Summary
The Empire Township Board met May 12, 2026, addressing fire department updates, Vertical Bridge cell tower approval, clerk staffing changes, and campground host selection. Ryan Macut was appointed as the new campground host, Sheree Nelson was appointed to fill Clerk-Election Assistant and Clerk-Office Assistant roles, and the board approved bills to be paid and post-audit payments unanimously.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The board interviewed campground host finalists Matt Morneau and Ryan Macut, selected by a committee of Wiejaczka and Wolterink from four applicants. Motion by Noonan, support by Price, appointed Ryan Macut, citing his availability, healthcare background, and Boy Scouts experience; passed unanimously. Separately, the board reviewed a donation of 21 items from Yolanda (Campground Reservation Manager) for the campground host building, declining to purchase four additional furniture items she offered for $400 total. Motion by Bacon, support by Noonan, to send Yolanda a formal thank-you letter passed unanimously. On Empire Beach parking, the Village is moving to a new parking pass system and requested the Township pay approximately $984 to cover resident passes. The board supported the new system but wants an accounting from the Village of how paid parking revenue is allocated before agreeing to pay, and wants to review the beach deed and prior joint-meeting minutes.
Infrastructure Projects
The Planning Commission held a public hearing April 22, 2026, on the Vertical Bridge cell tower application, including discussion of a newly identified third location and runoff/drainage concerns. The Commission unanimously approved the application with conditions. The Township Board will be responsible for requesting an escrow account from Vertical Bridge; Wiejaczka and the Zoning Administrator have been coordinating, and Accountant Sheree Nelson also has escrow experience.
Other Business
Bill Perkins presented on the tri-county Solid Waste Council, noting a $30/household fee funding hazardous/electronic waste collections and a goal to increase recycling participation by 10%, plus a developing three-year food-waste recycling plan. Steve Lewis presented South Bar Lake Association's drone survey, reporting no invasive species and a shoreline score of 107.42 ("working toward excellence"), the highest of 14 lakes studied. Glen Lake Fire Department reported the death of 43-year veteran Tim Nichols, 127 calls and 254 training hours in April, upcoming new ambulance/trucks, and Glen Lake station remodeling beginning in June. The board appointed William Lustig (three-year term) and Linda Lewis (term expiring 2027) to the Glen Lake Library Board.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Price presented the financial report; bills to be paid and post-audit payments were approved unanimously (Motion Noonan, support Wolterink). As part of staffing changes, Clerk Bacon will reduce her salary from approximately $3,500 to $1,834/month for six months, saving $9,996; this reduction is temporary and does not affect the elected Clerk salary in November. The board declined to spend $400 on campground furniture. The Village's beach parking pass request would cost the Township approximately $984, pending further review.
Action Items
Bacon and Price will follow up with Summit Fire Protection regarding fire extinguisher inspection timing. Bacon and Nelson will arrange for Nelson to be sworn in as Deputy Clerk. Wolterink and Bacon will review the Rules of Procedure for MTA Red Book compliance, responsibilities sections, a consent agenda, and conflict-of-interest/abstention clarifications. The board will seek an accounting from the Village on parking revenue allocation and review the beach deed and joint-meeting minutes before deciding on Township-funded parking passes.