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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates about the winery lawsuit, the Ag Advisory Committee, job opportunities, fireworks, gadgets on poles 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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August 22, 2025
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) met this week. There was some great discussion on the process for recommendations to the Planning Commission. There is/was concern how the WOMP lawsuit will affect forward movement with recommendations and actions taken. As I told the AAC, “foot on the gas.” The Township Board is committed to staying agile and progressive during this appeal process.
There was a great presentation and discussion on agritourism. The AAC is working to create a definition for our zoning ordinance. Patrick Brys (Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, TC Tourism and PURE Michigan Travel Commission) presented on behalf of the agritourism sub-committee. Here is the YouTube link to watch; the packet plus two additions can be found here.
The Parks Committee (PkC) will meet next week. View the agenda here and the meeting packet here.
Peninsula Township Request for Proposals for Appraisals of Township Real Property information is available on the Township website.
Update from the Grand Traverse County Road Commission regarding the gadgets on poles seen around the Peninsula affixed to traffic signs: “We are currently conducting a county-wide car count on most roads. This data collection takes approximately 48 hours per road, after which we will move on to the next road. The project will continue over the next month. We will utilize the car count data for information to help develop a five-year plan for road upgrades.”
Updates From Down The Hall
Employment Opportunity – Full-Time Assistant to the Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Department: Peninsula Township is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and motivated individual to serve as a Full-Time Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Assistant. This position provides administrative and technical support to the Township’s Planning and Zoning Department and Assessing Department, assisting with a variety of planning, zoning, and land use activities. The role involves direct interaction with the public and Township staff. For a job full description click here (top of the right hand column). Submit a resume and cover letter by September 11, 2025 to Maura Sanders, Township Supervisor, [email protected], or 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.
The Zoning Office:
Employment Opportunity – Part-time Peninsula Township Code Enforcement Officer. Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest/resumes for a part-time Code Enforcement Officer. Appointee must be available nights and weekends. This position is for 15 hours maximum per week. Click here to view the job description. For more info, contact Township Supervisor Maura Sanders, [email protected], or call (231) 223-7323. Please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Township Clerk Becky Chown, [email protected], or by mail to 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.
Septic Informational Webinar for Residents: SepticSmart Week is September 15-19 and aims to raise awareness of effective septic management among the 1.3 million Michigan residents whose wastewater is treated by a septic system. This includes a free webinar on September 15 at 9 a.m., offering education on proper use and routine care of septic systems to help homeowners avoid costly repairs and protect the health of groundwater, lakes and streams. Find more resources for local governments on septic education on the SepticSmart webpage.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
Weather permitting, the Township office/hall parking lots will be closed to vehicle and foot traffic Friday, September 5, through Sunday, September 7, for parking lot repaving.
As we inch towards the end of August and the Labor Day holiday, please remember that Peninsula Township supports Public Act 256 of 2011 regarding consumer fireworks for national holidays. We do not allow commercial fireworks displays at any time. Here is the ordinance to help answer your questions.
The Peninsula Community Library (PCL) will be hosting a VERSITI Blood Drive from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on August 27, 2025.
Old Mission Peninsula School is enrolling for the new school year and also hiring. We are a very lucky community to have this opportunity for our youngest residents to thrive!
WOMP vs Peninsula Township Update
On August 19, WOMP filed a Plaintiffs’ Notice of Cross Appeal. “Notice is hereby given that all Plaintiffs cross-appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from the final judgment entered on July 7, 2025 (ECF No. 624), the Bench Opinion entered on July 7, 2025 (ECF No. 623), and all prior orders issued in this case.”
At this time, we do not know what the appeal is for, and we’ll post an update as soon as available. (For the latest winery lawsuit news, click here. For all winery lawsuit news and opinions, click here. -jb)
Peninsula Township has a full financial audit done at the end of every fiscal year. Since the suit has been brought, there has been a note in that audit regarding damages claims against our ordinance and the potential monetary damages.
Please keep an eye on all upcoming meetings via the Township website and our live-streamed meetings (saved for 30 days) on our YouTube Channel.
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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Thank you, Maura, for your weekly and thorough updates, keeping Peninsula township residents informed about activities and issues. Please know you’re appreciated!
Maura forgot to mention WOMP’s motion filed 8/15/2025 which shows cause why the township should be held in contempt of court for withholding a third insurance policy.