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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and updates us on the WOMP mediation, a vacancy on the Planning Commission, a waste and recycling survey, fire department defibrillators 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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November 20, 2025
Greetings, neighbors! Next week the offices are closed on Wednesday and Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday (and we are always closed on Fridays). Contact information and general township information is always available via the Township website.
REMINDER – Planning Commission Vacancy. If you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission, please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Township Clerk Becky Chown at [email protected], or mail it to her at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City MI 49686 by 4 p.m. on December 2, 2025. This is a great opportunity to serve. Additionally, the several sub-committee efforts are always looking for additional members.
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) met this week. Follow along with their progress via YouTube. (Molly Stretten has graciously volunteered to write up notes from the meetings for OMG. Look for this week’s note by tomorrow. -jb)
Material Management Plan. Under new State of Michigan Part 115 rules, each county in the state is required to develop a Material Management Plan (MMP, previously solid waste management plan). Benzie, Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties are collaboratively developing a Tri-County Plan to prioritize sustainable disposal practices like recycling and composting, with the least desired disposal method being landfilling. MMP is asking residents to fill out a survey — below is a QR code linked to the survey.
WOMP vs Peninsula Township Update
Filings in the winery lawsuit can be found here. They are also available on Pacer (a website that keeps all public records current on all federal litigation) here. Once you register on Pacer, you can find the case by going to the Michigan Western District court under case number 1:20-cv-01008.
The Town Board is awaiting a response from WOMP regarding mediation scheduling and the selection of a mediator between the TB, WOMP and Protect the Peninsula (PTP). We will share more information when it becomes available.
Updates From Down the Hall
Clerks Update: Our clerk and her team have begun preparations for the 2026 primary and midterm elections. They are taking technical inventory of election equipment and other administrative aspects to have a fair, safe and secure election.
Treasurer’s Update: Winter tax bills have been sent to the printer, and you can expect them in your mailbox the first week of December. If you are leaving for the winter and need your bill sent to another address, please call our office after December 1 and we’ll be happy to assist you. The treasurer’s office will be closed the week of November 24. Any emails or voicemails will be answered when we’re back in the office on December 1. Happy Thanksgiving!
Planning and Zoning Departments: With the addition of Jenna to the Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Coordinator position, the zoning office is working through clearing out land use permit applications. We are currently reviewing applications that were submitted in the middle of October. Having a complete application, with all outside agency permits (ex: soil erosion, health department, road commission, association approvals) speeds up the process for everyone when applying for a permit. Permits are not placed in the queue for review until these items are received.
Peninsula Township Fire Department: The Peninsula Township Fire Department has been working hard to place automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in multiple public places throughout the township. With the public being able to use these devices when a victim’s heart stops, victims have a greatly improved chance of surviving the incident.
Currently, AEDs are in place at the Township Offices, Peninsula Community Library, Bowers Harbor Yacht Club, First Congregational Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mari Vineyards, Old Mission School, Old Mission Peninsula United Methodist Church, Mission Point Lighthouse, Mission Hill Church, and Peninsula Fruit Exchange, with many more businesses looking into a potential purchase.
View a short video on how to use an AED here. The Peninsula Township Fire Department can assist any person who would like to take an AED and CPR class, as we have certified instructors; we can also assist any business interested in purchasing an AED. If interested, please reach out to us at (231) 223-4443, or email Firefighter Kyle Sarber at [email protected]. Quick action saves lives, and we are here to help achieve that goal.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The Town Board meeting on 11/25 is cancelled.
Peninsula Community Library: The library will be closed Thursday, November 27 through November 30 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The library will open at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, for the Holiday Hoopla and the arrival of Santa! Have a safe and happy holiday!
Old Mission Women’s Club. The club’s Annual Cookie Sale is moving to Peninsula Community Library this December! New place. New time. Same delicious treats you know and love! Plus, plenty of parking! Mark your calendars – the cookie sale will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. til sold out.
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.
Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving celebration! I am grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community in one of most lovely places on Earth.
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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