The Empire Township Board held a regular meeting on November 11, 2025, where key decisions included the adoption of a no-wake resolution for South Bar Lake, the endorsement of an attainable housing proposal, and the appointment of a cemetery manager. Public comments highlighted concerns around short-term rental policies and potential funding for road improvements.
Public Comments
- **Mary Vanhevele** expressed confusion regarding the Township’s short-term rental policy.
- **Maggie Bacon** informed the board about the “Neighborhood Streets” program, which could potentially provide funding for road improvements and promised to provide further updates.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The board discussed a proposal for attainable housing presented by **Mike Rivard** from the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC). Questions were raised about the financial figures, with concerns expressed by Trustee **Wiejaczka** regarding wage estimates and by **Dan Davis** about funding for necessary environmental studies. **Supervisor Hendricks** proposed forming a working group with representatives from the Township Board, Village Council, and SBGC to further explore the opportunity. A motion was passed appointing **Trustee Wiejaczka** to represent the Township in this working group.
Parks and Recreation Matters
No specific discussions or decisions related to parks and recreation were recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The board passed a resolution requesting that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources establish a slow-no-wake speed for watercraft on South Bar Lake, with associated signage to be covered and maintained by the South Bar Lake Association.
Other Business
- The appointments of **Carl Noonan** as Cemetery Manager and **Zach Baker** for a surveying job at Maple Grove Cemetery were made. A motion to hire Baker passed with a budget limit set at $2,000, despite some dissent regarding the cost.
Financial Summary
No detailed financial data or budget implications were mentioned.
Action Items
- Formation of a working group including Trustee **Wiejaczka** to collaborate on the attainable housing proposal.
- **Carl Noonan** to act as the Cemetery Manager.
- Engage **Zach Baker** for the survey of Section 6 in Maple Grove Cemetery with a budget not exceeding $2,000 (though there was a push to limit this to $1,000).
- Follow-up by **Maggie Bacon** on potential funding sources for road improvements.
- Await the submission of the campground manager's contract from **Yolanda Bertaud**.
Source Document
This summary was AI-generated from the official meeting record. The full source document is the authoritative version.