Summary
The Empire Township Board met December 9, 2025, with Supervisor Hendricks presiding. Key actions included the appointment of Cheryl Clark as Township Clerk, approval of a contract for a new Zoning Administrator, and approval of a budget amendment. The Board also discussed a proposed lease of township-owned property for an attainable housing project and the status of the cemetery and tower ordinance reviews.
Public Comments
Clay McNitt of Empire Township expressed concern regarding the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) proposal to lease Township-owned property for an attainable housing development. No board response to this comment was recorded.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Supervisor Hendricks reported that no appointment has yet been made by the Village Council to the working group exploring a potential SBGC lease of approximately 40 acres of jointly owned property for attainable housing. Resident Clay McNitt raised concerns about this proposal during public comment; no board decision was made on the matter at this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Wiejaczka reported she had uploaded the No-Wake Resolution and supporting documentation to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. Trustee Price noted that legal fees for the Planning Commission’s tower ordinance review had reached $1,700 and were expected to reach $2,000 by year’s end.
Other Business
Trustee Wolterink presented a Planning Commission update. Supervisor Hendricks reported that Cemetery Manager Carl Noonan is enjoying his role and has uploaded a rough outline of Section 6 to the cemetery website. Hendricks noted increased burial demand from Glen Arbor Township residents; Glen Arbor Township is reviewing whether it will contribute to the Maple Grove Cemetery road paving project. Trustee Wiejaczka reported the Township kitchen inspection had passed.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer’s Report was received as presented. The Board approved Budget Amendment No. 001-2025 (motion by Hendricks, second by Wolterink; all ayes) and approved payment of monthly bills (motion by Wolterink, second by Wiejaczka; all ayes). Legal fees related to the tower ordinance review totaled $1,700, with an anticipated increase to $2,000 by the end of December.
Action Items
- Sara Kopriva’s contract as Zoning Administrator (Beckett & Raeder) is pending review by Tim Figura.
- The Village Council has yet to appoint a member to the SBGC working group regarding the proposed 40-acre attainable housing lease; follow-up needed.
- Glen Arbor Township to determine whether it will contribute to the Maple Grove Cemetery road paving project.
- Legal fees for the tower ordinance review to be monitored, with costs expected to reach $2,000 by end of December.
Regarding the Clerk appointment: the Board voted by roll call to appoint Cheryl Clark as Township Clerk (Price – yes; Wolterink – yes; Hendricks – yes; Wiejaczka – yes; Noonan – abstain; motion passed), after Trustee Wolterink withdrew her own resume for the position, citing a perceived lack of full Board support.