Work Session (Minutes)

**Executive Summary**

The Empire Village Council held a work session on March 14, 2024, at the Empire Township Hall. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda with amendments, public comments, presentations on the WILCO Road Plan and South Bar Lake quality, and department head reports. The council reviewed communications, including letters from residents. The minutes from previous meetings were approved.

The council addressed several matters related to the new village office property, including an appraisal and an environmental assessment. They voted to contract for an appraisal not to exceed $4,000 but decided against conducting an environmental assessment. Additionally, the Planning Commission’s annual report was reviewed, and its request to increase the budget for professional services, specifically for a Master Plan update not exceeding $10,000, was approved.

Several motions were passed during the meeting. A motion was approved to authorize an ACH payment option for water bills. The council also approved a 5% pay raise for employees. Public comments were made concerning Short-Term Rental issues and the availability of meeting agendas.

The meeting concluded with council member comments and adjournment at 9:10 p.m. The minutes were approved at the March 26, 2023, regular council meeting.