Summary
The Empire Township Board held a public hearing and regular meeting on November 11, 2025. The Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 004-2025 requesting a slow-no-wake speed designation for South Bar Lake from the Michigan DNR. The Board also heard a presentation on an attainable housing proposal from the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC), appointed Carl Noonan as Maple Grove Cemetery Manager, and approved a cemetery survey contract.
Public Comments
During the public hearing, residents March Dye, Cheryl Clark, Linda Chase, Dan Davis, and Maggie Bacon spoke in favor of the No-Wake Resolution. A written letter of support from Steve and Linda Lewis of Empire Township was read into the record by Supervisor Hendricks. No board comments followed.
During the regular meeting's public comment period, Mary Schazta said she found the Township's short-term rental policy difficult to understand. Maggie Bacon informed the Board of the "Neighborhood Streets" program as a potential funding source for road improvements and said she would provide updates as she learns more.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Mike Rivard of the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) presented a proposal for attainable housing, expressing interest in a long-term lease of approximately 40 acres jointly owned by the Village of Empire and Empire Township. Trustee Wiejaczka questioned the wage estimates used for registered nurses and teachers as appearing high. Dan Davis asked who would fund required environmental studies, and Clerk Noonan echoed concern about potential site contamination. Supervisor Hendricks proposed forming a working group with representatives from the Township Board, Village Council, and SBGC. Motion by Hendricks, second by Wolterink, appointed Trustee Wiejaczka as the Township's representative to that group; motion passed, all ayes.
Infrastructure Projects
Trustee Wolterink reported the Planning Commission will hire Daneman and Associates, Attorney and Consultant, to review the wireless telecommunications provisions of the Township Zoning Ordinance and advise on proposed wireless telecommunication (cell tower) applications.
Other Business
Supervisor Hendricks reported on road conditions and an update from his meeting with Brendan Mulane of the Leelanau County Road Commission; this was informational only. The Treasurer's Report was read and received as presented.
Financial Summary
Motion by Hendricks, second by Price, hired Zach Baker to survey Section 6 of Maple Grove Cemetery for an amount not to exceed $2,000; motion passed 4 ayes, 1 nay. Motion by Hendricks, second by Wiejaczka, approved payment of monthly bills; motion passed, all ayes.
Action Items
- Trustee Wiejaczka to work with the Village Council and SBGC as Township representative on the attainable housing/40-acre property discussions, including addressing unresolved questions about environmental study funding and potential contamination.
- Zach Baker to complete survey of Section 6, Maple Grove Cemetery (not to exceed $2,000).
- Maggie Bacon to provide further updates on the "Neighborhood Streets" road funding program.
- Planning Commission to proceed with hiring Daneman and Associates for wireless telecommunications ordinance review.