Summary
The Empire Township Board met April 14, 2026, approving prior minutes, bill payments, and several key personnel and property matters. The board tabled action on a 40-acre South Benzonia Trail property indefinitely, appointed Maggie Bacon as clerk effective May 1, 2026, and approved mold testing at the campground host building. Planning commission work continued on Vertical Bridge's cell tower application, with another public hearing set for April 22.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on agenda topics prior to discussion. During the general public comment period, a resident inquired about the Vertical Bridge tower application; the board responded by confirming the next public hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 7 p.m.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Kathy Wiejaczka reported that the Affordable Housing Committee (with both Township and Village representatives) met March 26 and decided not to recommend support for the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council's proposed housing project on 40 acres of township/village property on South Benzonia Trail, citing deed restrictions requiring public use. The board discussed whether environmental legal advice was needed due to an adjacent landfill, and whether the property might instead be considered for a fire hall or similar public purpose. Motion by Wolterink, seconded by Noonan, to table consideration of action on the property indefinitely; all present voted yes.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Elizabeth Wolterink reported on the Planning Commission's review of Vertical Bridge's communication tower application, which now proposes two possible sites. Additional public comments and concerns were raised at a March 25 public hearing. The commission asked Vertical Bridge to consolidate its application to a single proposed location and provide more documentation justifying rejection of alternative sites. A follow-up public hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 7 p.m.
Other Business
- The board deferred adoption of draft rules of procedure pending further review, including by the incoming clerk.
- Clerk Cheryl Clark presented clerk assistant job descriptions and a possible hiring process for future consideration.
- Motion by Noonan, seconded by Wolterink, to schedule township office painting in May at the next regular meeting; all voted yes. Wiejaczka noted she has paint to donate.
- Fire Captain Chad Dykgraaf requested help securing permission for fire department parking on Empire Village property north of the fire station. Maggie Bacon, a village council member present, volunteered to bring the request to the village council.
- Glen Lake Fire Department reported 17 calls in March, 98 year-to-date, ongoing union negotiations (8–10 outstanding issues, next meeting May 6), new video laryngoscope equipment, and recognition of Tim Nichols for 42 years of service.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Bob Price presented the financial report covering all funds. Clerk accountant Sheree Nelson reported year-end budget vs. actual figures for the 2025-2026 fiscal year showed excellent accuracy, along with W2 amendments, quarterly federal filings, and new payroll system implementation. Motion by Noonan, seconded by Wolterink, to approve bill payments; all present voted yes. The board approved hiring 911 Restoration for mold testing at the campground host building at a cost not to exceed $500.
Action Items
- Clerk transition: Cheryl Clark to complete office transition before her April 30 resignation; Maggie Bacon appointed clerk effective May 1, 2026.
- Continue campground host search following finalist withdrawal; 911 Restoration to conduct mold testing at the host building (not to exceed $500).
- Township office painting scheduled for May, at the next regular meeting.
- Maggie Bacon to raise fire department parking request with the Village Council.
- Next Vertical Bridge cell tower public hearing set for April 22 at 7 p.m.; Vertical Bridge to consolidate application to one site with added documentation.
- Next Local 5086 union negotiation meeting set for May 6.
- Rules of procedure adoption deferred pending further board and incoming clerk review.