Summary
The Bingham Township Board held its regular meeting on February 19, 2024, with a quorum present. Key actions included approval of the January 15, 2024 minutes (with a correction to the Enterprise subscription cost), approval of the Parks and Recreation Policy on Memorial Gifts, adoption of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution (2024-02-19), and the re-appointment of Dorothy Jean Coulter to the Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library Board. Committee reports covered progress on the Township Hall addition, cemetery maintenance needs, zoning/STR administration, and planning commission activities. Concerns about a lack of a junk ordinance and problematic properties were raised and assigned for follow-up.
Public Comments
Jim O’Rourke reported that Deb Allen has resigned and the Township is seeking a new administrator/head of Finance. He noted that solar panel installation at the Government Center is not included in the 2024-25 budget.
John Popa expressed opposition to 8-foot vertical advertising banners used by businesses, stating they are a driving distraction and illegal; he urged the Board to inform businesses of this. He also voiced support for reinstating a junk ordinance, praised the new Township Hall addition, and noted the Road Commission will soon give a presentation at a Bingham meeting. He shared information about a bill that would allow individuals to sue government employees personally rather than the government entity, expressing concern this could deter people from government employment.
In response to these comments, Supervisor Midge Werner asked about staffing levels at the Road Commission; it was noted there are about 8-9 employees and a shortage of workers for plowing roads.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Board received a letter regarding new housing legislation from Betsy Coffia, which was forwarded to Board members. No further discussion or action was recorded on this topic.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board reviewed and approved the Parks and Recreation Policy on Memorial Gifts as presented (moved by Midge, supported by Sandra; motion carried). The policy specifies that the Board has final say on placement of memorial gifts and that gifts cannot include religious or political connections.
Trustee Todd Stone reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee continues work on its 5-year plan. Heather Jordan will be leaving the Committee at the end of July. The Committee can have up to 11 members but currently has only 5, and is seeking new members; expectations include attending monthly meetings, stewarding a park, and participating in clean-up days. A parks clean-up date will be set next month. The Committee meets on the second Monday of each month.
Other Business
- The Board adopted the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution (2024-02-19), required by FEMA, based on a county-prepared template. Voice roll call: Midge Werner – Yes, Kathy Morio – Yes, Sandra Grant – Yes, Jeff Layman – Yes, Todd Stone – Yes. Motion carried.
- The Board approved the appointment of Dorothy Jean Coulter to a four-year term on the Suttons Bay/Bingham District Library Board, beginning March 31, 2024 and ending March 31, 2028 (moved by Midge, supported by Sandra; motion carried).
- Building and Grounds Committee (Kathy Morio): The Township Hall addition is about 90% complete, needing interior painting and flooring. The parking lot light is repaired, and the flagpole rope will be reattached. The Board still needs to select a paint color for the office and new areas.
- Cemetery Committee (Midge Werner): Tree removal will be needed at the cemeteries.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator (Steve Patmore): No permits were issued in January; there is a pending Board of Appeals (BOA) case. There were 64 short-term rental applications against a limit of 86, mostly renewals. Staff attended a workshop on flood plains and renewable energy; a proposed law would require 500 acres to meet the threshold for a solar array.
- Planning Commission (Steve Patmore, Jeff Layman): A productive goals and objectives meeting was held; no meeting will occur in March, with the next meeting set for April 4, 2024.
- Fire Authority (Sandra Grant): No new updates reported.
- Assessor’s Report: Angela Friske is retiring effective April 14, 2024.
- Trustee reports: Concerns were raised about the absence of a junk ordinance and an unresolved property issue. Todd Stone will research prior ordinance materials for future Board discussion. Steve Patmore volunteered to speak with the property owner, and Midge Werner will contact the Health Department. Discussion noted uncertainty about enforcement responsibility and cost concerns.
- Clerk Report: 606 absentee ballots have been issued; Bingham will hold a May election.
Financial Summary
- Correction to January minutes: Enterprise subscription cost is $47 for one year and $83.00 for a two-year subscription.
- The Board approved a payroll balance of $11,396.28 and a vendor balance of $8,115.04 (moved by Sandra, supported by Todd; motion carried).
- Treasurer’s report noted it is tax season, with the last day to pay taxes being February 29, 2024.
Action Items
- Todd Stone to research previous junk ordinance materials and bring findings to a future Board meeting for discussion.
- Steve Patmore to contact the owner of a property with ongoing concerns.
- Midge Werner to contact the Health Department regarding the same property concern.
- Parks and Recreation Committee to set a clean-up date at next month’s meeting and recruit new committee members.
- Board to select a paint color for the office and new addition areas at the Township Hall.