Summary
The Empire Township Board held a special meeting on May 2, 2026, chaired by Supervisor Kathy Wiejaczka. The Board approved the agenda and the April 14, 2026 minutes, approved the language of a Glen Lake Fire Department millage renewal resolution, approved an amended Campground Host Contract, and reviewed a mold inspection report on the Campground Host Building.
Public Comments
No members of the public were present at any point during the meeting, so no public comments were received on agenda items or general topics.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board discussed Resolution #5, a renewal of the Glen Lake Fire Department's fire protection and emergency medical services millage, which is set to expire this year. Monthly expenses for the service have risen from $103,000 to $118,000. Because the ballot-wording deadline of May 12 falls before the next regular board meeting, Supervisor Wiejaczka consulted Board attorney Tim Figura and County Equalization Director Andrew Giguere while drafting the resolution. The Board discussed Headlee roll-back history and noted last year's levy was 5.12 mills. Motion by Wolterink, supported by Noonan, to approve the resolution language requesting a levy of up to 7 mills, with amendments discussed and contingent on attorney review and revenue confirmation from the County Equalization Director. Roll Call: Ayes: Price, Noonan, Bacon, Wolterink, Wiejaczka; Nays: None. MOTION PASSED.
Other Business
The Board discussed and approved, by unanimous voice vote, an amended Campground Host Contract following changes to provisions on personal performance of duties (Item 2) and residency requirements (Item 4), with a note that Section 3A needed reformatting. By consensus, the Board agreed to let the Campground Host interview committee negotiate the residency requirement with the top candidate and report back.
911 Restoration of Northwest Michigan reported no serious mold issues in the Campground Host Building. Wiejaczka will forward the written report to the office once received. The Board adopted the contractor's recommendation to improve airflow by opening two windows an inch with custom filters to block snow; the need for a dehumidifier was briefly discussed with no formal action taken.
Financial Summary
Monthly fire/EMS service expenses have increased from $103,000 to $118,000, prompting the proposed millage renewal. Last year's levy was 5.12 mills; the approved resolution requests authority to levy up to 7 mills, pending attorney review and confirmation of total revenue by the Leelanau County Equalization Director.
Action Items
- Wiejaczka to seek clarification from attorney Tim Figura and Andrew Giguere on dates and estimated revenue for the millage resolution.
- Wiejaczka to provide the written mold inspection report to the office once received.
- Campground Host interview committee to negotiate the residency requirement with the top candidate and update the Board.
- Wiejaczka and Wolterink to interview Campground Host candidates on Saturday, May 9.