Summary
The Bingham Township Board met on September 21, 2026, with all five members present. The Board declined responsibility for operation and maintenance of the Au-She-Gun Resort Condominium septic system via Resolution #20260921.1 (5-0), approved a $2,205.00 WiFi upgrade from Netlink (5-0), authorized EGLE permit work and repairs at Boughey Park, approved vendor and payroll payments, and hired Tobin and Company for the annual audit.
Public Comments
Todd Stone asked about minutes concerning recording of public comment and about scheduling a blight ordinance work session; the Board explained that a special meeting had already been held, with minutes available. John Avery asked the Board to provide a detailed, monthly action plan on the blight ordinance for transparency. Renee Willoughby asked about next steps on blight, noting the minutes lacked detail; Supervisor Midge Werner summarized the special meeting, stating the Township attorney is reviewing the zoning ordinance for applicability to blight, with no set date for further Board discussion. Later in the meeting, Stone asked whether the attorney's information from the special meeting was public and about court procedure steps. Avery again asked about a monthly action plan and how it would be publicized; the Board responded that agendas are posted and the Open Meetings Act is followed, with closed sessions sometimes used for attorney/client privilege. Willoughby asked why the Board rejected an ad hoc blight committee and expressed concern about public input opportunities; the Board responded it intends to address blight through State law rather than a new ordinance, encouraging public attendance and noting a public hearing mechanism exists.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Committee chair Todd Stone reported seeking stone-work estimates for the Boughey Park wall (two contractors still pending). The Board authorized Gosling Czuback to proceed with the EGLE permit application for the Boughey Park parking lot (5-0). The Board approved $1,810.00 to Ace Welding for playground equipment repairs (5-0); $20,000 had been budgeted (line 245) and the project remains under budget. Stone was authorized to obtain cost estimates to repair one well pump and decommission the other, or decommission both, not to exceed $400 (5-0), due to contamination risk and non-potable water concerns. The Board approved purchasing 10x14 "Park ends here" signs for three beaches (6 signs total) to clarify riparian property boundaries (5-0).
Infrastructure Projects
A letter dated September 8, 2026 from the Au-She-Gun condominium association requested Township involvement in a community sewer system/holding tank requiring an EGLE construction permit. The Board adopted Resolution #20260921.1 declining responsibility for operation and maintenance, by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore reported a cell tower proposal for Send Road will be discussed October 1, with a special meeting scheduled October 15.
Other Business
STR registration renewal deadline (March 1 annually) was briefly discussed. The Township's irrigation system was scheduled for servicing the following day between 1-3 p.m., with Mary Ann Korson as contact if no one is present.
Financial Summary
Approved: $2,205.00 for WiFi upgrade; $1,810.00 for playground welding (within $20,000 budgeted); pump repair/decommission cost not to exceed $400; vendor payments of $13,727.38 and payroll payments of $12,301.20. The Election fund is 73% spent, with remaining funds reserved for a future election.
Action Items
- Township attorney to review zoning ordinance for applicability to blight; Board to revisit once review is complete (no date set).
- Todd Stone to obtain stone-work estimates for Boughey Park wall from remaining two contractors.
- Todd Stone to obtain cost estimate/proceed with pump repair or decommissioning (not to exceed $400).
- Purchase and install six "Park ends here" signs at three beaches.
- Cell tower proposal for Send Road to be discussed October 1; special meeting set for October 15.
- Tobin and Company to conduct the annual audit.