Regular Meeting (Minutes)

The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on February 28, 2024, following a brief Budget Public Hearing. The meeting was marked by significant discussions and decisions on various agenda items, including financial resolutions, committee extensions, and public comments on short-term rentals. Notable motions passed included budget amendments for FY 2023-24 and approval of the FY 2024-25 budget, with considerations for wage increases pending review by the Personnel Committee. The council also approved a prepayment option for the South Bar Lake Drainage District and extended the Short-Term Rental Committee for two months to allow for more public input and to consider ongoing litigation and zoning issues.

Public comments played a crucial role in the meeting, with Karen Baja and Carey Ford expressing views on the Short-Term Rental committees and related issues. The council received numerous communications regarding short-term rentals and other community concerns, which were read aloud and made available in the meeting packet. Financial reports confirmed the alignment of cash bank balances with the general ledger, and department head and council member reports covered updates on projects like the Master Plan and the potential purchase of the Field Trip Building.

The meeting also saw the approval of the 2024 Fee Schedule, the FY 2024-25 Village Council meeting schedule, and several resolutions including the transfer of Act 51 funds and an Act 152 Health Care annual exemption. The council reappointed Bob Chase and Peter Schous to the Planning Commission and approved bills totaling $141,060.95. The session concluded with acknowledgments from President Palmer regarding her recent family emergency and upcoming agenda items, including the Rules of Procedure.