Summary
The Empire Township Board met January 13, 2026, under Supervisor Hendricks, with all members (Clark, Hendricks, Price, Wiejaczka, Wolterink) present. Key actions included accepting Supervisor Hendricks' resignation due to health reasons, appointing Wiejaczka as the new supervisor, adopting a Claim Payment and Disbursement Policy, and adjusting deputy clerk compensation. The board also held a closed session on potential cell tower property leasing but deferred action.
Public Comments
Public comments included expressions of regret and appreciation for Supervisor Hendricks' service following his resignation. Speakers also sought clarification on the cell tower discussion, requested more opportunities for public comment before board decisions are made, raised concerns about the township office, and asked questions about how township information is distributed. No specific names or written letters were noted. Board members responded to these comments and questions during the subsequent Board Comments portion of the meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Wiejaczka reported that she and Dan Davis, as appointed members of the new Empire Township-Village affordable/attainable housing committee, met to explore a proposal by the Sleeping Bear Gateway Council (SBGC) for a housing development on 40 acres of township-village co-owned property on Benzonia Trail. The committee plans to meet again in February with two additional members from each municipality plus one representative from the township planning commission. Initial focus will be on assessing development feasibility and environmental risks tied to the adjacent landfill. The committee intends to hold transparent, public meetings going forward.
Infrastructure Projects
Attorney Timothy Figura briefed the board on a potential lease of township property for cell tower use, following a prior zoning ordinance amendment request and public hearing concerns. Alternative sites, including township-owned property near Maple Grove Cemetery, were discussed as feasible for leasing. The board deferred consideration, and no action was taken. Separately, Hendricks reported that Glen Arbor Township agreed to pay 40% (approximately $43,000) of upcoming road improvement and erosion control costs at Maple Grove Cemetery, with a request for advance notice before future fund commitments.
Other Business
- Minutes from the November 29 special meeting and December 9 regular meeting were approved as amended.
- Hendricks reported a new zoning administrator contract negotiated with Sara Kopriva of Beckett & Raeder, Inc., effective January 1, following Tim Cypher's resignation for health reasons.
- The board designated the annual meeting date as Saturday, March 28, at 10 a.m.
- Clark reported completion of Michigan Township Association clerk training, with election training pending, and continuity efforts with outgoing clerk Casey Noonan and deputy clerk Sheree Nelson.
Financial Summary
Treasurer Price presented a report noting totals for all funds. Glen Arbor Township agreed to cover 40% (approximately $43,000) of cemetery road improvement and erosion control costs. The board adopted a Claim Payment and Disbursement Policy drafted by Attorney Figura, allowing post-audit approval for emergency, payroll, and utility payments to avoid late fees. Deputy clerk Sheree Nelson's compensation was increased to $50/hour for January–March, reverting to $25/hour on April 1 after the annual budget and year-end taxes are processed. Bills Payable were approved.
Action Items
- Housing committee (Wiejaczka, Dan Davis, plus additional municipal and planning commission members) to reconvene in February to continue assessing the Benzonia Trail housing proposal, including landfill-related environmental risks.
- Board to continue considering cell tower lease options near Maple Grove Cemetery; no timeline given.
- Glen Arbor Township requested advance notice before future fund commitments for cemetery road projects.
- Deputy clerk Sheree Nelson's compensation rate to revert to $25/hour on April 1 after annual meeting budget and year-end tax processing.
- Board to consider future policy clarifying when position advertising is feasible for appointments.