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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates about a land division appeal, Fire Station #1, next steps for Township changes and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates that keep us tuned into what’s happening at the Township offices. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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March 14, 2025
Greetings, Neighbors! We had a robust work week at the Township.
The Township Board met twice this week. The regular meeting on March 11 included the first series of public hearings regarding the proposed Fire and Police funds/millages and General/Special funds budget for Fiscal Year 25/26. The next meeting for the Fiscal Year 25/26 budgets will be March 26.
This same meeting provided a review (pg. 160) of the Maner Costerisan (MC) report and suggested next steps. This tied into the introduction from Epic MRA presentation for the community-wide survey. The MC report offered a lot of strategic and lower level suggestions for overall financial stability of the Township. Some of the suggestions have already been implemented.
The suggestion of converting to a Charter Township was discussed. The Board made it clear that we will survey the residents first and foremost. Looking at financial forecast models, it is clear that some degree of change needs to happen, but it doesn’t need to happen immediately, and the residents will have the opportunity to weigh in.
The Special Meeting on March 11 included the continuation of Land Division Appeal (LDA) #359. The Board voted to deny this appeal. The zoning ordinance is clear in that The split lots do NOT comply with the R1-B Costal Zone minimum lot size of 25,000 square feet or the minimum lot width of 100 feet.
The Board also discussed the offer from a private citizen to sell land closer to the current Fire Station #1 for the potential new Station #1. This land would allow for the Township to leave the vacant land on the north side of the Township Hall intact, as it is the current potential location for the new Station #1 and is owned by the Township. The pre-construction costs for land work to prep this owned property are ever increasing due to the fill needed to get the land in a condition to build.
The Board ultimately decided to solicit bids, Request for Proposals (RFP), for a pre-construction consultant to look at all costs/cost savings (land improvement and actual structural necessities) for a modern fire station that will support the township decades into the future. Performing this due diligence will provide the Board with all of the necessary cost information to make a decision. Fire Chief Gilstorff has been diligent in his budget forecasting to ensure that the absorption of costs will be as minimal as possible.
Additionally, the Board has not lost sight of the potential value of the land where Station #1 is currently located. The sale and/or lease of that property could provide significant cost offset for the potential new station. The Board is looking forward to reviewing the RFPs in the near future and getting a big picture look at this necessary community project. Chief Gilstorff is happy to discuss the with any residents if there are questions or concerns.
Updates from Down the Hall:
Zoning: The Township is hiring a full-time zoning administrator. Job Postings can be found at: Michigan Association of Planning (MAP) site as well as the Michigan Townships Association. The Township is also seeking resumes for an additional Ordinance Enforcement Officer (scroll down to Employment Opportunity). This is a part-time position.
Assessing: Our field appraiser, David Yack, has been out and about. The Michigan State Tax Commission recommends assessing departments review 20 percent of all parcels annually. These property canvasses are typically conducted ‘neighborhood by neighborhood’ for the sake of efficiency. Please feel free to contact the assessing office if you have any questions or concerns about this process.
Looking Ahead to Next Week:
The Agricultural Advisory Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, March 18, at 2 p.m. in the Township Hall. They will be voting on Farm Sign Ordinance Recommendations to be sent to the Planning Commission for consideration. They will be discussing Amendment 201 and providing real world examples and recommendations for change.
Additionally, there will be discussion on Right To Farm and Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPS). The agenda packet can be found here.
On the Horizon:
SPRING – I hope!
***Shoreline Regulation Education Session*** This session is scheduled for April 24, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m. The Township will host members from the Army Corps of Engineers, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Center.
Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Maura Sanders
Peninsula Township Supervisor
Phone: (231) 223-7323
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mondays 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays – Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday – Sunday and Holidays. If TCAPS is closed due to weather, Peninsula Township offices are closed at least until 10 a.m. Please check the website homepage for any updates.
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