9/9/2025 - Empire Township | Monthly Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Empire Township Board held a regular meeting on September 9, 2025, where several key topics were addressed, including audit findings, cell tower considerations, campground management changes, and cemetery road improvements. The Board made decisions on fiscal matters, including the setting of the fire millage rate and the approval of certain proposals, while public comments reflected community concerns regarding local lake regulations.

Public Comments

Steve Lewis represented the South Bar Lake Association, addressing the designation of South Bar Lake as a no wake lake by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He clarified that the lake is not currently classified as such and discussed efforts to change this status. March Dye supported this discussion and informed attendees of a related public hearing scheduled for September 23rd at 7:00 PM by the Empire Village Council. Additionally, Glen Lake Fire Chief Brian Ferguson announced an increase in the department's capital outlay budget to $325,000, up from $195,000.

Infrastructure Projects

Wolterink presented an update from the planning commission regarding a proposed 195-foot cell phone tower on Fredrickson Rd. The proposal was met with significant public concern during an earlier meeting, primarily regarding zoning issues and the concentration of towers in one area. The Board acknowledged the feedback but did not take any formal action during this meeting.

Other Business

Wiejaczka provided updates on various matters including: - The appraisal audit results, noting five discrepancies and the plan for corrective action ahead of a re-audit in 2026. - The current lease for pickleball courts with the Empire Lions Club, which remains valid until 2028, thus no action was required. - Ongoing improvements to the township website. - The acceptance of Bertaud’s proposal for 100% remote work at the campground, allowing for the search for new onsite managers. - A proposal concerning road improvements at Maple Grove Cemetery, which was tabled pending further bids and information.

Financial Summary

The Board set the fire millage rate at 5.12, a decision supported by historical data on previous millage rates. Additionally, bids concerning the cemetery road improvements were discussed, with one bid of $20,000 for graveling and another of $38,000 for paving being presented and subsequently tabled.

Action Items

- The Board will gather additional information and seek at least one more bid regarding the road improvements at Maple Grove Cemetery before resuming discussion next month. - The support for public engagement on the South Bar Lake status will continue with attention to the September 23rd public hearing. - Follow up on the audit report to be presented in the next meeting.