To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders updates us on the WOMP mediation, new Planning Commission and ZBA members 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
Old Mission Gazette is Reader Supported.
Click Here to Donate and Keep the Gazette Going.
December 13, 2025
It was a busy week of checks and balances at the township. Thank you to our staff for your commitment to the residents of Peninsula Township!
The Town Board met this week with a robust agenda. The 2026 Bayshore Marathon permit was approved! We interviewed and selected (pg. 118) our newest Planning Commissioner Robert Eckstein, our newest Zoning Board of Appeals member Kate Jerman and alternate member Paul McCarthy. The Public Hearing for Seven Hills SUP, Amendment No. 4 was held and will now be on the January agenda for discussion and possible action.
The new Noise Ordinance No. 62 and fee schedule were approved. The new federal lawsuit filed by Bonobo Winery, for local zoning and SUP violations, was discussed and the TB is awaiting Bonobo to make arrangements to sit down and discuss the violations per the SUP review process (process recently navigated by Seven Hills and the Township). The TB also appointed a sub-committee (Alexander, Milliken and Sanders) to engage with WOMP/individual owners regarding settlement discussions.
The Town Board was introduced to Fire Station No. 1 Replacement as recommended by the Planning Commission. Details in the meeting packet (pg. 154). This will now be scheduled for a public hearing in January.
Updates From Down the Hall
Treasurer’s Update: Winter tax bills have been sent out. They are payable without penalty through February 17, 2026. If you haven’t received your bill please call the treasurer’s office (231) 223-4484. The treasurer’s office will be open Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Monday, December 29, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to accept property tax payments. Alternatively, you may put your payments in the gray pedestal drop box outside the front door.
Assessor’s Update: Assessor Sally Murray will be conducting an audit and annual review of the PA 260 parcels. Property owners that sign PA 260 agreements are exempt from transfers of ownership due to agricultural circumstances. If those agricultural circumstances change, a recapture tax is imposed. The recapture tax covers the last seven years.
Looking ahead to next week – and beyond:
The Town Board (TB) will meet on Monday December 15th at 6 PM in the Township Hall. The TB will enter into closed session to discuss WOMP litigation and settlement strategy.
The Peninsula Community Library: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, Saturday, December 20th from 10:30 am to noon. Staff member Erica teaches the history and how tos of this classic Hanukkah game. Patrons of all ages welcome!
Just a reminder: PCL will be closed December 24 to 26 for Christmas and December 31 to January 1 for New Year’s Day.
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.
WOMP President Chris Baldyga and legal counsel Joe Infante hand delivered their demand to collect on the judgement of $51,609,073.90 on Thursday afternoon. The TB issued a press release shortly afterwards to keep the residents up to speed. We will continue to keep everyone informed as things progress with our sub-committee discussions with individual winery owners as WOMP declined to enter into formal mediation as previously agreed to.
WOMP has hired a public relations firm to handle their information sharing. I have requested to be on their distribution list. If anyone would like to request the same, please contact either: Chris Moyer (Detroit) at [email protected] or (locally) Kent Wood at [email protected].
FYI: There are still pending motions with the US District Court Western District Michigan that need to be resolved. One of those motions is to stay enforcement of WOMP’s ability to collect on the judgement until the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals renders a decision.
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.
Peninsula Township offices are closed* December 19, 2025—January 4, 2026, for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Staff will be working from home on December 22, 23, 29, and 30, 2025. You may find their email addresses by looking at the staff directory. The treasurer’s office will be open Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Monday, December 29, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to accept property tax payments. Alternatively, you may put your payments in the gray pedestal drop box outside the front door.
Have a great week 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.
Also Read…
To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
