Summary
The Bingham Township Board held its regular meeting on March 23, 2026, with a quorum present and seven members of the public in attendance. Key actions included adoption of a resolution granting a liquor license for Lee Creek Vineyard (contingent on zoning compliance), approval of the GFL Clean-Up Day for May 16, 2026, and approval of vendor and payroll payments. The Board continued discussion on the STR Administrator position, heard committee reports including progress on a parking lot design for Groesser Park, and addressed resident concerns about subdivision road repairs.
Public Comments
Constance Coulter asked for an update on Boughey Park; Werner explained the plan for a parking lot there. Later in the meeting, Coulter also raised concerns about road conditions in the Whispering Hills subdivision, and Werner explained the process for forming a special assessment district to address the issue.
Todd Stone commented that the Township may have difficulty maintaining a volunteer Parks and Recreation Committee due to recruitment challenges and suggested the Board consider alternative ways to maintain the parks. He also stated his view that the Road Commission's discontinuation of road repairs may be illegal, since it had previously agreed to take on that responsibility, though he noted Townships are not legally obligated to pay for roads.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Parks and Recreation Committee reported progress on plans for a parking lot at Groesser Park. Two design options were provided by Gosling Czubak, and the committee voted to proceed with Design #1, which would provide 8-10 parking spaces at an estimated cost of about $70,000. Gosling Czubak will conduct a wetlands evaluation in April; if no wetlands are found, construction of the parking lot could proceed in the fall. The committee was scheduled to meet again the following day.
Resident Todd Stone raised concerns during public comment about the Township's ability to sustain a volunteer Parks and Recreation Committee and suggested the Board consider alternative approaches to park maintenance (see Public Comments).
Infrastructure Projects
The Supervisor reported a meeting with residents of a subdivision off Donner Road regarding needed road repairs/replacement. The Road Commission may receive state funding for roads and could apply some of it to the subdivision's roads with a Township match, but the Township indicated it would be unable to contribute. Trustee Grant explained that Metro funds could potentially be used for roads, but not enough to cover the need, and noted the Township is obligated to pay for roads. It was suggested the subdivision could form a special assessment district to fund their share of repairs. The Road Commission is scheduled to present at the next meeting.
Separately, resident concerns about road conditions in Whispering Hills subdivision were raised during public comment (see Public Comments).
Other Business
- The agenda was approved as presented (5-0).
- The February 16, 2026 regular Board meeting minutes were approved as amended, following correction of spelling and text errors (5-0).
- Old Business: Discussion continued on the STR Administrator position. A draft position document was distributed, and hiring an assistant was suggested. A committee (Sandra Grant, Steve Patmore, Midge Werner) was formed to define the position, though the matter was tabled. Need for Planner assistance was also discussed.
- Building & Grounds Committee reported ongoing plans for use of the back office, pending quotes for cabinets, shelving, and furniture. A damaged Township mailbox will have a wooden board installed to prevent snow plow damage; Layman will look into obtaining a green address sign.
- Cemetery Committee: No report.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator Steve Patmore submitted a written report. He is handling land divisions and met with owners of the Au She Gun property on March 11 regarding variance requirements. There are currently 62 properties on the STR list. A public hearing on the Lee Creek Winery will be held.
- Planning Commission: No report.
- Fire Authority: The department is working on a grievance procedure and rebuilding discipline within the department.
- Assessor's Quarterly Report: No report.
- Treasurer reported taxes are complete and balanced.
- Clerk noted an upcoming May 5 election for the Suttons Bay School millage.
- Supervisor noted that budget planning season is approaching and the Board will need to decide on projects.
Financial Summary
- Vendor payments of $10,089.46 and payroll payments of $14,746.63 were approved by motion (Grant moved/Korson supported).
- The Groesser Park parking lot (Design #1) is estimated to cost approximately $70,000.
- The Township indicated it would be unable to contribute matching funds for subdivision road repairs off Donner Road; Metro funds were discussed as a possible but insufficient funding source.
- Budget planning for the upcoming cycle was noted as forthcoming, with project decisions still to be made by the Board.
Action Items
- A committee (Sandra Grant, Steve Patmore, Midge Werner) is to define the STR Administrator position; this task remains tabled.
- Gosling Czubak will conduct a wetlands evaluation at Groesser Park in April to determine feasibility of fall construction of the parking lot.
- Layman will look into obtaining a green address sign for the Township mailbox.
- The Road Commission will present at the next Board meeting regarding road funding/repair issues.
- The subdivision off Donner Road may pursue formation of a special assessment district to fund road repairs.
- The Board will need to make decisions on budget projects as budget season approaches.