Summary
The Empire Township Board met August 11, 2026, with Supervisor Wiejaczka presiding; Trustee Noonan was excused. The Board approved the agenda and July 14 minutes, approved Bills to be Paid and Post-Audit checks, adopted amended Rules of Procedure, and reviewed proposed Purchasing Policy changes. The Planning Commission reported ongoing zoning discussions related to affordable/workforce housing, with no final decisions made.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Wolterink reported on the Planning Commission's July 28 Special Meeting focused on Zoning Ordinance Review, much of which addressed encouraging workforce/affordable housing. Topics included allowing multi-unit housing and associated requirements, minimum lot sizes across all districts, and use of clustered housing. A notable point discussed was considering allowing eight (8)-family dwellings without requiring site plan review. The Commission emphasized balancing these changes with the Master Plan, green space goals, and development of the Gateway Mixed Use district. No final decisions were made. A follow-up Special Meeting on the Zoning Ordinance Review is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 pm, focusing on general changes such as definitions, grammar, and clarifications.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Supervisor Wiejaczka reported that resurfacing of the pickleball courts at Johnson (Lions Club) Park is complete.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board received a Notice of Day of Review of Drainage District Boundaries and Review of Apportionments for the Little Glen Lake Drainage District. Residents with questions were directed to contact Chet Janik of the Leelanau County Drain Commission.
Other Business
- Rules of Procedure: Motion by Wolterink, support by Bacon, to accept amended Rules of Procedure (removing Township Board Responsibilities, Duties of the Supervisor, and Member Code of Conduct sections). Passed unanimously by voice vote. Wolterink offered to consolidate and update the Code of Conduct for future Board consideration.
- Purchasing Policy: Proposed revisions include requiring Prior Board Approval with at least 3 written quotes for purchases of $2,500 and above unless a single-source vendor exists, and adding language about checking existing Township technology/software capacity before purchases. Revisions to return to the Board for approval in September.
- General Budgeting: Brief discussion on line-by-line vs. overall budget review approaches; further discussion on recommended budget changes expected over coming months.
- Fire Department: Assistant Fire Chief Chad Dykgraaf reported 105 calls in July (346 year-to-date), 372 training hours in July. The ladder truck was out of service most of the month. Garage doors for the Empire Station have been ordered; Glen Arbor station remodel and Decon Room layout changes are on track. The Board congratulated Dykgraaf on his official pinning as Assistant Fire Chief.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Price presented the financial report covering totals for all funds (detailed in the meeting packet). Bills to be Paid and Post-Audit bills were not finalized in time for packets due to Election timing; items included Election supplies and payment to the County for Master Qualified Voter File cards (completed in June). A $3,000 expense was noted for tree removal at the Campground. The Consumers Energy bill for the Campground was discussed, with historical July bills typically ranging $400–$500. The P&L Statement indicated expenses in line with the budget. Motion by Wolterink, support by Bacon, to approve Bills to be Paid and Post-Audit Checks passed unanimously by voice vote.
Action Items
- Special Planning Commission meeting on Zoning Ordinance Review scheduled for August 26, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
- Wolterink to consolidate and provide an updated Code of Conduct document for Board review.
- Purchasing Policy revisions to return to the Board for approval in September.
- Board to continue budget discussions over the next few months regarding recommended changes.