Summary
The Empire Township Board met February 10, 2026, with Supervisor Kathy Wiejaczka, Treasurer Bob Price, Clerk Cheryl Clark, and Trustee Elizabeth Wolterink present. Key actions included appointing Casey Noonan to fill a trustee vacancy, approving a zoning ordinance amendment for communications towers, setting no salary increases for elected officials, and scheduling the annual budget hearing for March 28.
Public Comments
During public comment, residents raised a complaint that the township hall ramp was an ice-covered safety hazard, requested that board members speak up or use microphones, and asked that a Glen Lake Fire Department report be added to the regular agenda. Fire Chief Bryan Ferguson and Lieutenant Chad Dykgraaf introduced themselves, noting a large residential fire on Dunns Farm Road in December, 47 runs in January, ongoing union contract negotiations, and replacement of outdated software with a new NERIS system. Supervisor Wiejaczka said the safety hazard and other requests would be addressed. Earlier, correspondence was noted from residents concerned about speeding on Echo Valley Road (being evaluated by the zoning administrator) and from the Sleeping Bear Marathon director regarding an annual permit request for March consideration.
Infrastructure Projects
Planning Commission Chair Dale DeJager presented the commission’s history on a zoning ordinance amendment for communications towers. On legal advice, the commission asked the board to deny two previously considered amendments and approve a third combining elements of both. The board voted (Wolterink/Noonan) to deny the first amendment (allowing towers on Section 20 in addition to Section 22); all voted yes. The board voted (Noonan/Clark) to deny the second amendment (designating all towers as special land uses without specifying sections); all voted yes. The board then voted (Clark/Wolterink) to approve the recommended amendment designating all communication towers as special land uses subject to special land use review, allowing all non-residential sections as locations, with a fee schedule reference replacing specific fees (Article 5, Section 5.3); all voted yes. A public hearing on Vertical Bridge’s tower application is upcoming, and a future renewable energy amendment was discussed.
Other Business
The board approved the 2026 meeting schedule (second Tuesday monthly at 7 p.m.). Wolterink reported planning commission activity, including permits in progress, officer elections, and a monthly meeting schedule (fourth Wednesday). Discussion continued on drafting board rules of procedure, with Wolterink to prepare the next draft. Clark reported ongoing issues accessing old electronic accounts, causing payroll delays, plus work on public postings, electronic filing, website updates, and election training.
Financial Summary
No salary increases were approved for the supervisor ($14,000, Wiejaczka abstaining), clerk ($42,000), treasurer ($32,000), or trustees ($2,400). The board discussed and adjusted the draft 2026–2027 fiscal year budget for later approval at the annual budget hearing, set for March 28 at 10 a.m., following the annual meeting of electors. Bill payments were approved via motion by Price, seconded by Wolterink.
Action Items
- Wolterink to prepare the next draft of board rules of procedure for the next meeting.
- Zoning administrator to continue evaluating solutions for speeding on Echo Valley Road.
- Board to consider Sleeping Bear Marathon’s annual permit request in March.
- Board to address the icy township hall ramp safety hazard and microphone/audio requests.
- Board to present the draft 2026–2027 budget for approval at the March 28 annual budget hearing.