In a recent special meeting of the Village of Benzonia, several key issues were addressed, including infrastructure projects, fire department leadership, and community safety initiatives.

The meeting began with discussions on approved projects, notably at Crystal Lake Elementary and the old bus garage, where specific funding allocations were outlined. The board identified four areas for application of these funds, emphasizing the targeted nature of the financial support.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the fire department, where concerns regarding the current fire chief's leadership were raised. Following multiple meetings aimed at restoring confidence, the board decided to renew the fire chief's contract for one year, incorporating quarterly performance reviews. Additionally, the authority to sign change orders for the new fire building was debated, with the township attorney set to clarify whether the full board or the project manager holds this responsibility.

The meeting also covered community safety measures, including the approval of two new speed signs to enhance traffic regulation. Furthermore, the township discussed its recreational retail permit for marijuana dispensaries. With the closure of Lake and Leaf, the license has been transferred to Lettuce Cannabis, which is expected to open by December 1, 2025.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting highlighted community engagement through educational programs. Presentations on Narcan use and scam awareness were well-received, with attendees expressing appreciation for the staff's efforts in addressing critical public health and safety issues. The Narcan presentation emphasized the importance of intervention in overdose situations, while the scam awareness session shed light on the prevalence of fraud, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the village's commitment to addressing infrastructure needs, enhancing public safety, and fostering community awareness.