Summary
The Empire Township Planning Commission met September 29, 2026, with Chairman Dale DeJager presiding. Members Krawczak, Wiejaczka, and Petersen were present; Elizabeth Wolterink was excused. The Commission approved the agenda and minutes from the June 24, July 28, and August 26, 2026 meetings. Most discussion centered on continued review of the zoning ordinance, particularly renewable energy language, with plans to finalize a red-line draft before the October meeting.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
DeJager reported receiving communication from the FCC approving a communication tower on a previously approved parcel. He stated he would forward this communication to Schroeder, the Zoning Administrator.
Other Business
Zoning Administrator Schroeder provided electronic reports to the Commission for June and July. Under old business, the Commission continued its ongoing Zoning Ordinance Review. DeJager noted that revised text on renewable energy was received only over the weekend and had not yet been integrated into the ordinance's red-line version. The Commission reviewed the renewable energy document provided by Schroeder, making multiple comments that were incorporated as tracked changes. Boomer and Schroeder were directed to integrate these annotations into the existing red-line ordinance and circulate it to the Commission at least a week before the October meeting. The Commission briefly discussed timelines for a public hearing and approval of the ordinance, as well as potential future amendments. Members also agreed to review the keyholing and lake access section, comparing it to the Glen Arbor Zoning Ordinance, to determine if further discussion is needed. The Commission will wait for Schroeder to develop proposed language on data centers and multi-plex units before continuing those discussions. No items were raised under "Pleasure of the Board."
Action Items
- DeJager to forward the FCC communication tower approval to Schroeder.
- Boomer and Schroeder to integrate annotated renewable energy comments into the red-line zoning ordinance and distribute it to the Commission at least one week before the October meeting.
- Commission members to review the keyholing and lake access section and compare it to the Glen Arbor Zoning Ordinance ahead of the next meeting.
- Commission to await draft language from Schroeder on data centers and multi-plex units before further discussion.