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Public commenters accuse Benzonia Township of illegal closed session and cite FOIA access to notice
Summary
During public comment at the Feb. 17 special meeting, a Benzonia Township resident alleged the township held an illegal closed session and said an unedited Notice of Intent is available via FOIA; another resident asked where the county property is and what its intended use will be. The transcript does not record a county response to those allegations.
Public commenters at the Benzie County Board of Commissioners’ Feb. 17 special meeting raised concerns about transparency in Benzonia Township and asked about the county’s planned property purchase.
At 9:24 a.m., Eric Van Dussen of Benzonia Township told commissioners that Benzonia Township went into what he described as an "illegal closed session," and said that the public had been denied the right to present views at that township meeting. Later in the meeting he said Benzonia Township has an unedited Notice of Intent that can be obtained under the Freedom of Information Act and urged the county to consult its attorney about the issue.
Deann Boman of Honor thanked the board for its service and asked where the property at 1020 Michigan Avenue is located and what its intended use would be. The transcript records the comments but does not show a county official addressing the closed-session allegation or explaining intended use of the property.
The comments came during two public-comment periods; the board proceeded with its agenda, approving a Letter of Intent to purchase 1020 Michigan Avenue and authorizing administration to conduct due diligence.
