Summary
The Empire Township Board met August 11, 2026, with Supervisor Wiejaczka presiding; Trustee Noonan was excused, and Treasurer Price arrived at 7:20 pm. The Board approved the agenda, July 14 minutes, and Bills to Be Paid/Post-Audit checks by unanimous voice votes. Major discussion centered on Planning Commission zoning review for workforce/affordable housing, adoption of revised Rules of Procedure, and purchasing policy updates.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on agenda items or on general topics during the meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Trustee Wolterink reported on the Planning Commission's July 28 Special Meeting on Zoning Ordinance Review, which focused heavily on workforce/affordable housing. Topics included allowing multi-unit housing, minimum lot size requirements across districts, clustered housing options, balancing development with the Master Plan, preserving green space, and the Gateway Mixed Use district. A significant discussion point was considering allowing eight-family dwellings without requiring site plan review. No final decisions were made. A follow-up Special Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at 7:00 pm to address general changes such as definitions 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 Apportionments for the Little Glen Lake Drainage District; questions may be directed to Chet Janik, Leelanau County Drain Commission. The Fire Department reported the remodel of the Glen Arbor station is on track, along with layout changes to the Decon Room, and garage doors have been ordered for the Empire Station.
Other Business
The Board reviewed and, by motion of Wolterink, support by Bacon, unanimously approved amended Rules of Procedure, excluding sections on Township Board Responsibilities, Duties of the Supervisor, and Member Code of Conduct, which will be developed as a separate document per Michigan Township Association (MTA) guidance. Wolterink offered to consolidate and update this document. Purchasing Policy revisions were discussed, including requiring prior Board approval with at least three written quotes for items unless a single-source vendor exists for purchases of $2,500 and above. Fire Department Assistant Chief Chad Dykgraaf reported 105 calls in July (346 year-to-date) and 372 training hours; the Board congratulated him on his official pinning as Assistant Fire Chief.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Price presented financial totals for all funds (detailed report available on the Township website). The Clerk noted Bills to Be Paid and Post-Audit bills were delayed due to Election timing. Highlighted items included telephone services, election supplies, and payment to the County for Master Qualified Voter File cards. Wiejaczka noted a $3,000 expense for tree removal at the Campground, and noted that Campground Consumers Energy bills typically range $400–$500 in July. The P&L statement indicated expenses are in line with the budget. Bills were approved by unanimous voice vote (motion: Wolterink, support: Bacon).
Action Items
Wolterink to consolidate and remove redundancies in the Rules of Procedure document for future Board consideration. Another Special Planning Commission Meeting on Zoning Ordinance Review is scheduled for August 26, 2026, at 7:00 pm. The Board will begin discussing recommended budget changes over the coming months.