Summary
The Bingham Township Board met on August 17, 2026, with all five members present and 33 members of the public in attendance. The meeting was dominated by extensive public comment on a long-standing blight property, leading the Board to agree on a series of next steps rather than an immediate ordinance vote. The Board also approved a pay increase for the Zoning Administrator, authorized moving forward with a wetlands permit at Boughey Park, approved cemetery tree removal costs, and reviewed several planning items including a proposed cell tower and cottage development.
Public Comments
Numerous residents spoke about a blighted property, citing decades of junk accumulation. Travis McKinney presented aerial photos showing progression of the problem and noted he had contacted the Sheriff; he also raised concerns about gas cans and propane tanks contaminating groundwater. Todd Stone submitted written comments from absent neighbors and proposed forming an ad hoc committee, volunteering himself as chairman. Written comments were submitted by Patricia Ard, Paul and Barb Janowiecki, Sharon Maskin, and Jill McKenna, all supporting a blight ordinance; McKenna stated the Board should be removed if unwilling to lead on the issue. Debra Reich submitted a letter, including a 2005 letter to the Board, expressing empathy for the owner's possible hoarding disorder while asking for rules to stop the blight from growing. John Avery informally polled the audience by show of hands and suggested putting the ordinance question to a township-wide vote. Other speakers including Bob Walton, Sue Gibson, Renee Libby, Troy Allen, Bob Walters, Julie Phillips, and Sheila McKinney voiced support for action, citing health, safety, and property value concerns. Supervisor Werner responded that Township-arranged water testing showed no issues, no burning had been reported, and she had invited the property owner to the meeting. She noted an ordinance would require hiring an attorney or planner, that five townships have such ordinances and six do not, and that a special election on the issue would cost $5,000-$6,000.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The wetlands designation at Boughey Park was completed and found minimal. Grant moved, Werner supported, to authorize Gosling-Czubak to proceed with the EGLE permit for Boughey Park; motion carried 5-0. A park kiosk was also discussed.
Infrastructure Projects
A cell tower was proposed for Send Road, across from Leelanau Fruit, located very close to an existing tower; the matter will go before the Planning Commission. A wetlands/EGLE permit process is proceeding for Boughey Park (see Parks section).
Other Business
The Suttons Bay Zoning contract was clarified: Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore spends 33% of his time in Bingham and 40% in Suttons Bay. M. Korson moved, Layman supported, to increase Patmore's pay to $2,087.87 monthly; motion carried 5-0. The Board authorized Werner to investigate replacing or renewing the Netlink printer contract; motion carried 5-0. Building & Grounds reported the Grant family repaired a wall. Planning Commission reports noted Black Star Farms' proposal to build wedding cottages, a special meeting September 17 on a proposed cidery on Pleasant Hill Road, and public opposition to a waterfront overlay for Lake Leelanau shoreline. Fire Authority reported hiring a new EMT.
Financial Summary
The Board paid $6,705.00 to Belanger Property Management for tree removal and cleanup at Maple Grove Cemetery, funded from the cemetery fund; motion carried 5-0. Vendor payments of $8,525.32 and payroll payments of $19,153.90 were approved 5-0. The Treasurer reported that excessive election costs will be taken from the 245-262 election line item going forward, approved 5-0. A potential special election on the blight ordinance was estimated at $5,000-$6,000. Discussion also touched on a TIF plan for affordable housing, with a suggestion to invite Larry Mawby for further information.
Action Items
- Review the blight ordinance previously drafted by the former attorney.
- Consider forming an ad hoc committee (volunteered chair: Todd Stone).
- Determine steps already taken and next steps regarding the blight property.
- Establish a timeline for action.
- Seek advice from the Health Department on proceeding.
- Continue discussion on consequences of enacting an ordinance.
- Schedule a special meeting after Labor Day to discuss findings.
- Steve Patmore to resend the correct Zoning/STR Administrator report.
- Werner to finalize details on the printer contract replacement or renewal.
- Consider inviting Larry Mawby to discuss the TIF affordable housing plan.