Bennington Township board OKs vet clinic rezoning, $3,612 SATA deal

The Bennington Township Board of Trustees approved a rezoning and special use permit for a veterinary clinic and hospital at its Aug. 3 regular meeting, according to minutes signed by Clerk Donna Ash.

Supervisor Cody Baker moved to concur with the township planning commission and approve the rezoning of property #010-21-400-005 from B-1 to A-2, along with Special Use Permit #PSUP26-003 to allow a veterinary clinic and hospital. Trustee Jim Forsythe seconded. All board members voted in favor, the minutes state.

The board also concurred with the planning commission on land division/combination application #PLD25-0012 for Pittsburg Church, on the condition that Parcel A, 6.74 acres, be combined with the purchasing property as approved under Variance #PZBA25-023. Larry Johnson moved and Forsythe seconded; all members voted yes.

The lone split vote of the meeting came on a letter of commitment for Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency service. Forsythe moved to approve a commitment for SATA services for October and November 2026 at a cost of $3,612.08, seconded by Johnson. The roll call was Forsythe-yes, Maria Carlin-yes, Ash-no, Johnson-yes, Baker-yes. The motion carried 4-1.

Earlier in the meeting, Carlin moved to pay bills as presented in the amount of $147,004.33, seconded by Johnson. All board members voted in favor. The board also approved the treasurer's report and the minutes of the July 6, 2026 regular meeting.

Under new business, Johnson moved to increase the mileage reimbursable rate to the current IRS rate of 76 cents per mile. Forsythe seconded and all board members voted in favor, according to the minutes.

On road work, Baker reported that Brewer Road chip and seal would start the following week and that gravel work would be completed at the end of August. County Commissioner Garber updated the board on county activities, including a new animal control officer and the progress of the Pleasant View expansion. Ash reported for the planning commission.

The Shiawassee County blight ordinance was listed under old business, and the minutes record no action taken. There was no public comment. The board conducted a budget review before adjourning at 7:33 p.m. on a motion by Johnson, seconded by Forsythe.

What happens next

The minutes note the SATA commitment covers October and November 2026, and that Brewer Road gravel work was expected to be finished by the end of August. The board's next regular meeting follows its monthly schedule; the July 6 minutes were approved at this meeting, indicating the board meets on the first Monday.