The Empire Township Board held a public hearing followed by a regular meeting on November 11, 2025. Key decisions made included the adoption of a No-Wake Resolution, the appointment of a Cemetery Manager, and the initiation of discussions on an attainable housing proposal. The board members showed unanimous support for the resolutions and initiatives discussed, reflecting a commitment to community engagement and addressing local concerns.
Public Comments
Several Empire Township residents spoke during the public hearing in favor of the No-Wake Resolution, including March Dye, Cheryl Clark, Linda Chase, Dan Davis, and Maggie Bacon. Additionally, a supportive letter from Steve and Linda Lewis was read into the record. All speakers supported the need for a slow-no-wake speed on South Bar Lake.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Mike Rivard from the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) presented a proposal for attainable housing involving a long-term lease of approximately 40 acres of jointly owned land. Concerns were raised by Trustee Wiejaczka about the financial figures presented, while Dan Davis and Clerk Noonan questioned funding for required environmental studies and potential contamination of the site. Supervisor Hendricks proposed forming a working group with representatives from the Township Board, Village Council, and SBGC to further discuss the proposal. The board voted to appoint Trustee Wiejaczka as the Township representative on this working group.
Infrastructure Projects
The board had a brief discussion concerning the condition of roads within Empire Township, following an informational update from Supervisor Hendricks regarding a meeting with the Leelanau County Road Commission. This topic will be followed up as part of ongoing infrastructure considerations.
Other Business
Additional issues discussed included the appointment of Carl Noonan as the Cemetery Manager and the hiring of Zach Baker to survey Section 6 of Maple Grove Cemetery for a maximum of $2,000. The Treasurer’s Report was also read and accepted, confirming financial governance.
Financial Summary
No specific financial data regarding budgets, expenditures, or allocations was provided in the document.
Action Items
- Supervisor Hendricks to form and lead a working group including Township Board, Village Council, and SBGC representatives to continue discussions on the attainable housing proposal, with Trustee Wiejaczka appointed as the Township representative.
- Zach Baker will be hired to conduct the cemetery survey.
- Ongoing monitoring of the Neighborhood Streets program updates by Maggie Bacon for potential road improvement funding.
Source Document
This summary was AI-generated from the official meeting record. The full source document is the authoritative version.