Banks Citizens United

08/18/2026

Banks Township Board Meeting 8/17 Recap

A relatively simple two-hour meeting covering the usual township business, with the vast amount of time spent with discussion focused on finances, property projects, zoning things.

During public comment, Dave Rasmussen raised concerns about gravel-road washouts, for example, Scott Road, and asked whether emergency funding could be used for repairs. Jesse Anderson expressed frustration with the recent front-setback decision and questioned additional restrictions involving tents, lake-shore zones, and setbacks.

The Michanowicz family continued with concerns regarding zoning restrictions. Paul Michanowicz said he intends to serve on the ZBA with accountability, transparency, and adherence to the law as written. He said when families come before the ZBA seeking to adapt their property, he wants to look for reasons to say yes. Annie Anderson questioned the $400 variance application fee and said she was speaking on behalf of R-1 residents, not just herself.

Marv Rubingh clarified that the motion from the prior meeting was to move additional Cr and R-1 properties into Ag, which the Board agreed was the intent.

Jarris, with Antrim County, provided updates on a potential tire-shredder partnership with the Conservation District, the Special Assessment District, and the dam. Charlevoix has not yet completed its appointment related to the SAD, and Antrim County is asking Charlevoix to participate by October 1. FEMA was also present at the most recent county meeting.

The Sheriff’s report noted six structure fires and discussed efforts to hire mental-health personnel. The 2026 state scrap-tire grant was approved and can be rolled over into 2027.

Ambulance Authority reported that JVEMSA (Jordan Valley EMS Authority) is contracting with Boyne Valley Township, which will provide two additional trucks and increased staffing, helping with Ellsworth coverage.

Friske reported on the Planning Commission meeting. Tents were discussed as part of the ordinance, with Friske explaining concerns that they could potentially become a nuisance similar to RVs. Chellis said she does not support restricting tents, while Busman said not to worry about the issue.

The Board also discussed Planning Commission training. Chellis reported that the Banks attorney would charge $1,000 for a four-hour training or $500 per PC meeting to attend and provide assistance. She is looking into whether other townships would participate to share the cost. Rubingh questioned why MTA training wasn’t being utilized if it is available at no cost. Chellis said she would continue looking into the options.

A number of property and building projects were reviewed, including the $13,140 railroad remediation project, some $18,000 cemetery tree removal and landscaping, the retaining wall, front-door repairs, and additional township and village record storage. The Board approved $7,000 for full rock restoration on the retaining wall rather than grass restoration alone.

The front door remains an issue, with parts ordered for three doors. A temporary method of securing it was discussed until repairs can be completed.

The Board also discussed propane pricing and approved purchasing 850 gallons through Farmers Exchange at the pre-buy rate, keeping the business local. The estimate with Crystal Flash proved to not be cost-saving. Additional propane can be purchased through the Co-Op at the current rate if needed.

Hall signage will be repaired and refinished, and two new carved signs were approved for the entrances. Cemetery signage will also be researched and quoted. The Board motioned to have the Village pay for their sign. If they vote no, the Township will cover the cost.

The Board approved a budget amendment separating ZBA funds from the Planning Commission budget. Chellis said the Township budget is posted online.

Appointments were also made to the ZBA: Pat McGuire through June 30, 2027; Catherine Drayton as an alternate through June 30, 2029; and Paul Michanowicz as an alternate through June 30, 2028.

The Historical Society building has noted moisture damage from a roof leak around the chimney flashing. The Board will obtain estimates for repairs.

During the final public comment, Catherine Drayton thanked the Board for the ZBA appointment and expressed interest in participating in training.

The last discussions centered on early voting costs. While the state reimburses for early voting costs, some questioned its need. Rubingh questioned if it was reimbursed, why it is an issue.

The meeting ended with public comments. Michanowicz's comment included tire shredders, gravel, and zoning. Michanowicz spoke about his research into tire shredders, requested gravel for his property, and said he would like the ordinance to accommodate purchasing gravel from Rubingh. He also argued that in regards to ordinances, the PC should start with a blank slate and add restrictions rather than begin with a plan and remove them.

Finally, the meeting concluded as Anderson questioned the $13,000 railroad project while roads need repairs and raised concerns about regulations affecting Hillman Estates. He stated it's a failed subdivision due to heavy restrictions.

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08/17/2026

We'll be live at 6:00. Find us on YouTube under the Live tab.

The recap will come later this week. Cause... Life.

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We are a group of independent citizens who are not paid by the Banks Township to live stream meetings. On this channel we will stream meetings of the Banks Township Board and the Banks Township Planning Commission, based out of Michigan. We want to provide access to the information discussed in thes...

