Summary
The Empire Township Board met July 8, 2025, with Supervisor Hendricks presiding and members Noonan, Wiejaczka and Price present. Key actions included approval of the June 10th minutes, appointment of David Early as an alternate to the board of review, approval of a special event application for the Sleeping Bear Marathon, and a $1,200 contribution to the South Bar Lake Association for an invasive species drone survey. A vote to fill a vacant trustee seat failed, and the board will hold a special meeting to resolve the appointment.
Public Comments
Kent Wiejaczka commented on Noonan's earlier statement regarding conflict of interest for husband-and-wife voting on township matters; Noonan gave an explanation in response. Ryan Griessmeyer presented on the Sleeping Bear Marathon, and Steve Lewis, on behalf of the South Bar Lake Association, requested $1,200 from the township for a drone survey to support invasive species monitoring.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Ryan Griessmeyer presented on the Sleeping Bear Marathon. A motion by Hendricks, supported by Wiejaczka, approved the special event application for the marathon; the motion passed.
Infrastructure Projects
The Planning Commission's special meeting addressed a Communication Tower application, fireworks ordinance compliance, and a renewable energy ordinance amendment. Kent Wiejaczka presented three options for the renewable energy ordinance; the board generally favored Option Three, aligning the township's ordinance with the state's version. No formal vote was recorded on this item.
Other Business
Wiejaczka declared a conflict of interest regarding discussion and voting on her husband, Kent Wiejaczka, as a trustee candidate. Hendricks nominated Kent Wiejaczka for trustee, but the motion received no support. A subsequent motion by Price, seconded by Noonan, to nominate Micah Deegan failed 2 ayes to 2 nays. The board decided to hold a special meeting later to resolve the appointment. Cemetery manager Claude Fields requested a township credit card; the board discussed the idea favorably, and Price agreed to look into feasibility.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's report was received as presented. The Clerk presented bills from April, May and June, which were approved on a motion by Price, seconded by Hendricks, with all ayes. The board approved $1,200 to the South Bar Lake Association for a drone survey (motion by Wiejaczka, supported by Hendricks, all ayes). No specific dollar total was given for the approved bills.
Action Items
- Hold a special meeting to resolve and appoint a trustee candidate between Kent Wiejaczka and Micah Deegan.
- Price to investigate obtaining a township credit card for cemetery manager Claude Fields.
- Planning Commission to continue work on the renewable energy ordinance amendment based on Option Three.
- Noonan to continue working with Sharee Nelson on updating QuickBooks and learning clerk duties.
- Ongoing Union contract negotiations to continue, per Hendricks' update.