09/22/2026
Township Board Meeting Recap, 9/21.
Public comment opened with Village President Rasmussen discussing the Village Park, including dredging pricing and upcoming funding options. The Village is also working with Allen Edwin Homes on additional housing and is pursuing a possible subdivision off Essex Road, with potential interest in Hillman Estates. Fire department concerns were also raised.
Antrim County provided updates on the county cleanup this weekend, an available employment position, the Special Assessment District and ongoing dam/water issues. Charlevoix County is scheduled to meet Wednesday to determine its process. The Safety Center remains on track.
Police and ambulance budgets are improving, with mileage revenue. Cemetery work remains underway, and cemetery maintenance bills were paid.
The township is approximately $7,000 over its legal expense budget due to the ongoing lawsuit, bringing legal expenses to approximately $17,000. The board also discussed purchasing a Speed Queen washer for the Fire Department at an estimated cost of $1,000.
The board entered closed session for approximately 30 minutes regarding the lawsuit. Court orders will be posted on the township website, with copies also available to the public. Two judgments involving a land division/zoning case will be made publicly available.
The railroad grade project is still waiting on a quote, with work anticipated in the spring.
Cemeteries: Friske reported that the cemetery tree work is complete and dirt work is now underway. Some headstone repairs are needed. A $6,500 quote was received to remove a large maple tree at the front of the cemetery, which Friske said is dying. Cemetery work to date totals approximately $9,500. The board will hold off on removing the maple for now.
Retaining Wall: Has been approved but work has not yet started.
Township Hall Rental: A considerable amount of time was spent reviewing the township hall rental policy and recent legal guidance.
Attorney Michael Belah advised that the township cannot provide free use of township property because doing so could constitute a prohibited donation of public resources. His recommendation was that all users pay at least a nominal fee to cover costs associated with cleaning, maintenance, utilities and repairs.
Attorney Catherine Kaufman agreed with that interpretation. She advised that the township should establish rental, security deposit and cleaning fees based on factors such as the space used, length of rental, cleanup requirements, insurance and other township costs. She noted that different rates for township residents or property owners could be legally defensible, while different rates based on whether a group is charitable or nonprofit would create concerns because the township’s costs remain the same.
Kaufman also advised that private groups should not store property or equipment at the hall without a formal lease. If space is leased for storage, she recommended an open bidding process.
Regarding reduced rates for community events, Kaufman said the rental policy could define qualifying community events as those open to the public and supporting or providing information or activities for Banks Township residents and property owners. She also recommended allowing rental decisions to be appealed to the township board.
Clerk Chellis provided the board with Michigan Townships Association sample rental rules and agreements, and the board reviewed potential fees. Milton Township’s rental practices were also discussed.
Postmus questioned whether the Village currently has a lease for its use of the hall. Chellis explained that the Village currently pays the water bill as part of the arrangement. The board also discussed storage, liquor license requirements and other questions that will be submitted to the township attorney. The issue will be revisited in October.
French Doors: The doors have been repaired. The board discussed a $500 estimate to rekey two doors and a $4,300 estimate from Charlevoix Glass, which involved more extensive work than originally anticipated. The board does not plan to use Charlevoix Glass and will accept By the Bay Glass for the rekeying.
Rubingh made a motion to replace the French doors rather than continue repairing them, with Friske supporting. Busman moved to table the issue until another estimate could be obtained. Chellis then proposed obtaining additional estimates and information. The issue remains open.
Roads: Busman states there is approximately $500,000 from the state to be distributed, although the associated tax is currently under litigation and those funds are not being used at this time. The township currently has approximately $550,000–$600,000 in its road fund for next year. Postmus said she has not received information directly from the state.
Gravel road conditions were also discussed. The supervisor will contact the county regarding grading. Rubingh suggested residents contact the county with complaints. Friske requested that the washout on Doctor Road also be addressed.
Cemetery Ordinance: The board discussed a request to allow additional cremated remains in a single cemetery plot. The current ordinance allows two cremains and one full-body burial. The request would allow up to four cremains in one plot.
Mortinsons indicated that four cremains could be accommodated per plot. The board discussed options requiring either one larger monument containing all names or four individual flat markers. The board was open to allowing four cremations in one plot and will revisit the ordinance and headstone requirements next month.
2027 Cleanup: The township will seek bids for the 2027 cleanup service. Tire disposal will be reviewed at a later date.
Public comment closed with no additional comments.
