Summary
The Empire Township Board met October 8, 2024, approving September 10 minutes, employee bonuses for campground and cemetery staff, a small computer purchase for the assessor, and reviewing zoning permits and a draft sign ordinance. The Fire Chief provided updates on department operations and an equipment sale.
Infrastructure Projects
No marina, cell tower, water, or sewer projects were discussed in this meeting.
Other Business
Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher reported September permits: two new dwelling land use permits (Benzonia Tr. and Ravens Tr.), two reissued LUPs, four garage/accessory building/deck/addition permits (Gilbert Rd., Benzonia Tr., MacFarlane Rd., and Whispering Pins Ln.), and one concrete pad permit (Empire Hwy.).
The Board reviewed the draft Sign Ordinance, recommending a Temporary Sign definition be added and that maximum sign sizes be increased in the Agricultural, Commercial, Gateway, and Residential Districts, with any sign over 12 sq. ft. requiring a permit. Micah Deegan will carry these recommendations to the Planning Commission.
The Supervisor reported the kitchen update was nearly complete, with Bilco doors still to be installed at the basement.
Fire Chief Bryan Ferguson reported on monthly operations and announced an open house at Station #2 during the museum's Heritage Days. He requested authorization for the Supervisor to sign a third-party agreement for the online sale of the old fire engine; the Board agreed.
Financial Summary
- Campground bonuses approved: Manager Yolanda Bertaud - $2,500; Maintenance Manager Joe Harriger - $2,000; Assistant Maintenance George Manesiotis - $700 (motion by Deegan, support Neiswonger, all ayes).
- Cemetery bonuses approved: Manager Claude Fields - $2,000 (motion Deegan, support Casey Noonan); Sexton Joe Harriger - $2,000 (motion Carl Noonan, support Casey Noonan); Dick Becker - $100 for Bland Cemetery upkeep (motion Deegan, support Casey Noonan). All approved by all ayes.
- Maple Grove columbarium landscaping proposal from Wild Juniper Nursery quoted at approximately $4,766.82; Board did not finalize approval, instead requesting a drawing of the area, a spring rather than fall planting, and clarification on whether the planned area is large enough for private services and visits (motion Deegan, support Casey Noonan, all ayes).
- Treasurer Price reported on CDs and bank accounts as of 09-30-2024; report received as read.
- Board approved up to $2,000 for a new computer and hard drive for the assessor (motion Deegan, support Casey Noonan, all ayes).
Action Items
- Wild Juniper Nursery to submit a drawing of the columbarium landscaping area and revise planting to spring; clarify space adequacy for private services.
- Micah Deegan to bring Board's sign ordinance recommendations to the Planning Commission.
- Supervisor authorized to sign third-party agreement for online sale of the old fire engine.
- Kitchen update finalization and Bilco door installation to be completed.