Summary
The Empire Township Board held its regular meeting on September 10, 2024, with Supervisor Carl Noonan presiding. The Board approved the August 13, 2024 minutes, accepted Assessor Pam Zientek's resignation effective December 31, 2024, set the 2024 tax rate levy, approved budget amendments, and paid September bills.
Public Comments
A letter from camper Dr. Galardi was read during the Campground Report, praising Manager Yolanda Bertaud's management of the campground. Dr. Galardi requested that his letter be kept in mind during Yolanda's annual review. No response or Board decision on this request was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Campground Manager Yolanda Bertaud presented a detailed report on the year's campground activity. No votes or specific figures were recorded for this report.
Other Business
- Assessor Pam Zientek submitted her resignation effective December 31, 2024. Motion by Deegan, supported by Casey Noonan, to accept the resignation "with regrets" passed with all ayes.
- Treasurer Price reported on CDs and bank accounts as of August 31, 2024; the report was received as read.
- Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher issued six new dwelling land use permits (Jonathon Ct., Stormer Rd., Whitney Ct., MacFarlane Rd., Voice Rd., Honeybee Rd.) plus permits for solar panels (High Hill Tr.), a garage (Hermies Pass), a deck (Beeman Rd.), a garage/deck/porch (MacFarlane Rd.), and a basement.
- The Board thanked Micah Deegan and the Planning Commission for completing the initial site plan review for Glen Lake Manor, noting the lengthy process involved.
- The Supervisor reported the kitchen update at the Township Hall is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
- Fire Chief Bryan Ferguson reported on monthly fire department operations and noted that ESAC approved a new ambulance for Station #2, with a possible delivery date in 2026.
Financial Summary
The Board reviewed Form L-4029, the 2024 Tax Rate Request from County Equalization, which allowed up to 0.4169 for general operating costs and up to 6.6364 for fire department operations. After discussion of next year's Fire Department funding needs, motion by Deegan, supported by Casey Noonan, to levy 0.4169 for general operations and 4.5000 for fire department operations passed with all ayes.
The Board also approved 2024/2025 budget amendments (motion by Deegan, supported by Casey Noonan, all ayes): transfer of $7,725.00 from GF Prior Surplus to Clerk Pension ($525), Clerk Equipment/Computer ($2,800), Election Equipment ($900), and Insurance ($3,500); $4,100.00 from FF Prior Surplus to Capital Outlay; $4,000.00 from CGF Prior Surplus to Insurance ($2,400) and Repair/Maintenance ($1,600); $1,000.00 from CF Prior Surplus to Insurance; and $14,100.00 from EAF Prior Surplus to Repair/Maintenance.
Motion by Deegan, supported by Casey Noonan, to pay September 2024 monthly bills as presented passed with all ayes.
Action Items
- Assessor Pam Zientek's resignation takes effect December 31, 2024; the Board will need to address the vacancy.
- Township Hall kitchen update expected to be completed by end of September 2024.
- New ambulance for Station #2 approved by ESAC, with possible delivery in 2026.
- Dr. Galardi's letter praising Yolanda Bertaud is to be kept in mind for her upcoming annual review.