Summary
The Bingham Township Board held a special meeting on January 21, 2026, with a quorum present (Supervisor Werner, Clerk Amalfitano, and Trustee Layman; Treasurer Korson and Trustee Grant were absent). The Board approved the concept for an Eagle Scout Service Project involving park signage, deferred a decision on a playground equipment bid to February, appointed a new library board trustee, and approved the 2026 township meeting schedule with one date adjustment. No public comments were made.
Public Comments
No public comments or announcements were recorded under this agenda item.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Michael Rokiata presented a proposal for his Eagle Scout Service Project, which involves installing informational signage at local Bingham Township parks describing each park's history. Discussion covered coordination with the Parks & Recreation Committee, preliminary (unrequested) cost estimates, potential future grant opportunities, and a timeline targeting spring installation. The Board noted the importance of approving the concept before final designs and budgets are developed. The Parks & Recreation Committee expressed support for the project, and Todd Stone has been working with Michael and will continue to do so.
Motion: Werner moved, Layman supported, to approve the Eagle Scout Service Project proposal submitted by Michael Rica (as recorded), authorize him to proceed with planning and coordination with the Parks & Recreation Committee, and require that any funding requests be brought back to the Township Board for approval. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Layman moved, Amalfitano supported, to authorize Midge Warner (as recorded) to sign the Eagle Scout Service Project proposal documents on behalf of Bingham Township. Motion carried 3-0.
Playground Equipment Bid: The Parks & Recreation Committee's playground equipment bid (Wicklund's bid) was not available at the meeting. Action: the item was deferred to the February meeting.
Other Business
Suttons Bay–Bingham District Library Board Appointment: Rebecca Carlson applied to fill a vacancy on the Suttons Bay–Bingham District Library Board representing Bingham Township. Letters of support were received, including from Library Director Nellie Ganke and Board member Jeannie Coulter. Amalfitano moved, Layman supported, to appoint Rebecca Carlson as Trustee to the Suttons Bay–Bingham District Library Board representing Bingham Township. Motion carried 3-0.
2026 Township Meeting Dates: The Board reviewed the proposed 2026 meeting schedule. The December meeting was adjusted to December 14, 2026, instead of December 22, due to proximity to Christmas. Werner moved, Amalfitano supported, to approve the 2026 meeting dates as proposed, including the December 14 meeting date. Motion carried 3-0.
Agenda Approval: Werner moved, Layman supported, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried 3-0.
Action Items
- Michael Rokiata (Eagle Scout project) to proceed with planning and coordination with the Parks & Recreation Committee; any funding requests must be brought back to the Township Board for approval.
- Midge Werner authorized to sign the Eagle Scout Service Project proposal documents on behalf of Bingham Township.
- Playground equipment bid (Wicklund's bid) deferred to the February meeting for Board review.
- Rebecca Carlson appointed as Trustee to the Suttons Bay–Bingham District Library Board representing Bingham Township.