Summary
The Empire Township Board met November 11, 2025, with Supervisor Hendricks presiding and Wolterink, Noonan, Wiejaczka, and Price present. The Board adopted a resolution requesting a no-wake zone on South Bar Lake, heard a presentation on a proposed attainable housing project, appointed a new cemetery manager, and approved a cemetery survey contract.
Public Comments
Mary Vanhevele of Empire Township 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. During discussion of the SBGC housing proposal, resident Dan Davis asked who would fund the environmental studies required for the property; Clerk Noonan agreed with Davis's concern and noted possible contamination on the site. Trustee Wiejaczka questioned the SBGC's wage estimates for registered nurses and teachers, saying they appeared high.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Mike Rivard of the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) presented a proposal for attainable housing involving a long-term lease of roughly 40 acres jointly owned by the Village of Empire and Empire Township. Following questions from Wiejaczka, Davis, and Noonan, Supervisor Hendricks suggested forming a small working group with representatives from the Township Board, Village Council, and SBGC to continue discussions. Motion by Hendricks, second by Wolterink, to appoint 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 applications.
Other Business
The Board adopted Resolution No. 004-2025 requesting the Michigan DNR establish a slow-no-wake speed on South Bar Lake; roll call vote passed with Price, Noonan, Wiejaczka, Wolterink, and Hendricks all voting yes. Hendricks noted the South Bar Lake Association will cover signage costs and handle placement/removal. Carl Noonan was appointed Maple Grove Cemetery Manager (motion by Hendricks, second by Wiejaczka, all ayes). Supervisor Hendricks gave an informational update on road conditions following a meeting with Brendan Mulane of the Leelanau County Road Commission. Wiejaczka asked about the status of the campground managers contract; Noonan said Yolanda Bertaud had texted confirming she signed it and would mail it in.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer's Report was read and received as presented. The Board approved hiring Zach Baker to survey Section 6 of Maple Grove Cemetery for an amount not to exceed $2,000 (motion by Hendricks, second by Price); Wiejaczka favored hiring Baker but preferred a cap of $1,000. Motion passed 4 ayes, 1 nay. Monthly bills were approved for payment (motion by Hendricks, second by Wiejaczka, all ayes).
Action Items
- Trustee Wiejaczka to represent the Township in a working group with the Village Council and SBGC on the attainable housing proposal, including addressing environmental study funding and contamination concerns raised by Dan Davis and Clerk Noonan.
- Daneman and Associates to review wireless telecommunications provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and advise on pending applications.
- Maggie Bacon to provide updates on the "Neighborhood Streets" funding program.
- Yolanda Bertaud to mail in the signed campground managers contract.