Summary
The Empire Township Board met January 13, 2026, with all members present (Clark, Hendricks, Price, Wiejaczka, Wolterink). Key actions included accepting Supervisor Hendricks' resignation due to health reasons, appointing Wiejaczka as the new supervisor, adopting a Claim Payment and Disbursement Policy, and setting the annual meeting for March 28 at 10 a.m. A closed session was held to discuss attorney opinion on potential township property leasing for cell tower use, but no action was taken.
Public Comments
Public comments included expressions of regret and appreciation for Hendricks' service following his resignation, requests for clarification on the cell tower discussion, a request for public comment opportunities before board decisions are made, concerns about the township office, and questions regarding how the township distributes information. No specific speaker names were recorded, and no written letters were noted as submitted. The board responded with general comments addressing these questions and concerns.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Wiejaczka reported that she and Dan Davis met as appointed members of the new Empire Township-Village affordable/attainable housing committee. The committee is exploring a proposal by the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) for a housing development on 40 acres of township-village co-owned property on Benzonia Trail. The committee will reconvene in February with two additional members from each municipality plus one planning commission representative. Initial work will focus on feasibility and environmental risk assessment related to the adjacent landfill. The committee stated its intent to maintain transparency through public meetings.
Infrastructure Projects
Attorney Timothy Figura briefed the board on a zoning ordinance amendment request for a new cell tower location, noting public hearing concerns had prompted exploration of alternative sites, including township-owned property near Maple Grove Cemetery. Figura indicated lease terms appeared feasible, but the board deferred consideration and took no action. Separately, Hendricks reported that Glen Arbor Township agreed to pay 40% (approximately $43,000) of upcoming road improvement and erosion control costs at Maple Grove Cemetery, requesting advance notice before future fund commitments.
Other Business
Wolterink's planning commission report noted permits issued and ongoing cell tower discussions. Hendricks reported a new zoning administrator contract 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 is coordinating with outgoing clerk Casey Noonan and deputy clerk Sheree Nelson on accounting continuity.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's report (Price) noted totals for all funds. The board adopted a Claim Payment and Disbursement Policy allowing certain payments (emergency, payroll, utility) to be authorized before post-audit board approval to avoid late fees. Deputy Clerk Sheree Nelson's compensation was increased to $50/hr. for January–March, returning to $25/hr. on April 1 after the annual meeting budget and year-end taxes are processed. Bills Payable were approved.
Action Items
- Housing committee to reconvene in February with additional municipal and planning commission members to assess feasibility and landfill-related environmental risks for the Benzonia Trail housing proposal.
- Board to further consider a policy clarifying when position advertising is feasible, following Wiejaczka's appointment as supervisor.
- Glen Arbor Township requested advance notice before future fund commitments related to Maple Grove Cemetery road improvements.
- Cell tower lease consideration remains deferred pending further board action.