08/14/2026

Monday, Monday 🎵🎶

08/12/2026

PC Rewind: Fact Check Edition

Tonight's Planning Commission meeting was the first meeting for newly appointed member Dr. Marc Lame. He was welcomed into the deep end with the usual suspects, with discussions ranging from data centers and natural resource extraction to lake shore overlays, RVs, setbacks, zoning maps...

During public comment, Julie Waterman announced a notice regarding the recall of the Antrim County Clerk, Victoria Bishop, and informed anyone interested in being contacted about the effort to reach out. Waterman is serving as the Banks Township point person.

Marv Rubingh also addressed data centers, stating that 65 decibels is a reasonable noise level. He emphasized that he is neither for nor against data centers and plans to visit one. He also discussed reviewing the zoning map and combining zoning districts to coordinate with proposed lake shore zones.

Planner Ken provided an overview of data centers, distinguishing smaller facilities, such as those around Alpena, from hyperscale operations. Dr. Lame asked whether there is actually a local need for a data center. Ken explained that demand is driven largely by the state. He also raised the obvious long-term question: what happens to these enormous buildings when they are no longer needed?

The state is strongly encouraging data center development, and local need may not carry as much weight as residents might expect. Dr. Lame also questioned whether proximity to users is actually necessary. Ken said he does not expect a data center to come to Banks Township, but emphasized that being proactive is preferable to being reactive. He also noted that data centers cannot simply be prohibited and that noise and nuisance concerns will need to be addressed. Ken will be attending upcoming training on data centers and housing and will report back to the Commission.

The Zoning Administrator reported one resolved zoning violation and six new permits. A potential cottage-industry application raised questions about roadside stands and signage. Since signage isn’t specifically addressed in the current zoning language, the issue was brought up to the PC. Ken will work signage language into the cottage-industry provisions.

The Commission then completed its review of the draft Natural Resource Extraction Ordinance. The lengthy discussion covered pile heights, business hours, trucking during school hours, traffic enforcement, technical responsibility, signage, future plan modifications, annual reviews and reporting, and repeat zoning permits. Howes proposed considering pile height based on proximity to adjacent properties. Rubingh argued that piles could exceed 75 feet.

They also reviewed acceptable business hours and trucking during school hours, traffic enforcement provisions, technical oversight, signage requirements, the ability to modify future plans, annual reporting, and repeat permitting. The review was completed, and Ken will make the requested revisions before bringing the ordinance back to the next meeting.

Permitted uses were finalized, with storage units moved into the allowed-use category.

The lake shore overlay was next. The Commission reviewed shoreline preservation, EGLE management, fluctuating water levels, and the difficulty of regulating a precise shoreline when the shoreline itself doesn’t stay put... and along the Chain, only seems to be getting higher. The PC discussed protecting the waterways while still allowing property owners reasonable use of their property, including what happens when flooding changes the usable portion of a property.

Rasmussen questioned whether some restrictions could be loosened. Howes advised approximately 20% of Banks Township’s population would be affected by the proposed lake shore zone. Ken will make additional adjustments to the overlay.

The RV saga continued with discussion to expand the allowable-use period from May 15 through December 1. The Commission’s goal is to allow reasonable RV use without allowing an RV to become a permanent residence.

Occupied versus unoccupied storage received significant discussion. Dr. Lame questioned how to strike a fair balance. Rasmussen reiterated that the intent should be to ensure an RV remains a movable unit. Friske stated that he does not support unlimited RV use.

Tents were also discussed, with the agreement of a two-week occupancy limit.

Then the conversation moved to setbacks... and this is where things got particularly interesting.

The Township Board requested that the R-1 front setback be reduced from 30 feet to 20 feet.

Chellis stated that setbacks were established by previous boards and reviewed Anderson’s property situation, noting that his property was split into two parcels and is not agricultural zoning like the neighboring property.

Dr. Lame discussed R-1 parcel sizes and said he did not believe the 10-foot difference should be the primary issue. He found no value in the setback adjustment argument. He also raised potential safety concerns, including EMS access. Howes noted that moving from 50 feet to 30 feet was already a significant reduction and said she opposed moving the requirement to 20 feet. Rasmussen made an important observation that Anderson has not requested a variance and has not been denied anything.

Nevertheless, Chellis made a motion to make agricultural and R-1 setbacks the same at 20 feet.

Friske and Chellis voted in favor. Everyone else voted no. The motion failed.

And then came the zoning map.

Howes asked Planner Ken for his input and questioned whether residents had actually requested changes to specific zoning districts. There seems to be only one. Friske said the zoning-map discussion stemmed from Anderson’s parcel.

