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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports on the new “Hope for Hemlocks” boardwalk at Pelizzari Natural Area, updates on the WOMP and Bonobo lawsuits, the Primary election and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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August 15, 2026
This was certainly a sweating corn kind of week!
Last week, the Michigan primary election was held, and our Clerk’s Office and election volunteer team executed their duties and responsibilities to perfection! A very special thank you to the precinct chairs: Precinct 1: Greg Meenan and Barb Soullier; Precinct 2: Judy Horning and Pat Sharpnack; AVCB 1: Beau Buisson and Rick Ward; AVCB 2: Kris Prescott and Kim Phillabaum.
On Monday, August 10, the Parks Committee in coordination with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new sustainable boardwalk in the Hemlock Wing at Pelizzari Natural Area. The event was well attended, and the gratitude extended to the many donors who made this project possible was heartfelt. If you haven’t checked out the boardwalk yet, you’re in for a very special experience. If you’re lucky, you just might see or hear a winter wren.
The Township Board (TB) met on Tuesday, August 11. We passed the resolution to close on the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) for the 100-acre Kelly Farm property, which we closed on Wednesday, August 12.
The TB moved to deny a request for rezoning a mixed zoning parcel. This denial has limited the density for residential buildings on a prominent hillside near the intersection of Center Road and Bluff Road. The TB tabled the discussion and vote for the 2026 Tax Rate Request. This request is due to the County by September 30th. We will pick it back up at the September 8th TB meeting.
We would like more information regarding the Fire Millage increase and the forthcoming financial feasibility study from Cunningham-Limp regarding the potential new Fire Station #1.
The TB has an update from the director of Grand Traverse County Department of Public Works (DPW), Noah Karberg. Noah reported on the unearthing of galvanized steel piping in a residential area connected to the water system. It was a good reminder that our annual water testing, per EGLE, has repeatedly passed all safe drinking water standards.
Our Peninsula Township Road Commission (RC) liaison, Alan Leman, gave an update on projects around the county and reminded the TB that he is always available to discuss our road concerns in Peninsula Township. Alan has been supportive of the FOIA request that the Township submitted to the RC for maintenance and financial records pertaining to our most poorly maintained roads: Bluff, Ladd, Neahtawanta and Swaney.
WOMP Update: The Township is awaiting scheduling for oral arguments at the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Our repeated attempts to have settlement discussions with the wineries have gone unanswered. The very last communication I received from a winery representative was that they have strong internal disagreement on what a settlement would look like.
Related to the WOMP case is the spin-off litigation, OV The Farm, LLC, et al v. Peninsula Township; Claim No. 1901298. This case was filed by Bonobo after the Township sent a letter seeking dialogue because of noise and event complaints the Township received, including an extremely disturbing event that occurred last fall. Despite the lawsuit, we welcome Bonobo to come in and discuss the situation and their special use permit, which is what the Township’s letter offered.
We continue to receive violation complaints (to file an ordinance complaint, click here) regarding some of the wineries and their excessive burdens levied on their neighbors and the community. These complaints, and the unfortunate additional lawsuit filed by Bonobo, have continued to drive legal costs up. By law, Michigan municipalities are required to defend themselves in all lawsuits regardless of frivolity.
The Township’s recent education session conducted by MSU Extension on Right To Farm protections and the GAAMPs provides some very clear insights on what is protected and what is not.
The Township has had some recent inquiries about our budget and accounting processes. Peninsula Township is a General Law township (not a Charter Township). There are different budgetary requirements for both set forth by the state. Our state mandated audit, performed by Tobin & Co. via the Treasurer’s office, will be submitted to the state by the September 30th deadline.
There has been discussion in the past about switching to Charter Township, with additional reporting requirements, but that has been rejected based on public feedback. The 2024 Maner Costerisan report recommended switching to Charter Township, and hiring additional full time employees, which would allow the ability to collect 5 mills for general township operations. The TB consensus is that any further decision on Charter vs General Law should be left to the voters.
Looking Ahead To Next Week – And Beyond
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) meets next week on Tuesday, August 18, at 2 p.m. in the Township Hall. They have been making progress getting their recommendations to the Planning Commission (PC). Next week, the AAC will be presented with an example of an agricultural ordinance (pg. 8 of the packet) prepared by the Old Mission Citizens Coalition. They will also discuss the potential steep slope and tree removal ordinance (currently in initial discussions at the PC) and a continued discussion of farm stay language.
The Old Mission Peninsula School is Now Enrolling! Come experience Old Mission Peninsula School in person! Take a tour with our Administration and let them show you everything OMPS has to offer and why our students love to learn!
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.
Enjoy this mid-August weekend, it’s going fast!! 🌻
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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