Summary
The Empire Township Board held its regular meeting on December 10, 2024, approving campground improvements, reviewing zoning permits, and adjusting future meeting times. A special meeting followed on December 15, 2024, to appoint a temporary township clerk due to Clerk Neiswonger's medical absence.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board reviewed Harriger Construction's estimate to improve campground sites E1, E2, and E3, established in the 2023 season. The work includes leveling and widening the mouths of the three sites, replacing a ledge area on E3 with a gradual ramp, and removing dead juniper and pine trees. Motion by Noonan, supported by Wiejaczka, to approve Harriger Construction's bid of $3,300.00 for the work. Motion carried, all ayes.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher reported issuing a permit for replacement of antennas on a cell tower on Benzonia Tr. during November, along with permits for two new dwellings and porches.
Other Business
- Minutes of the November 12, 2024 regular meeting were approved with a spelling correction to Assessor Yack's name. Motion by Noonan, support by Price; all ayes.
- Treasurer Price reported on CDs and bank accounts as of 11-30-2024; report received as read.
- Fire Chief Ferguson, while on vacation, emailed regarding the sole bid received for the sale of Empire's 2003 fire engine: the Traverse City Fire Department offered $2,500 for use in its training center. The Board determined further information was needed. Motion by Noonan, support by Wiejaczka, to table the discussion until Chief Ferguson provides further details on price negotiations.
- Motion by Wiejaczka, support by Noonan, to change the monthly Board meeting start time from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All ayes.
- Supervisor Hendricks recommended Casey Noonan be appointed as the Board's liaison to the Planning Commission and recommended Kent Wiejaczka be appointed to the Planning Commission to serve the remainder of Duane Shugart's term.
- At the December 15, 2024 special meeting, after discussion with Attorney Timothy Figura, the Board adopted a resolution appointing Micah Deegan as Empire Township Temporary Clerk during Neiswonger's absence. Motion by Noonan, support by Wiejaczka. Roll call vote: Ayes - Noonan, Wiejaczka, Hendricks; Nayes - None.
Financial Summary
The Board approved a $3,300.00 bid from Harriger Construction for campground site improvements. Treasurer Price reported on CDs and bank accounts as of November 30, 2024, with the report received as read. Regarding the sale of the township's 2003 fire engine, the Traverse City Fire Department's offer of $2,500 was noted but not acted upon pending further information from Chief Ferguson.
Action Items
- Chief Ferguson to provide further information on price negotiations regarding the sale of the 2003 fire engine before the Board resumes discussion.
- New Board meeting start time of 7:00 p.m. to take effect going forward.
- Kent Wiejaczka to serve on the Planning Commission for the remainder of Duane Shugart's term; Casey Noonan to serve as Board liaison to the Planning Commission.
- Micah Deegan to serve as Temporary Clerk during Clerk Neiswonger's medical absence.