Summary
The Empire Township Board held a regular meeting on February 10, 2026, where several key decisions were made, including the appointment of former trustee Casey Noonan, the approval of zoning ordinance amendments for communications towers, and budget resolutions pertaining to salaries. The board also addressed public comments regarding safety hazards and communications.
Public comments
Public concerns included:
- The ice-covered safety hazard of the township hall ramp.
- A request for board members to use microphones for better audibility.
- A request to include a report from Glen Lake Fire Department on the regular agenda.
Fire Chief Bryan Ferguson and Lieutenant Chad Dykgraaf provided updates on recent fire department activities, including a significant residential fire and ongoing negotiations for a new union contract.
Infrastructure projects
The board discussed a zoning ordinance amendment for communications towers, presented by Dale DeJager, chair of the planning commission. The board voted to:
- Deny two previous amendments related to communications towers that the commission had considered.
- Approve a third amendment that designates communications towers as special land uses, subject to reviews and controls, and allows for consideration of non-residential sections as location options.
Other Business
Other agenda items included:
- The approval of the 2026 board meeting schedule.
- A review of salary resolutions resulting in no increases for the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees.
- A decision to hold the annual budget hearing meeting on March 28, 2026, following the annual meeting of the electors.
Financial Summary
- No increases were proposed for the following salaries: Supervisor ($14,000), Clerk ($42,000), Treasurer ($32,000), and Trustees ($2,400).
- Adjustments to the draft 2026-2027 fiscal year budget were discussed, which will be presented for approval at the upcoming budget hearing.
Action Items
1. Elizabeth Wolterink will work on clarifying and revising the draft of the documented rules of procedure for the next meeting.
2. The board will address reported safety hazards and other public requests as noted during the comments section.
3. All board members to implement better communication practices in future meetings.