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Beulah officials report on grants, recycling and local services; sewer relining explained
Summary
Village President Jeri VanDePerre and Commissioner Rhonda Nye updated trustees on grant applications, ACO permitting delays and ongoing recycling issues; committee chairs reviewed sewer relining, street conditions and park maintenance; several public commenters praised local events and raised a publication complaint.
Village President Jeri VanDePerre reported at the June 9 meeting that the Village is finishing the 2025 audit and has filed for a state grant to offset storm damage; she said the Village is awaiting a possible $1 million federal grant and that approval for the animal control officer (ACO) is pending at the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, delaying a permit needed to start the plant.
Benzie County Commissioner Rhonda Nye, who attended the meeting, said recycling remains a problem and an interim solution is being explored, possibly in Joyfield Township. Nye also noted that Joe Duncan is the county’s new animal control officer, undersheriff Greg Hubers plans to retire at year’s end, and the Road Commission is drawing an $18 million bond for a new building. She told the council a Headlee reset meeting is scheduled for June 16 at the Mills Community House.
Robert Hall, zoning administrator, told trustees the Planning Commission has been working on ordinances and suggested a new business-registration process with a checklist to determine whether zoning or assessing review is required. The commission recommended hiring Heather O’Connor as recording secretary at $70 per meeting; trustees approved the hire.
Committee chairs provided operational updates: Trustee Smith (Water & Sewer) explained that relining sewer pipes reduced the need for full pipe replacement and reminded property owners to maintain the portions of sewer lines for which they are responsible. Trustee Downs (Streets & Sidewalks) said a street sweeper is in town but that Benzie Street and Lake Street are in poor condition, noting old utilities under the pavement complicate repairs; President VanDePerre said the Village has applied for a $6 million appropriation for infrastructure improvements and urged engagement with County official John Roth.
Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Cypert reported on T-dock repair scheduling, expected completion of Well #1 work next week, up-to-date sampling, and planned pothole repairs. The treasurer presented a summary of May finances but the board deferred formal acceptance to the next meeting because President Pro Tem Hook left mid-meeting.
Public input included Debbie Smith reporting a successful community 'Walk About' and asking about public access repairs after bad weather; Vicki Carpenter thanked the Village for fireworks support and complimented downtown flower barrels. Mitchell Szwed complained that a local newspaper published a different version of the council-reduction ordinance; President VanDePerre said the ordinance published was the same as presented and noted the Village does not control how publications edit their content.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
