Summary
The Bingham Township Board held its regular meeting on October 20, 2025, with a quorum present. The Board approved the agenda and the September 15, 2025 minutes, approved vendor and payroll payments, and discussed several ongoing park and building maintenance matters. A resident raised concerns about illegal dumping near a business property on Bingham Road, which the Township's Zoning Administrator has referred to the Township attorney and may involve EGLE. The Board also discussed cemetery record-keeping software, park equipment repairs, and a hoarding complaint being monitored by the Treasurer.
Public Comments
Joe Elms, who lives next to a business property on Bingham Road, reported witnessing concrete and pipes being pushed down a hill and covered with sand from the dune over the past 3-4 weeks. He noted excavating company trucks in the area, a bathtub that had been dumped, and significant dust and noise. He expressed concern that this constitutes a safety hazard and fears the dune could collapse, noting that trees have already fallen in. In response, Patmore stated that Township attorney has been contacted, and confirmed the business property was not approved for dumping or landfill activity. Patmore indicated he will contact the attorney again and that EGLE could possibly become involved.
During the later public comments and announcements period, Cindy Kacin commented on the hoarding situation being monitored by the Township.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Todd Stone, chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, reported that previously purchased used playground equipment has been dismantled and transported to Bingham, where it is being stored at Stone's house. Stone will handle repairs and maintenance, noting there will be costs for repairs and installation.
Stone proposed getting bids for swing repairs at Boughey Park, and the Board agreed. The committee also wants to move forward with the Boughey parking lot project, and Stone proposed getting an estimate from Gosling Czubak.
Trash receptacles need to be removed from the parks; the cemetery receptacle has already been removed, but one remains at Keswick, which Amalfitano will address by phone. Werner will speak with the service company to ensure tables are stacked and items are put away properly.
Stone proposed placing an article in the outgoing tax bill to inform residents about the parks and request volunteers; he was advised to submit it by November 1.
Stone received communication and a photo showing a boundary marker extending past the high-water mark on the east part of Hendricks Park; it was requested this information be forwarded to EGLE, and Stone will send it to Patmore.
A township resident reported that barbed wire was dug up at Boughey Park. Patmore has a metal detector and will investigate whether further cleanup is needed.
Infrastructure Projects
Under Building & Grounds Committee report, Amalfitano noted the water can be turned off at the cemetery. The first tree on the southwest corner appears stressed, though Patmore reported the trees have been well watered since planting.
Other Business
- Cemetery Mapping/Record Keeping Software: Clerk Rachel Amalfitano reported the Township's cemetery record keeping is currently done by paper and pencil and is difficult to keep updated. She is researching digitization software companies and described their offerings to the Board. She estimated the program would cost approximately $3,800 and requested this item be placed on the November agenda for further discussion.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator Steve Patmore submitted a written report. STR renewals are beginning to come in. Regarding the STR situation in Whispering Hills, deed restrictions are not the Township's responsibility to enforce; deed restrictions are interpreted by the District Court. The Township has a number of STRs in subdivisions.
- Planning Commission: Patmore and Layman reported on a meeting regarding a site plan on Donner Road; Patmore reviewed the meeting details for the Board.
- Fire Authority: No report was given, though documents were emailed. Layman informed the Board that a grievance was filed at the Fire Department.
- Assessor's Quarterly Report: No report given.
- Cemetery Committee: Werner reported things are going well; the lawn maintenance crew is cleaning the cemeteries up nicely.
- Supervisor Werner stated she is not in favor of writing a junk ordinance; the Board had continued discussion on the topic without a resolution noted.
Financial Summary
- Cemetery mapping/record keeping software estimated to cost approximately $3,800.
- The Board approved a $50.00 gift to Diane Shugart from Board members for snacks she provided at the tree planting day.
- Vendor payments of $17,728.64 and payroll payments of $12,805.33 were approved (motion by Werner, supported by Korson; carried 5-0).
- Treasurer Korson reported that 74% of taxes have been collected.
Action Items
- Patmore to contact the Township attorney again regarding the illegal dumping/landfill concern on Bingham Road; EGLE may become involved.
- Amalfitano to bring cemetery mapping/record keeping software item back to the November agenda.
- Stone to obtain bids for swing repairs at Boughey Park.
- Stone to get an estimate from Gosling Czubak for the Boughey parking lot project.
- Amalfitano to call regarding removal of the trash receptacle at Keswick.
- Werner to speak with the service company about stacking tables and putting items away at parks.
- Stone to submit the parks volunteer article for the tax bill by November 1.
- Stone to send Hendricks Park boundary marker information to Patmore for forwarding to EGLE.
- Patmore to use a metal detector to investigate the barbed wire situation at Boughey Park.
- Treasurer/Township to continue monitoring the hoarding situation with the property owner, following up on complaints from Stone and comments from Cindy Kacin.