Summary
The Empire Township Board met January 13, 2026, with all members present (Clark, Hendricks, Price, Wiejaczka, Wolterink). Key outcomes included Supervisor Hendricks' resignation for health reasons, the board's appointment of Wiejaczka as his replacement, adoption of a new Claim Payment and Disbursement Policy, a deputy clerk pay adjustment, and continued discussion of a proposed cell tower lease on township property near Maple Grove Cemetery. The annual meeting was set for March 28 at 10 a.m.
Public Comments
During the cell tower discussion (Item 7), attendees requested and were given a public comment opportunity. Under the formal public comments agenda item, speakers expressed regret and appreciation for Hendricks' resignation and service, sought clarification on the cell tower discussion, requested public comment opportunities before board decisions, raised township office concerns, and asked questions about township information distribution. No specific names were recorded for these comments. The board responded during the subsequent Board Comments segment, though specifics of those responses were not detailed.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Wiejaczka reported that she and Dan Davis, as appointed members of the new Empire Township-Village affordable/attainable housing committee, met to discuss a proposal from the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) for a housing development on 40 acres of township-village co-owned property on Benzonia Trail. The committee plans to meet again in February, adding two additional members (one from each municipality and one from the township planning commission). Initial focus will be on feasibility and environmental risks tied to an adjacent landfill. The committee stated its intent to hold transparent, public meetings.
Infrastructure Projects
Attorney Timothy Figura briefed the board on a proposed cell tower lease on township property near Maple Grove Cemetery, following a prior zoning ordinance amendment request and public hearing concerns. Leasing terms appeared feasible for consideration, but after public comment, the board deferred action; no vote was taken. Separately, Hendricks reported that Glen Arbor Township agreed to pay 40% (approximately $43,000) of roughly $43,000 in upcoming road improvement and erosion control costs at Maple Grove Cemetery, with a request for advance notice before future fund commitments.
Other Business
The board approved November and December 9 meeting minutes as amended. A closed session was held under MCL 15.268(1)(H) for attorney discussion of property leasing (roll call: Clark, Hendricks, Price, Wiejaczka, Wolterink all aye to enter and end). Wolterink reported planning commission activity, including permits issued and a new zoning administrator appointment. Hendricks reported that a new zoning administrator contract was negotiated with Sara Kopriva of Beckett & Raeder, Inc., effective January 1, following Tim Cypher's resignation for health reasons. Clark reported completing Michigan Township Association clerk training, with election training pending, and confirmed deputy clerk Sheree Nelson would continue in her role.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Price presented fund totals (not itemized in minutes). Glen Arbor Township agreed to cover approximately $43,000 (40%) of cemetery road and erosion control costs. The board adopted a Claim Payment and Disbursement Policy allowing post-audit approval for emergency, payroll, and utility payments to avoid late fees. Deputy Clerk Sheree Nelson's compensation was raised to $50/hr for January–March, reverting to $25/hr on April 1 after the annual budget and year-end taxes are processed. Bills Payable were approved unanimously.
Action Items
- Housing committee (Wiejaczka, Dan Davis, plus two new members) to reconvene in February to assess feasibility and landfill-related environmental risks for the Benzonia Trail housing proposal.
- Board to further consider cell tower lease terms near Maple Grove Cemetery; no timeline set.
- Hendricks to provide advance notice to Glen Arbor Township before future fund commitments for cemetery road work.
- Clark to complete pending election training.
- Deputy clerk compensation to revert to $25/hr on April 1, 2026 after annual budget and year-end taxes are finalized.