Summary
The Empire Township Board held a special meeting on May 2, 2026, chaired by Supervisor Kathy Wiejaczka. The Board approved a resolution to renew the Glen Lake Fire Department millage, approved an amended Campground Host Contract, and discussed maintenance recommendations for the Campground Host Building. No members of the public attended.
Public Comments
No members of the public were present at any point during the meeting, including during the public comment periods on agenda items and on any topic.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board discussed renewal of the Glen Lake Fire Department fire protection and emergency medical services millage, which is set to expire this year. Rising costs were cited as the reason for renewal: monthly expenses have increased from $103,000 to $118,000. Supervisor Wiejaczka consulted Board attorney Tim Figura and Leelanau County Equalization Director Andrew Giguere in drafting the resolution, given a May 12 deadline for August ballot wording. The Board discussed the Headlee roll-back and past millage rate decisions, noting last year's levy was 5.12 mils. Motion by Wolterink, supported by Noonan, to approve Resolution #5 requesting a levy of up to 7 mils, with amendments discussed and contingent on attorney review and confirmation of total revenue by the County Equalization Director. Roll Call: Ayes: Price, Noonan, Bacon, Wolterink, Wiejaczka. Nays: None. MOTION PASSED.
Other Business
The Board discussed the Campground Host Contract, amending language regarding personal performance of duties (Item 2) and the residency requirement (Item 4), and noting Section 3A needed reformatting. Motion by Noonan, supported by Wolterink, to approve the contract as amended passed unanimously by voice vote. 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. The Board adopted the expert's recommendation to improve winter airflow by opening two windows an inch with custom filters to prevent snow intrusion. The possible need for a dehumidifier was briefly discussed, but no formal action was taken.
Financial Summary
Monthly fire/EMS expenses have risen from $103,000 to $118,000, prompting the millage renewal request. Last year's millage levy was 5.12 mils; the approved resolution requests authority to levy up to 7 mils, pending attorney review and revenue confirmation from the County Equalization Director.
Action Items
Supervisor Wiejaczka will follow up with attorney Tim Figura and County Equalization Director Andrew Giguere for clarification on dates and estimated revenue related to the millage resolution.
The Campground Host interview committee will negotiate the residency requirement with the top candidate and update the Board on results.
Supervisor Wiejaczka will provide the written mold inspection report from 911 Restoration to the office when received.
Supervisor Wiejaczka and Trustee Wolterink will conduct interviews for the Campground Host position on Saturday, May 9.