Summary
The Bingham Township Board met on March 17, 2025, with all members present and a quorum established. Key actions included authorizing a 2025 GFL Clean-Up Day contract, approving a Re-Leaf grant application for tree planting in the cemetery, accepting Treasurer Sandra Grant's resignation and appointing Mary Ann Korson as her replacement, and approving vendor and payroll payments. A motion to approve window covering bids failed due to insufficient information.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either the designated public comment period at the start of the meeting or the public comments and announcements segment at the end.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Todd Stone, reporting for the Parks and Recreation Committee, stated that a budget had been started. No further details or votes were recorded.
Other Business
- Window Coverings: Supervisor Werner presented bids from America's Carpet Barn and Trend Windows for office building window coverings. Werner preferred honeycomb shades over flat shades; Trend Windows was noted as pricier, with about a $600 difference between options. Treasurer Grant moved to accept the America's Carpet Barn bid, not to exceed $6,000, with color still to be decided. During discussion, it was noted the bid was for flat shades rather than the preferred honeycomb style. The motion failed for lack of support, as more information is needed.
- GFL 2025 Clean-Up Day: The event is scheduled for May 24 (third weekend in May). $4,500 was budgeted last year as the anticipated charge, though actual cost depends on turnout. The Board discussed publicizing the event via the Enterprise newspaper, the township website, and Overheard in Leelanau. Werner moved and Grant supported authorizing the contract with GFL for the Clean-Up Day; the motion carried. Trustees Stone and Amalfitano will be available to help direct traffic.
- Re-Leaf Grant Application: Diane Shugart applied for a grant to plant 20 trees in the cemetery, with trees costing $4,000 plus delivery, matched by the Township for $2,000 plus delivery. Suttons Bay previously used this grant successfully. Trees are approximately 6 feet tall with 1½ inch trunk diameter; a minimum of 10 trees is required, with 20 as the standard, to be planted at up to 2 locations. The Township must provide planting help and commit to a watering plan. Grant moved and Amalfitano supported accepting the grant for planting 20 trees, mainly at Maple Grove with remaining trees on Township property, funded from budget line item 245.245. Roll call vote: Werner, Amalfitano, Grant, Stone, and Layman all voted yes. Motion carried 5-0.
- Building & Grounds: Amalfitano reported drywall repair is needed in the women's restroom. A prior roof bid from Kurtis is no longer viable due to his health issues and relocation to Wisconsin; a new bid will be sought.
- Cemetery Committee: Werner reported fallen limbs in Bingham Cemetery and the need to find someone for cemetery work. Kim Kelterhouse expressed interest in holding a workshop at one of the township cemeteries.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator: Steve Patmore submitted a written report. Permit requests are increasing; about 5 STR renewals remain pending after the March 1 deadline. The township is not required to notify owners of STR renewal, and STR permits cannot be transferred to new owners.
- Planning Commission: Steve Patmore and Jeff Layman reported ongoing work on the Master Plan.
- Fire Authority: Sandra Grant reported the Fire Authority budget has been approved.
- Assessor's Quarterly Report: Included in the packet; the Board of Review (BOR) was slow, with only 4-5 people attending.
- Treasurer Transition: Sandra Grant submitted her written resignation effective March 17, 2025. Werner moved and Layman supported accepting the resignation; roll call vote carried 4-0 (Werner, Amalfitano, Stone, Layman voting yes). Werner then moved and Amalfitano supported appointing Mary Ann Korson (deputy treasurer) as Treasurer effective immediately; roll call vote carried 4-0. It was noted the Treasurer also serves as Board Representative to the Fire and Rescue Board, and that position will need to be filled.
- Trustee Item: Werner asked Trustees to consider renting out the meeting room again.
- Supervisor: Werner reported she is working on the 2025-2026 budget.
Financial Summary
- Window covering bid considered but not approved: not to exceed $6,000 (motion failed).
- GFL Clean-Up Day: $4,500 was budgeted last year as the anticipated charge; final cost depends on attendance.
- Re-Leaf tree planting grant: total cost $4,000 plus delivery for 20 trees, with the grant matching Township funds of $2,000 plus delivery; funded from budget line item 245.245. Approved 5-0 by roll call vote.
- Phone system (Granicus) costs approximately $11,000 annually; the Board recommended paying this year's bill.
- Vendor payments of $18,940.10 and payroll payments of $14,598.09 were approved via motion (Stone moved, Werner supported); motion carried.
- The 2025-2026 budget is still being developed by Supervisor Werner.
Action Items
- Obtain additional/clarified window covering bids reflecting honeycomb shade style before a decision can be made.
- Secure a new bid for roof repair following the withdrawal of the previous bidder (Kurtis).
- Find personnel to address fallen limbs and general upkeep in Bingham Cemetery.
- Coordinate with Kim Kelterhouse regarding a proposed cemetery workshop.
- Identify and fill the vacant Board Representative position on the Fire and Rescue Board, previously held by the Treasurer.
- Continue development of the 2025-2026 budget (Supervisor Werner).
- Trustees to consider Werner's request regarding renting out the meeting room.
- Follow up on remaining STR permit renewals (approximately 5 outstanding).