Summary
The Empire Township Board met August 12, 2025, with Supervisor Hendricks presiding. Members Price, Noonan, and Wiejaczka were present; Wolterink was excused. The board approved prior meeting minutes, adopted a poverty exemption resolution, paid monthly bills and the insurance premium, and reviewed updates on a proposed Verizon cell tower, the Fire Department budget, and the township website.
Public Comments
Kathy Wiejaczka, an audience member, raised concerns about the lack of cell phone coverage for citizens near and within the Village of Empire. No formal board response or vote followed her comment.
Infrastructure Projects
Kent Wiejaczka presented a Planning Commission update on a proposed Verizon cell tower to be located outside the township's designated tower district. Noonan expressed concern that approving the tower could set a precedent for future towers outside the district. Kent Wiejaczka shared his own experience with poor cell reception. Hendricks stated that, based on his research, there may be no way to prevent the tower from being built. No motion or vote was taken on the tower matter.
Other Business
Wiejaczka reported the township website project is approximately 50% complete. Hendricks and Noonan agreed to determine a time to begin cleaning and organizing the township office. The Zoning Administrator's report was received as given. Hendricks thanked Deputy Clerk Sharee Nelson for her work bringing the township's accounting process up to date.
Financial Summary
- Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Wiejaczka, to adopt the poverty exemption resolution — passed unanimously.
- Treasurer's report received as given.
- Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Wiejaczka, to pay monthly bills — passed unanimously.
- Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Wiejaczka, to pay the township insurance premium as presented — passed unanimously.
- Hendricks presented the Fire Department's new budget, reflecting an overall budget increase of 16.4%, in connection with Empire Township's contract obligation to the department.
Action Items
- Hendricks and Noonan to schedule a time to begin cleaning and organizing the township office.
- Wiejaczka to continue work on the township website (currently 50% complete).
- Board to continue monitoring the Verizon cell tower proposal, given unresolved concerns about precedent-setting for towers outside the tower district and no clear path to prevent construction.