Residents raise concerns about Wooden Shoe Campground; MEDC recognizes Ellsworth’s redevelopment achievement

During public input at the Village of Ellsworth council meeting on July 13, residents and agency representatives reported on local projects and raised complaints about campground operations.

Wade Foster, who identified himself as the new executive director of the Antrim Conservation District, introduced himself and offered the district’s services to the village. Pablo Majano of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation presented a trophy recognizing Ellsworth’s completion of the Redevelopment Ready Communities designation; Hannah Yurk (MEDC) attended as well.

Resident Gary Strange requested that the minutes reflect that it is admissible under the village zoning ordinance to build on a property he is selling. The minutes record that request but do not explicitly connect it to any later action; separately, the council later approved a zoning clarification for 9690 Lake Street.

Lela Rasmussen of the Chain Link Bridge Project updated the council on progress by the Drain Commissioner addressing upper-chain-of-lakes issues and presented four possible options to fix a culvert. The council did not select an option during the meeting.

Lori Argetsinger told the council about multiple complaints from her recent stay at Wooden Shoe Campground. She cited the need for a handicap-accessible porta-potty, another dumpster, clearer dock policy signage, lot separation and animal-control enforcement. The council acknowledged the issues and pledged to address them; the clerk was also instructed to forward a separate letter about marijuana activity at the campground to the village attorney for legal guidance.

Council members and staff committed to follow-up steps including cleanup work, surveying a parcel near Community Park, equipment repairs covered by insurance, and requiring park attendants and certain staff to attend council meetings for greater oversight.

The council adjourned at 8:10 p.m.