Summary
The Empire Township Board met September 8, 2026, with Supervisor Wiejaczka presiding; Trustee Wolterink was excused. The Board approved the consent agenda, a new Purchasing Policy, the Glen Lake Fire Department (GLFD) 2027-2028 budget, operating and fire millage rates, a budget amendment and prepayment for the Little Glen Lake Drain assessment, and a technology upgrade for the Township office and hall. The Campground Manager arrangement was discussed with no final decision reached.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered on agenda items. Under general public comment, one speaker voiced support for the Board's role as an employer in setting operational goals, citing the technology upgrades as an example of modernization. No letters or written comments were noted.
Infrastructure Projects
The Township received notice that the final assessment roll for the Little Glen Lake Drainage District had been set. The Township could prepay $20,500 or pay in 2-3 installments at 6% interest. The Board amended the budget, increasing the General Fund surplus line (101.000.699) from $53,075 to $73,575 and increasing the Drainage District line item (101-446.862) to $23,500 (motion by Price, support Noonan, unanimous). The Board then voted (motion by Bacon, support Price, unanimous) to prepay the $20,500 assessment in full.
Other Business
The GLFD reported 91 calls in August (437 year-to-date), 150 training hours, completed maintenance on four vehicles, and a returned ladder truck; an annual 9/11 ceremony is set for September 11 at 8:30 am in Glen Arbor. The Board approved transitioning the Township's phone/internet service from Spectrum Bundle to Spectrum Unified Communications with Ring Central (motion Noonan/Price), purchase of 4 handsets for $1,080 (motion Bacon/Noonan), and an Orbi Wireless Router not to exceed $300 (motion Bacon/Noonan), all passing unanimously, assisted by volunteer Greg Hart. The Campground Manager contract (effective since November 11, 2025) was reviewed; the Board reached consensus for Wiejaczka to contact the Manager about returning on-site at current salary or continuing remotely at reduced salary, with formal evaluation planned after the 2026 season.
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaled $123,106.51, with post-audit bills of $6,124.84. The GLFD's projected 2027-2028 budget is $3,459,250, with Empire Township responsible for 46% ($1,630,547); monthly allocation rises from $118,000 to $125,000, partly due to a projected radio system match increase from $5,000/year to $30,000/year. The Board approved the operating millage at 0.4056 (down from 0.4095 in 2025, per Headlee limits) and the Fire/Emergency Services millage at 5.12, expected to generate $1,704,605, a projected surplus of about $74,000. A budget amendment added $20,500 for the Drain assessment, funded by increasing General Fund surplus to $73,575.
Action Items
- Wiejaczka and Bacon to schedule a meeting with the Zoning Administrator regarding land use permit delays.
- A public hearing on the GLFD budget is scheduled for September 9, 2026, 7:00 pm, Glen Arbor Township Meeting Room.
- Bacon and Deputy Nelson to follow up on the AT&T contract and continue migrating Township emails to .gov addresses.
- Wiejaczka to contact the Campground Manager regarding on-site versus remote work arrangements for the 2027 season; formal evaluation to occur after the 2026 camping season.
- Board to revisit discussion on setting a second operating millage in the future, per guidance from Leelanau County Equalization Director Andrew Giguere.