Summary
The Bingham Township Board met on May 19, 2025, with a quorum present (Clerk Rachel Amalfitano excused). The Board approved the April 21, 2025 minutes as amended, accepted a roofing bid from Story Roofing, approved a 2.5% increase for zoning services with Suttons Bay Township, discussed road funding options, reviewed Parks and Recreation budget and park projects, approved a fund transfer for a new roads account, increased the Deputy Treasurer's wage, and approved vendor and payroll payments. The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
Public Comments
Patrick Gallagher raised questions about short term rentals (STRs), including whether the number of allowed STRs would be increased, the application deadline, whether there is a waiting list, and what permits are needed for an STR versus a Bed and Breakfast. Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore answered his questions. No written comments or letters were noted. No additional public comments were made during the second public comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Todd Stone reviewed the Parks & Recreation budget line by line. The parking lot area at Groesser Park was staked out; the cost of the parking lot at Boughey Park was noted at approximately $106,000, with design costs of about $3,600. Stone will speak with the engineer from Gosling-Czubak about a proposal for a parking lot at Groesser Park. The Board discussed signage needs, including park identification signs on main roads and safety/information signs within the parks, as well as the possibility of writing grants for these projects; further discussion is planned for the next meeting.
Stone noted a source for machinery to assist with clearing work at Groesser Park, with an associated cost; a $1,000 donation was offered for this purpose. The second park cleaning was scheduled for Thursday, May 22.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board discussed road funding, noting that Bingham Township has not set aside funds for road repair as some other townships have done. Woodside Court currently needs repair. Per a meeting with Brendan Mullane, the Road Commission does not have funds for cost-sharing with townships on road repair or replacement, though it will return a damaged road to gravel at no cost to the Township. Options discussed included forming a Special Assessment District (SAD) or holding an election for a millage to fund road repairs. The Board discussed the need to educate the public about road repair costs. It was noted the Township has no legal obligation to fund roads. Treasurer Korson reported a new budget line was created for roads, with a plan to allocate $100,000 into it; the Board approved (Layman moved, Stone supported) transferring funds from the general fund to the 245 account.
Other Business
- The committee reviewing window blinds (Old Business) presented two quotes from Select Blinds, both under $5,000; the Board agreed to include a motor for up/down movement and requested further information on valances and costs, with a purchase decision possible next month.
- The Board accepted the roofing bid from Story Roofing for $23,180 plus $7,135 for resheeting if needed (Stone moved, Layman supported; motion carried), citing a clearer warranty and local company status compared to MI Roof Pro.
- The Board authorized Midge Werner and Rachel Amalfitano to sign a renewed zoning services contract with Suttons Bay Township, agreeing to a 2.5% increase (Layman moved, Stone supported; motion carried).
- Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore reported an application received for a winery; the ZBA meeting is scheduled for next month. The Planning Commission has someone available to help format the Master Plan.
- Cemetery Committee (Werner) reported meeting with RELEAF representatives; the Township could obtain 15-17 trees for about $2,000, with a grant application possible. Stone will contact scouts for help planting trees.
- Trustee Stone and his wife worked the recycling day; 19 tires from Bingham were recycled, and they were thanked for their service.
- The Board reviewed the 2025-2026 budget; Korson and Werner answered questions, and Korson will check on more information about reimbursements. The Township is in early discussions about hiring an office aide. A question was raised about dues paid to the MTA.
- The Historical Society Workshop at Maple Grove Cemetery was announced for June 20-22, teaching participants how to clean and restore tombstones.
- It was noted that the Fire Station building on Township Hall property is leased to the Fire Department for $1 a year, but the lease has not been paid in recent years.
Financial Summary
- Window blinds quotes: both under $5,000 (exact amounts not specified).
- Roofing bid approved: $23,180 from Story Roofing, plus $7,135 for resheeting if needed.
- Zoning services agreement with Suttons Bay Township renewed with a 2.5% increase.
- New budget line created for roads, with a plan to allocate $100,000.
- Vendor payments approved: $11,859.03.
- Payroll payments approved: $16,294.99.
- Deputy Treasurer's wage increased from $20/hour to $22/hour.
- Boughey Park parking lot cost cited at approximately $106,000, with design costs of about $3,600.
- Tree purchase through RELEAF estimated at about $2,000 for 15-17 trees; grant application possible.
- $1,000 donation offered for clearing work machinery at Groesser Park.
- Fire Station sublease set at $1/year, though payments have not been made in recent years.
- 2025-2026 budget was reviewed by the Board; specific approved figures beyond those listed were not detailed in the minutes.
Action Items
- Korson to obtain information about valances for window blinds, with a purchase decision possible next month.
- Stone to contact the engineer from Gosling-Czubak regarding a parking lot proposal for Groesser Park.
- Continued discussion on park signage and grant writing planned for the next meeting.
- Stone to contact scouts for assistance with tree planting at the cemetery.
- Korson to check into more information about reimbursements related to the budget.
- Township to continue early discussions about hiring an office aide.
- Board to address the unpaid Fire Station sublease ($1/year lease not paid in recent years).
- Continued discussion needed on road funding options (SAD or millage election), as the Township currently has no dedicated road repair funding mechanism beyond the newly created budget line.