of the water levels report previously maintained by John Popa.
- Planning Commission to continue its work, with completion expected in approximately two months.
- Supervisor Werner to continue working on the Township budget.
- Consider Trustee Stone's suggestion of a moratorium or size restriction to address the potential dollar store development.
- Assessor to be consulted regarding whether STR regulations affect investor interest in purchasing homes (equity/hedge firm concern).