The Bingham Township Board meeting held on August 18, 2025, addressed critical public comments concerning short-term rentals, approved vendor and payroll payments, and discussed ongoing and upcoming community projects related to parks, roads, and cemeteries. The Township's authority on enforcing neighborhood covenants versus Township ordinances was clarified during public comments.
Public Comments
- **Jim Blue** raised concerns about a non-permitted weekly vacation rental in Whispering Hills, urging the Township to enforce neighborhood covenants. He presented evidence suggesting the courts would uphold this.
- **Kristen Holston** expressed her issues with the short-term rental (STR) and its renters.
- **Melanie Dasher** requested that permits for short-term rentals not be granted.
- **Steve Patmore** stated he sent the owners of the STR a letter allowing 15 days to respond.
- **Constance Coulter** proposed creating restrictions on STRs in Whispering Hills.
- Supervisor **Midge Werner** reiterated that the Township enforces its ordinance but not neighborhood covenants.
Parks and Recreation Matters
- The Board authorized Supervisor Midge Werner to sign a Bill of Sale for purchasing playground equipment “as is”. (Motion carried 4-0).
- Approved $437.29 for the powder coating of a teeter-totter. (Motion carried 4-0).
- Plans were discussed to seek bids for moving and installing playground equipment.
Infrastructure Projects
- Issues regarding the condition of roads in Whispering Hills were discussed, including drainage problems exacerbated by previous construction.
- Supervisor **Midge Werner** explained the Special Assessment District (SAD) process to address road repairs. It was suggested that communities typically hire legal assistance to facilitate this process.
- Public comments revealed a desire for the builder (Cornerstone) to be held accountable for the damages to the road.
Other Business
- A workshop for planting trees at Maple Grove Cemetery is scheduled for September 6.
- The Fire Department announced the hiring of two full-time firefighters and completion of living quarters remodel.
Financial Summary
- Vendor payments were approved for $30,622.08 and payroll payments of $12,805.30 (Motion carried 4-0).
Action Items
- Midge Werner to sign the Bill of Sale for playground equipment.
- Seek bids for moving and installing playground equipment.
- Gather community support and possibly legal advice for the SAD regarding road repairs in Whispering Hills.
- Prepare for the cemetery tree-planting workshop on September 6.
Source Document
This summary was AI-generated from the official meeting record. The full source document is the authoritative version.