Supervisor's Weekly Update: Tackling a New Fire Station, Township Property Valuations, Survey Findings, and Beyond
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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders (https://www.oldmission.net/tag/maura-sanders/) shares the latest insights on the ongoing winery lawsuit (https://www.oldmission.net/tag/winery-lawsuit/), a community survey, potential plans for a new fire station, and other township matters. We're grateful to Maura for these regular updates that keep everyone connected to the inner workings of Township Hall. Dive in to discover this week's highlights. -jb)
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October 23, 2025
Picture this: As the crisp autumn air fills with the comforting scent of woodsmoke from cozy fireplaces, Peninsula Township is navigating a whirlwind of progress and pressing challenges that could shape its future in unexpected ways.
It's a time of reflection and action, where community decisions blend with legal battles and innovative ideas. But here's where it gets intriguing—tensions are rising over how the township balances growth with protection, drawing lines between economic development and environmental preservation. Stick around to uncover the details that might just change your perspective on local governance.
WOMP versus Peninsula Township: The Latest Developments
For those following the winery lawsuit closely, court documents are accessible here (https://www.peninsulatownship.com/womps-lawsuit-court-filings.html). They've also been posted on Pacer, a free online platform maintained by the U.S. federal courts that provides up-to-date access to public records for all ongoing litigation across the country. To explore further, simply sign up on Pacer (https://pacer.uscourts.gov/find-case), then search under the Michigan Western District court using case number 1:20-cv-01008. This lawsuit, sparked by zoning disputes affecting local wineries, has awarded nearly $50 million in damages to the plaintiffs, as detailed in our previous coverage (https://www.oldmission.net/2025/07/winery-lawsuit-judge-awards-nearly-50-million-to-old-mission-peninsula-wineries/).
And this is the part most people miss: Property appraisals for key township assets—like the Mission Point Lighthouse, Bowers Harbor Park, Archie Park, and the vacant lot on Swaney Road—are imminent. Once completed, these reports will be reviewed by the Town Board and made available to the public. This step is crucial because it will inform strategic choices on whether to use these assets as leverage in potential settlements or defenses against WOMP's claims.
The Town Board's primary aim remains to pursue sincere discussions, negotiations, or mediation with WOMP and Protect the Peninsula (PTP) before escalating to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. No new court developments have surfaced since my last update (https://www.oldmission.net/2025/10/winery-lawsuit-fire-dept-open-house/). On a positive note, our newly hired insurance counsel has jumped into action this week to bolster our position.
Parks Committee Meeting Highlights
The Parks Committee convened on Monday at 3 p.m., and you can catch the full meeting video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAWjhzWgJ8I)—it's archived for 30 days post-meeting. During the session, members emphasized the wisdom of holding off on plans for a potential parks millage in 2026 until the upcoming survey results are in. This cautious approach allows for data-driven decisions, much like how a homeowner waits for a home inspection before committing to renovations. They also brainstormed alternative revenue streams, such as installing donation boxes at park entrances, to fund improvements without relying solely on new taxes. The committee is diligently wrapping up new signage for Archie Park and kicking off similar projects for Bowers Harbor Park and Haserot Beach, ensuring these spaces remain welcoming and informative for visitors.
Shoreline Stabilization Efforts
The Township is actively seeking a Shoreline Stabilization Study Grant under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Water Resources Development Act (https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Water-Resources-Development-Act/) and related Energy and Water Development appropriations. Our Grand Traverse County Drain Commissioner, Andy Smits, is leading this initiative. The grant would cover a thorough assessment of slope stability along the Old Mission Peninsula, helping to create resilience plans for vital areas like roads, businesses, and emergency services. To support this, we've reached out through Senator Slotkin's office (https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/) for assistance—think of it as calling in expert reinforcements to safeguard our community's future against the threats of erosion and climate change.
News from Around the Offices
Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Departments: Final interviews for the new administrative role combining support for Planning, Zoning, and Assessing have concluded, and we're on the verge of extending an offer. This innovative position merges what were previously three separate contracted or part-time roles into one full-time spot, leading to both cost savings and improved efficiency. By consolidating these functions, we've attracted skilled professionals who can streamline operations, much like upgrading from multiple scattered tools to a single, powerful toolkit.
Peninsula Township Fire Department: On the topic of the proposed new fire station 1 (https://www.oldmission.net/2024/08/fire-station-one-construction/), Chief Gilstorff has investigated various financing avenues. Regrettably, responses have been lukewarm, largely due to the shadow cast by the WOMP damages award (https://www.oldmission.net/2025/07/winery-lawsuit-judge-awards-nearly-50-million-to-old-mission-peninsula-wineries/). This raises a controversial point: Could a legal dispute over zoning and land use—essentially a battle between community development and environmental groups—jeopardize essential public safety investments? It's a debate worth pondering, as it highlights the ripple effects of lawsuits on everyday services.
Moreover, the ongoing litigation (https://www.oldmission.net/tag/winery-lawsuit/) might complicate future funding for new equipment or fire engines, potentially delaying upgrades that could save lives. Fortunately, the new fire truck ordered almost two years ago is set to arrive between late November and early December. The team is buzzing with anticipation, confident that this modern engine will elevate our fire suppression capabilities, providing faster and more effective responses during emergencies.
Looking Toward the Next Week—and Further Ahead
Mark your calendars for the Peninsula Community Library's Trick or Treat event (https://peninsulacommunitylibrary.org/event_image/trick-or-treat-in-the-garden/) in the PCL Garden on Saturday, October 25th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This lighthearted, family-friendly gathering features fun elements like skeletons, storytelling, crafts, and more—nothing too spooky! Stories kick off right at 11 a.m., followed by the other activities, and kids are welcome to come dressed in costumes.
Survey Updates: I'll share the survey results as soon as the report is finalized, which I expect within the coming week.
Keep tabs on all upcoming meetings (https://www.peninsulatownship.com/meeting-schedules.html) through the township website, and check out our live-streamed sessions on the YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCydkMcr4Qn9j2ZDHZ22hD4Q), where videos are saved for 30 days.
Wishing everyone a fantastic October weekend! Let's make the most of these stunning fall hues and the breathtaking views courtesy of Mother Nature's rainy collaborations.
Maura Sanders, Peninsula Township Supervisor
Phone: (231) 223-7323
Email: emailprotected
Office Hours: Mondays 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays – Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday – Sunday and Holidays. If TCAPS is closed due to weather, Peninsula Township offices are closed at least until 10 a.m. Please check the website homepage (https://www.peninsulatownship.com/) for any updates.
Also Read…
To view or leave comments on this story, click HERE.
What are your thoughts on how the winery lawsuit might impact public services like fire station upgrades? Do you support the idea of waiting for survey results before pushing for a parks millage, or should the township act more swiftly? And here's a provocative angle: Is prioritizing shoreline stabilization over immediate legal defenses a smart move, or does it risk overlooking long-term threats? Share your agreements, disagreements, or alternative viewpoints in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
