The Empire Township Board held a regular meeting on February 11, 2025, where several key decisions were made regarding financial support for cemetery management, taxation, and park enhancements. Important discussions included the nomination of new zoning board members and the unsuccessful proposal for affordable housing development.
Public Comments
Bob Chase from the Lions Club addressed the board regarding their intention to apply for funding to resurface the pickleball courts. He reinforced the existing agreement with the Township related to prior resurfacing.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
During the meeting, a report on affordable housing for the Glen Lake School property was discussed. The Planning Commission indicated that the proposal has been defeated by the Glen Lake School Board. No further steps will be taken on this initiative.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Neiswonger proposed allocating $10,000 from the Balance Sheet’s Assigned Campground Fund for resurfacing the pickleball courts at Lions Club Park, noting that total costs are expected to be twice that. The Lions Club representative, Bob Chase, confirmed plans to submit a funding application for this project and a motion to add the pickleball court discussion to the March 2025 agenda was made.
Infrastructure Projects
No infrastructure projects were discussed in the meeting.
Other Business
The Board moved to support Claude Fields' request for financial backing for an Ancestry.com account and to hire his daughter Patricia Fields as Assistant Manager of the Cemetery. The motion to cover the $500 annual fee for Ancestry.com and the appointment of Patricia at $200 monthly was unanimously approved. Additionally, discussions concerning the appointment of Noonan and Tom Peterson to the Zoning Board of Appeals were undertaken, with all in favor.
Financial Summary
The following financial decisions were made:
- Approval for the township to cover a $500 annual Ancestry.com fee.
- Patricia Fields hired as Assistant Manager of the Cemetery at a salary of $200 per month.
- Resolution to charge $2.50 per tax parcel for the collection of Glen Lake School taxes.
Action Items
- Follow up on the Deputy for Treasurer position as it awaits a response from a prospective candidate.
- Empower Chief Ferguson to negotiate the sale of the 2003 Empire Fire Engine between $6,000 to $10,000.
- Add the pickleball court resurfacing discussion to the Agenda for the March 2025 meeting.
Source Document
This summary was AI-generated from the official meeting record. The full source document is the authoritative version.