Summary
The Empire Township Board met March 10, 2026, under Supervisor Kathy Wiejaczka, with Clerk Cheryl Clark, Trustees Casey Noonan and Elizabeth Wolterink present, and Treasurer Bob Price joining at 7:05 p.m. The board approved several committee appointments, continued draft budget review with new staff positions, accepted Clerk Cheryl Clark's resignation effective April 30, 2026, approved an automated payroll system, and approved the annual Sleeping Bear Marathon permit.
Public Comments
No public comment was offered on agenda topics earlier in the meeting. During general public comment, a recommendation was made to post open positions with the Michigan Townships Association, and a concern was raised about clerk resignations due to stress, overwork, and issues with township records and turnover processes. No speaker names were recorded for these comments.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Wiejaczka reported that the Affordable Housing Committee would meet March 11 to continue discussion of a proposed development on 40 acres on Benzonia Trail. No board action was taken at this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Wolterink, reporting for the Planning Commission, noted an upcoming public hearing on the Vertical Bridge application for a new communications tower, scheduled for March 25 at 7 p.m. at Empire Township Hall. Progress on the renewable energy ordinance and zoning ordinance review was also noted, with no votes taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The board approved staffing a seasonal Campground Host position (motion by Price, seconded by Wolterink), compensated with campground housing/site, to be advertised. Discussion covered how light maintenance duties would be shared between the Host and Campground Maintenance Manager Joe Harriger. All present voted yes.
Other Business
- Committee appointments approved: Claude Fields to the Airport Authority Board; Roy Pentilla and Casey Noonan to the Zoning Board of Appeals; Tom Peterson to the Planning Commission.
- Glen Lake Fire Department reported 34 calls in February, 82 year-to-date, a snowblower purchase for Station 2, and Steve Lienard honored for 15 years of service.
- Wolterink agreed to submit another draft of the rules of procedure at the next meeting.
- Office cleanup scheduled for March 24, 9 a.m.
Financial Summary
Approved approximately $150 toward a shared assessor's printer. New budgeted staff positions: Accountant at $25/hour (~5 hrs/week, filled by Sheree Nelson); Clerk-Election Assistant at $25/hour (~10 hrs/week) through November; Office Assistant at $20/hour (~5 hrs/week) through November (Noonan voted no, motion passed). A tax assessor's laptop not to exceed $1,500 was approved. The board approved Integrated Payroll as an automated payroll system at $1,700/year plus a $100 setup fee. Treasurer Price presented financial totals for all funds; specific figures were not detailed in the minutes.
Action Items
- Wolterink to submit a revised draft of the rules of procedure for the next meeting.
- Clerk-Election Assistant and Office Assistant positions to be advertised.
- Campground Host position to be advertised.
- Clerk's job description to be clarified and the position advertised as soon as possible following Clark's resignation effective April 30, 2026.
- Public concern noted regarding clerk turnover due to stress, overwork, and township records/turnover issues; no formal board response recorded.