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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports on a lawsuit settlement, the agricultural ordinance, PDR properties, Right to Farm program, memorial tree program and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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May 30, 2026
(NOTE: It’s a VERY busy time of the year, so I am trying to get weekly updates out, but at a minimum, I will provide updates twice a month.)
The Township Board (TB) met twice this week. On Tuesday, May 26th, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society (OMPHS) to ensure that the roles, responsibilities and obligations for our Memorial Tree Program (MTP) will continue. We will start seeing MTP trees in our township parks soon!
The TB heard a great presentation from our township engineer, Jennifer Graham of Gourdie Fraser, regarding a grant opportunity for Peninsula Township’s critical drinking water infrastructure. It has continued to be well maintained by the Township and Department of Public Works. To ensure compliance with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Township is required to replace all known lead service lines by 2037. Replacement is required from the water main to within the home (private and public side replacement). Gourdie Fraser presented options for funding with grants, specifically the EGLE Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The TB has requested that Gourdie Fraser move forward with exploring the DWSRF.
The TB discussed an Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regional Permits Process document (pg. 169 of the meeting packet). We will be expeditiously soliciting guidance from USACE for clarity prior to reintroducing the shoreline draft ordinance at the TB.
On Wednesday, May 27th, the TB held a special meeting to go into closed session and mediate the Peninsula Township vs. Hague Acres LLC case regarding the PDR violation. The TB and Mr. Hague were able to come to a settlement, via consent judgement, that allows Mr. Hague and Hague Acres LLC to bring his property into compliance within their conservation easement and the Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance. The Township was able to recover the legal costs associated with this suit. It was a win-win for both parties, and we are very pleased with the opportunity to meet and settle this with the help of our legal counsel and the willingness of Mr. Hague.
The Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Selection Committee met on Thursday. The meeting video is available to view on our YouTube Channel (saved for 30 days). An in depth discussion took place regarding Round 1 and Round 2 properties moving through the process. The 100-acre Kelly Farm draft PDR easement was reviewed and approved by the committee to recommend to the TB. This will now move to the TB for final review, discussion and vote. If the TB approves the recommendation, a land survey will be ordered and baseline documentation of the property will be done, followed by arranging the closing.
Additionally, the Warren Farm received their PDR easement appraisal this week and are currently reviewing it. The Selection Committee will move quickly once the Warren Farm is ready to move forward. The S. Kroupa farm, Shea farm, Vogel farm and Hawthorne farm are just a few that are in active status.
WOMP Update (view all court filings here): This week our insurance coverage counsel, Miller Johnson, filed a joint motion to stay and brief in support of the EMC insurance case. WOMP has 11 days to respond from today. WOMP has a discovery request, attached to the EMC case, that we anticipate will be denied as the WOMP case moves through the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Township’s legal representation does not believe that it’s in the best fiduciary interest of the residents to process this discovery request, as the Sixth Circuit could make the request moot. The USSIC insurance case has already been stayed pending arbitration with no movement expected until the Sixth Circuit rules.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The TB and the Planning Commission are working with MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to host an education session regarding the Right to Farm Program and Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs). This will help inform the planning process for the zoning ordinance re-write in the agricultural district based on recommendations from the townships Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC).
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 and week ahead, neighbors!! 🌻
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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