Summary
The Bingham Township Board held its regular meeting on January 20, 2025, with a quorum present (Sandra Grant, Treasurer, was absent). The Board approved the agenda and the December 16, 2024 meeting minutes, discussed ongoing issues related to Boughey Park parking and a Health Department complaint investigation on Shady Lane Rd, received several committee reports, and approved vendor and payroll payments. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Public Comments
Daniel Rose, a Bingham Township resident, spoke about Boughey Park and potential updates to its parking lot. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current location of the parking lot entrance and would prefer it be moved closer to M22. He stated that traffic using the park after closing hours creates noise and bright headlights that disturb his family's sleep. Rose suggested that the Township approach the Road Commission to find a budget-friendly resolution for relocating the parking lot entrance. In response, it was suggested to the resident that he consider installing blinds on windows facing the lot and potentially adding a barrier or fence.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Todd Stone reported on Boughey Park, noting that guidelines from Gosling Czubak were forwarded to the Road Commission to obtain a blind bid for potential parking lot changes. Stone will bring back details and a plan for moving forward, and Supervisor Werner will follow up with the Road Commission.
The Parks and Recreation Committee, also reported by Stone, is developing a 5-year plan, with more details expected next month.
Infrastructure Projects
Supervisor Werner reported on a Health Department investigation into complaints regarding a property on Shady Lane Rd, involving allegations of water contamination and vermin. The Health Department's report could not substantiate these complaints; water testing came back fine, and no rats or nests were found. However, the Health Department recommended reporting the property to MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) to determine whether it should be classified as a junkyard, which could potentially lead to a fence being imposed around the property. Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore is following up on this matter.
Other Business
- Building & Grounds Committee (Rachel Amalfitano): No report.
- Cemetery Committee (Midge Werner): No report.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator (Steve Patmore): Not present.
- Planning Commission (Steve Patmore, Jeff Layman): Reported progress, stating the master plan is closer to completion.
- Fire Authority (Sandra Grant): Not present; documents were emailed.
- Assessor's Quarterly Report: A report was submitted.
- Treasurer: Not present.
- Supervisor: No report.
- No new business items were presented.
Financial Summary
The Board approved vendor payments totaling $12,119.94 and payroll payments totaling $13,619.62, on a motion by Stone, supported by Layman. The motion carried.
Action Items
- Todd Stone to follow up with details and a plan regarding the Boughey Park parking lot bid from the Road Commission.
- Supervisor Werner to follow up with the Road Commission regarding the Boughey Park parking lot issue.
- Steve Patmore to follow up on reporting the Shady Lane Rd property to MDOT for potential junkyard classification.
- Parks and Recreation Committee to provide more details on the 5-year plan next month.