Summary
The Empire Township Board met on June 10, 2025, with Supervisor Hendricks presiding. Key actions included approving the May 13 minutes, addressing the previous clerk's resignation effective June 10 at 12:01am, transitioning Noonan to interim clerk, and deciding to seek applications for an open trustee position following audience concerns about transparency. A presentation was given by the Leelanau County Road Commission.
Public Comments
Kent Wiejaczka questioned the process for appointing a new trustee and described how such appointments had been handled in the past. Tom Peterson stated he had concerns about the transparency of the trustee appointment process. In response to these concerns, Hendricks asked the board's opinion on seeking applications for the position, and all agreed to do so.
Infrastructure Projects
Brendan Mullane of the Leelanau County Road Commission gave a presentation and update on road commission matters. Hendricks presented a letter from the Drain Commissioner and Little Glen Lake Drainage District.
Other Business
- Treasurer gave a report, which was received as given.
- Planning commission member Kent Wiejaczka updated the board on the planning commission's work toward allowing more multi-family dwelling units; the zoning administrator's report was also discussed.
- Wiejaczka reported slow progress on the township website but has scheduled further work time.
- Noonan, as interim clerk, reported progress, including completing MTA online clerk training and seeking guidance from former clerk Neiswonger and the Glen Arbor and Kasson Township clerks.
- Hendricks noted ongoing union negotiations with the Glen Lake Fire Department and an ongoing effort to organize township office records.
- A new part-time maintenance employee, Nichols McCreedy, was hired at the campground at $13.00 an hour.
Financial Summary
New part-time campground maintenance employee Nichols McCreedy is to be paid $13.00 an hour. No other specific budget figures or funding amounts were detailed in the minutes.
Action Items
- Board to consult legal counsel (attorney Tim Figura) on the process for posting the open trustee position in the newspaper and holding a special meeting to interview candidates.
- Board agreed to seek applications for the open trustee seat, with appointment decisions deferred until next month's meeting.
- Noonan to continue training and transition into the clerk role, continuing to seek guidance from former clerk Neiswonger and neighboring township clerks.
- Ongoing union negotiations with the Glen Lake Fire Department to continue.
- Continued effort to organize records in the township office.