Then.. Friske said he, "didn’t care to address the zoning map"... DESPITE having previously voted as a Township Board member to have the zoning map reviewed. And this wasn't a " I don't want to talk about it, tonight", it was a "I don't want to talk about it period".

So the Board votes to review the map, the Planning Commission actually reviews the map, and the person who voted for the review apparently doesn’t care to participate in the discussion about it. Weren't we just discussing consistency?

Rasmussen remembers. He stated that farmers have repeatedly said there is little money in farming and suggested that additional R-1 and CR zoning could provide more opportunities for housing development and potentially create greater consistency.

Zoning Administrator Busman discussed the purpose of setbacks and pointed out that, given the history of the ordinance, the setbacks were established for a reason.

Howes and Rasmussen reviewed the Planning Commission’s mission statement. Howes ultimately tabled the zoning-map discussion while she gathers additional information concerning land use and housing.

Ken then discussed the Future Land Use Map, explaining that it represents the Township’s vision for how properties could potentially be zoned over the next 20 years.

Which brings us to closing comments from resident Rubingh.

Rubingh criticized the Natural Resource Extraction Ordinance as too restrictive. He argued in favor of limiting RV use to force people to build homes.

He also stated there is “no correlation” between zoning and taxes.

Fact check: That’s not accurate as an absolute statement. Zoning controls what can be developed and how property can be used. Development potential and property use can affect property value, which can affect taxable value. Whether a particular zoning change actually increases taxes is a different question.

Rubingh also stated that the Planning Commission cannot skip a recommendation from the Township Board and has to put it through the process.

Fact check: The Planning Commission is charged with reviewing planning and zoning matters and making recommendations under state law and the Township’s adopted procedures. Their goal is to follow their mission statement and uphold the Master Plan. A Township Board request does not dictate the Commission’s recommendation.

And then there is, of course, the broader pattern.

Rubingh says the extraction ordinance is too restrictive while arguing for greater restrictions elsewhere. He says RV restrictions will force people to build homes, while simultaneously not supporting zoning discussions that could facilitate additional development. He says he is neither for nor against data centers, yet is already declaring 65 dB “reasonable” before he has even visited one. And on the zoning map, we’re once again watching the Township attempt to reconcile what it says it wants with what its own long-term planning documents actually envision.

The Planning Commission is doing what it is supposed to do. Reviewing, questioning, revising, and... occasionally... saying no.

That’s the process. It’s not supposed to be a rubber stamp. And perhaps that’s the most important takeaway from the meeting.

The Planning Commission doesn’t have to agree with the Township Board. It doesn’t have to agree with individual property owners. And it certainly doesn’t have to rush a decision simply because someONE wants an answer.

For the first meeting with Dr. Lame, there was plenty accomplished. And, as usual, plenty left to argue about.

08/11/2026

We're live! Sorry, slacking tonight.

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08/07/2026

An odd way to gain popularity 🤷‍♂️

I'd rather be known for Paddle Antrim than election issues, but maybe that's just me.

These officials oversee or help administer elections in counties across the nation where competitive House and Senate races will determine control of Congress.

08/07/2026

The Banks Township Planning Commission has some heavy lifting ahead at Tuesday’s meeting.

Natural Resource Extraction (Sand & Gravel) is expected to return from the planners in an updated draft for review. In addition, the recurring topics of front setbacks, RVs, and manufacturing continue to work their way through the ordinance revisions.

We’re also hoping to hear from Howes and Lame following their recent training regarding potential options for a Lake Shore Zone or overlay district.

Meanwhile, while the Planning Commission continues to juggle the Board’s repeated requests to “do it again,” the broad task to rework the zoning map, and the new task of developing a Data Center ordinance has added additional pressure. Despite the growing workload, they continue to work through each issue line by line and detail by detail.

We invite you to attend Tuesday’s meeting or watch our live stream on YouTube. Take the time to see the discussions, the questions being asked, and the amount of work that goes into each recommendation. Maybe even participate during the public comment to voice your opinion on the ordinances they're working on.

Perhaps if more people witnessed those deliberations, there would be a better understanding of why the Planning Commission reaches the conclusions it does. Likewise, clearer communication between the Planning Commission and the Board could reduce the constant cycle of revisions. After all, it’s difficult to reconcile a member voting yes to recommend an ordinance at the Planning Commission level, only to later vote no at the Board because it suddenly “needs more work.”

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07/29/2026

Busman, "Not me."
Postmus, "Not me."
Chellis, "Nope."
Friske, "No."
🫣

One of these things is not like the others.

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07/25/2026

Nice work, Ashley and your dedicated crew! Accountability will prevail.

The Michigan Board of State Canvassers has rejected a petition to recall Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop.Ashley Areeda, who filed the petition, said they'll be resubmitting with revised language as early as Monday (7/27).