Summary
The Empire Township Board met July 14, 2026, with Supervisor Wiejaczka presiding. The Board approved replacement of all four garage doors at the Empire Fire Station (Compaan Garage Door, not to exceed $21,655), approved purchase of a new printer/copier, and reviewed updates on the Slow-No-Wake designation for South Bar Lake, fire department contract negotiations, and ongoing zoning administration concerns.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered on agenda items. During general public comment, Tessa Alexander spoke on behalf of her son, proposing that the Planning Commission consider a Zoning Ordinance amendment to permit temporary dwellings during construction of permanent homes on parcels. No Board response or vote was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
A large birch tree fell on an RV at the Township Campground on July 2 following a windstorm; no injuries occurred. Supervisor Wiejaczka and Joe Harriger arranged for Harriger’s Landscaping to remove debris, and the Township’s insurer confirmed the Township is not liable, with the RV owner’s insurance covering damages. Regarding Beach Passes, nearly 600 postcards were mailed to residents about new passes, and Ambassadors continue notifying old “sticker” holders about the change.
Other Business
- DNR Corporal Jill Miller conducted an inspection and public hearing July 1 on the proposed Slow-No-Wake designation for South Bar Lake; attendees supported it. Steve Lewis of the South Bar Lake Association toured the lake with Miller and submitted an email report. Miller will forward findings to DNR staff for a decision.
- Planning Commission (Wolterink): six permits issued in May; discussion with attorney Marc Daneman on Renewable Energy Ordinance wording; a Special Meeting on Zoning Ordinance Review set for July 28, 2026 at 3:00 pm, including discussion of data centers.
- Fire Department: union contract resolved as of June 30, including a 5% wage increase over three years (through March 31, 2029) and three added holidays, offset by reduced equipment purchases and overtime.
- Purchasing Policy: Bacon reviewed revisions; Township no longer statutorily required to bid; Bacon will ask attorney Figura to review.
- Zoning Administrator: Wiejaczka reported permit delays tied to mail issues; discussed possible online permitting/payment system with ZA; will continue monitoring service levels.
Financial Summary
- Garage door replacement approved not to exceed $21,655 (Compaan Garage Door), Roll Call vote: Ayes – Wolterink, Wiejaczka, Price, Noonan, Bacon; Nays – None.
- Printer/copier purchase approved: HP Color Laserjet M681z for $2,999.99, within a $3,500 budget.
- Bills to be Paid and Post Audit Checks approved unanimously; a late tax payment penalty was explained as due to a March/April batch submission.
- Annual Metro Act Road fund payment received; Budget vs. Actual reviewed as in good shape.
Action Items
- Corporal Jill Miller to submit fact-finding on Slow-No-Wake designation to DNR staff.
- Bacon to consult attorney Figura on Purchasing Policy revisions.
- Wiejaczka to continue monitoring Zoning Administrator’s permit turnaround and explore online permitting/payment options.
- Special Planning Commission meeting on Zoning Ordinance Review scheduled for July 28, 2026, 3:00 pm.
- Tessa Alexander’s son expected to bring a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment (temporary dwellings during construction) before the Planning Commission.