Summary
The Empire Township Board met June 9, 2026, with Supervisor Wiejaczka, Clerk Bacon, and Trustee Noonan present from the start; Treasurer Price arrived at 7:20 p.m.; Trustee Wolterink was absent. The board approved the agenda and amended May 12 minutes, heard a presentation from the Leelanau County Road Commission, reviewed operational reports, approved bills and a fireproof cabinet purchase, discussed office technology and a draft purchasing policy, and took public comment on beach parking passes and lake association efforts.
Public Comments
Julie Tarr and MarchMarge Maxbauer raised concerns about the need for better communication regarding Lake Michigan Beach Park passes and requested a grace period. Following discussion, Trustee Bacon moved, supported by Noonan, to have the Supervisor and Clerk draft a letter to residents about Beach Parking Passes; the motion passed unanimously. Mac McClelland of the Glen Lake Association Board thanked the Township for its collaboration, described the Association's use of burlap to smother Eurasian Watermilfoil, discussed winter shoreline damage, and announced a shoreline protection seminar at the Glen Lake Area Library on June 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Under Unfinished Business, the board discussed Lake Michigan Beach Park passes, now distributed to residents via the Village through manual and electronic listings. There was extended discussion on how to promote the passes given the Township lacks an email blast system. The office will monitor requests, seek clarification on distribution, and provide replacement-cost information once fines are confirmed. Ryan Macut, the new Campground Host, was praised by Wiejaczka and staff member Yolanda for his contributions to the campground.
Infrastructure Projects
Leelanau County Road Commission representative Brendan Mullane, joined by board member Garth Greenan, discussed changes to state road funding, including a new Neighborhood Road Funds category not currently available to townships. In 2025, the Commission spent $537,525 on local road maintenance in Empire Township, primarily chip sealing fair-rated roads, which can extend road life 5–10 years. The Commission plans to purchase a new chip-seal roller and trucks and build a new cold storage facility in Sutton's Bay. The cemetery access road was completed June 4 by Ron Brown and Sons to address erosion, with Trustee Noonan continuing to monitor.
Other Business
The board discussed Township Office technology needs, including a new multifunction printer, laptop assessment, and technology inventory. Resident Gregory Hart offered his computer engineering expertise to the Township. QuickBooks desktop software was purchased. A first read of a proposed Purchasing Policy was presented, intended to require approval before spending budgeted funds; the board was asked to review and send comments. The Fire Department reported 20 calls in May, ongoing Glen Arbor station remodel, and a June 17 fundraiser, "Drinks, Putts & Fire Trucks," at the River Club.
Financial Summary
Bills to be paid totaled $129,319.42 (after pulling a $61.56 Honor Building Supply charge for confirmation), with post-audit checks of $2,028.94; approved unanimously via motion by Noonan, supported by Price. The board approved purchase of a two-drawer fireproof cabinet from FireKing for $1,195.00. A $1,280 Township Board miscellaneous expense was clarified as a Drone Study for South Bar Lake.
Action Items
- Office to confirm the $61.56 Honor Building Supply charge before payment.
- Supervisor and Clerk to draft a letter to residents regarding Beach Parking Passes.
- Office to monitor beach pass requests and clarify distribution/replacement cost procedures.
- Board members to review the draft Purchasing Policy and send comments to the office.
- Trustee Noonan to continue monitoring cemetery road erosion.