Summary
The Bingham Township Board met on July 21, 2025, with all members present. The Board approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes with noted corrections, discussed a potential "junk" ordinance for a property on Shady Lane, approved an audit contract, made committee reappointments, authorized purchase of playground equipment, approved a contract for a parking lot plan at Groesser Park, and reviewed vendor, payroll, and financial matters. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
Public Comments
Cindy Kacin raised concerns about a residence on Otto Road that is operating a watercraft business from the home. She noted that the number of water vehicles has increased over the years, and trailers, vehicles, and watercraft are being parked on the shoulder of Otto Road. No formal response or action was recorded in response to this comment.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Todd Stone reported on several parks-related items:
- Playground equipment: A school in Benzie County is selling playground equipment at a reasonable cost. Stone visited the site and provided pictures. The Township would need to dismantle, transport, and install the equipment, with six months allowed for removal. The Board (Werner moved/Stone supported) voted to purchase the equipment for $11,700. Motion carried 5,0. Patmore suggested consulting the insurance company regarding liability for used equipment.
- The Parks and Rec Plan draft needs to be copied and bound, with five copies needed (for the office, library, and other locations); the draft is currently posted on the website.
- Boy Scout Eagle Program: Stone met with Michael Rokita and his scout advisor to tour township parks. A proposed project would provide ADA access to the beach at Boughey Park, funded by the Boy Scouts. The timeline anticipates completion by next year, with a start next spring. Board approval of the project will be required before it proceeds.
- County Road Commission parking lot bids: No report was received from the Road Commission. Gosling-Czubak submitted a proposal for a parking lot plan at Groesser Park. Layman moved/Korson supported authorizing the Supervisor to sign a contract with Gosling-Czubak for the plan at a cost of $4,000. Motion carried 5,0.
Other Business
- Junk Ordinance (Shady Lane property): Todd Stone presented a draft ordinance originally considered in 2016, along with an email outlining his concerns and photos of the property. He stated the property fits the "blight" description in the draft ordinance and that many complaints have been received. The Health Department had inspected the property and found no health hazards. The Board discussed possible enforcement approaches without risking the owner losing the property, and agreed the Township needs to define "blight." Korson moved/Amalfitano supported that Korson and another Board member will visit the property owner, Mr. Walters, before the Board reconvenes to discuss ordinance creation. Motion carried 5,0. Patmore suggested involving an attorney and a planner in drafting an ordinance. Werner moved/Amalfitano supported authorizing Patmore to consult with Sarah Kopreva and Trudy Galla of Fishbeck (planners) and others as needed regarding the blight situation. Motion carried 5,0.
- Reappointments: Werner moved/Layman supported reappointing Dennis Grant and Mike Park to the Planning Committee (terms ending 7-2028); motion carried 5,0. Werner moved/Layman supported reappointing Derrek Kulpa and Mike Park to the Zoning Board of Appeals (terms ending 7-2028); motion carried 5,0.
- ESTA (Earned Sick Time Act): Korson reported part-time employees may be entitled to sick time depending on hours worked; township attorneys are reviewing the law. Bingham Township currently has no employees who would qualify.
- Website Access: Steve Patmore will provide Rachel Amalfitano with access to the township website.
- Building & Grounds: The roof repair is complete and the yard was left clean. The outside light timer will be adjusted by Patmore to turn on later.
- Cemetery Committee: The lawn service is performing well. A cleaning clinic and gravestone restoration event went well, with some repairs completed. Three broken headstones were taken by Ron Kelterhouse for at-home repair; the Board discussed whether to compensate him for the extra work, though no decision was recorded. Tree planting is scheduled for September 6 at Maple Grove Cemetery.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator: Patmore submitted a written report; a Public Hearing for a proposed winery on Donner Road is scheduled for August 7, 2025.
- Planning Commission: Upcoming hearings will be followed by continued work on the Master Plan.
- Fire Authority: No report; the meeting was cancelled.
- Assessor’s Report: Will be submitted next month.
- Treasurer: Korson discussed upcoming CDR maturities and sought advice on placing larger fund amounts into longer-duration CDRs; she also reviewed current and anticipated expenses.
- Supervisor: Werner reported on a meeting with Brendan Mullane and others regarding road improvements and funding options. The Board discussed specific roads needing repair and possible funding mechanisms. Werner also noted the Town Hall clock needs repair and will handle it.
Financial Summary
- Audit: Korson moved/Layman supported accepting Tobin and Co. to perform the fall audit for $4,250 plus $100 in out-of-pocket expenses. Motion carried 5,0.
- Playground equipment purchase approved for $11,700 (Werner moved/Stone supported; carried 5,0).
- Parking lot plan contract with Gosling-Czubak approved for $4,000 (Layman moved/Korson supported; carried 5,0).
- Vendor and payroll payments: Werner moved/Layman supported approval of vendor payments totaling $9,027.35 and payroll payments totaling $12,468.92. Motion carried 5,0.
- Treasurer’s report noted upcoming CDR maturities and discussion of placing larger fund balances into longer-term CDRs, along with review of current and anticipated township expenses.
Action Items
- Korson, along with another Board member, will visit property owner Mr. Walters regarding the Shady Lane blight issue before the Board reconvenes to discuss ordinance creation.
- Steve Patmore will consult with planners Sarah Kopreva and Trudy Galla of Fishbeck, and others as needed, regarding the blight situation.
- Patmore will provide Rachel Amalfitano with website access.
- Parks and Rec Plan draft to be copied and bound (5 copies needed) for the office and library.
- Insurance company to be consulted regarding liability for the used playground equipment.
- Board to decide whether to compensate Ron Kelterhouse for additional gravestone repair work performed at home.
- Tree planting scheduled for September 6 at Maple Grove Cemetery.
- Public Hearing scheduled for August 7, 2025, regarding proposed winery on Donner Road.
- Werner to arrange repair of the Town Hall clock.
- Board to continue discussion on road repair needs and funding following Werner’s meeting with Brendan Mullane.