Summary
The Empire Township Board met on October 14, 2025, addressing cemetery management transition, a campground manager agreement, a proposed no-wake designation for South Bar Lake, and a cell tower rezoning application. The board approved a $43,417 cemetery restoration bid, updated bank signers, and appointed a new ESAC representative.
Public Comments
Steve Lewis reported on an invasive species drone survey conducted by Zero Gravity over South Bar Lake during the summer, noting preliminary results found no invasive species, with a final report still pending. No other public comments were recorded, and no responses from the board were noted.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Steve Lewis, representing the South Bar Lake Association, updated the board on efforts to designate South Bar Lake as a "no wake" lake. Supervisor Hendricks proposed holding a public hearing before the next regular meeting to consider a resolution of support. Motion by Wolterink, seconded by Wiejaczka, to schedule the public hearing at 6:45 PM on November 11, 2025, prior to the regular meeting; motion carried, all ayes.
Hendricks presented a revised agreement with Campground Manager Yolanda Bertaud, adding language granting her cabin access during spring opening and fall closing. Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Wiejaczka, to approve the agreement and forward it to Bertaud for signature; motion carried, all ayes.
Infrastructure Projects
Wolterink reported on the Planning Commission's recent public hearing regarding the Vertical Bridge rezoning application, which would permit construction of cell towers in Section 20. No vote was taken by the board on this item.
Other Business
Cemetery Manager Claude Fields submitted his resignation, effective October 31. Hendricks and Clerk Noonan met with Fields and obtained cemetery documents. Noonan reported discussing the vacancy with Carl Noonan, and the board reached general consensus that hiring him would be beneficial. Wiejaczka suggested giving Carl a few days to decide; if he declines, the township will post the job in the local newspaper. Wiejaczka also updated the board on a revised, more detailed bid from Ron Brown & Sons for cemetery work. Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Wiejaczka, to accept the $43,417.00 bid, with work completed in spring 2026 and payment split 50% upfront and 50% upon completion; motion carried, all ayes. Hendricks recommended tabling further cemetery discussion until a new manager is hired.
Hendricks recommended Kathy Fordyce to replace Charlie Godbout on the ESAC board. Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Wiejaczka, to appoint Fordyce; motion carried, all ayes.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's Report was accepted as submitted. Price reported consolidating the cemetery checking account into the general fund, though the Cemetery Fund remains a separate fund. Motion by Price, seconded by Hendricks, to remove Christine Neiswonger as a bank signer and add Noonan (Clerk), Deputy Clerk Sharee Nelson, and Deputy Treasurer Alacia Acton; motion carried, all ayes. The board approved the $43,417.00 Ron Brown & Sons cemetery bid (50/50 payment split). Monthly bills were approved (motion by Wolterink, seconded by Hendricks, all ayes). The bi-annual audit by Tobin was presented with no discrepancies found.
Action Items
- Carl Noonan to decide on Cemetery Manager position; if declined, township to post job in local newspaper.
- Campground agreement forwarded to Yolanda Bertaud for signature.
- Public hearing on South Bar Lake no-wake designation scheduled for 6:45 PM, November 11, 2025.
- Ron Brown & Sons cemetery work scheduled for spring 2026, with remaining 50% payment due upon completion.
- Final report on South Bar Lake invasive species drone survey pending from Zero Gravity.