Summary
The Empire Township Board met on April 14, 2026, with Supervisor Kathy Wiejaczka presiding. Key actions included tabling indefinitely the proposed 40-acre South Benzonia Trail housing project, appointing Maggie Bacon as the new township clerk effective May 1, 2026, and approving mold testing at the campground host building. The board also reviewed ongoing Vertical Bridge cell tower planning and fire department matters.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered on agenda topics earlier in the meeting. During the general public comment period, a resident inquired about the status of Vertical Bridge’s communication tower application; the board confirmed the next public hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 7 p.m. No written letters or submitted comments were noted.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Wiejaczka reported that the joint Township/Village Affordable Housing Committee met March 26 and decided not to recommend support for the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council’s proposed housing project on 40 acres of township and 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 site might instead serve as a fire hall or other public use. Motion by Wolterink, seconded by Noonan, to table consideration of the property indefinitely; all present voted yes.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Wolterink reported on the Planning Commission’s review of Vertical Bridge’s cell tower application, which now proposes two possible sites. Following public comments at the March 25 hearing, the commission asked Vertical Bridge to consolidate its application around a single site and provide further documentation justifying rejection of alternative locations. A follow-up public hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 7 p.m. Fire Captain Chad Dykgraaf also requested township assistance in securing permission for fire department parking on Empire Village property north of the fire station; Maggie Bacon, a village council member present at the meeting, volunteered to raise the issue with the village council.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Bob Price presented the financial report covering all township funds. Clerk accountant Sheree Nelson reported that year-end budget-versus-actual figures for the 2025–2026 fiscal year showed strong accuracy, and noted ongoing W-2 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 also approved hiring 911 Restoration for mold testing at the campground host building at a cost not to exceed $500 (motion by Clark, seconded by Wolterink; all present voted yes).
Other Business
The board deferred adoption of updated rules of procedure pending further review, including by the incoming clerk. Clerk Cheryl Clark presented draft clerk assistant job descriptions and a possible hiring process for future consideration. The board approved scheduling township office painting for May, using paint donated by Supervisor Wiejaczka (motion by Noonan, seconded by Wolterink; all voted yes). Fire Captain Dykgraaf reported 17 calls in March, 98 calls year-to-date, new video laryngoscope equipment, and recognized Tim Nichols for 42 years of service.
Action Items
- Maggie Bacon to begin as township clerk May 1, 2026.
- Cheryl Clark to complete office transition before her April 30 resignation.
- 911 Restoration to conduct mold testing at the campground host building (cost capped at $500).
- Vertical Bridge to consolidate its tower application to a single site with supporting documentation before the April 22 public hearing.
- Maggie Bacon to raise fire department parking request with the Empire Village Council.
- Township office painting scheduled for the next regular meeting in May.
- Continued review of rules of procedure by incoming clerk and board.