Regular Meeting (Minutes)

Executive Summary:

1. Meeting Overview
– The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on March 25, 2025, at the Empire Township Hall.
– The meeting was called to order, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Davis.
– All council members were present, along with Clerk Smith.

2. Agenda and Public Comments
– Changes/additions to the agenda included a discussion about hydrants under New Business.
– The agenda was approved as amended.
– There were no public comments on agenda items.

3. Consent Agenda Approval
– The minutes of the February 25, 2025, Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting, as well as bills totaling $47,078.79, were approved.

4. Financial Statements and Communications
– The Cash by Fund and Revenue and Expense reports for February 2025 were reviewed, and the Treasurer’s management was recognized.
– A complaint received from Mr. Hunt regarding a street sign was sent to the DPW for resolution.

5. New Business
– The council approved the release of an RFP for a new village attorney.
– The purchase of a Shalda Park bench was tabled for further research on ADA accessibility.
– The council approved the Park Use and Liability Agreement for the Beryl Days event and various road closure requests for upcoming events.
– The council discussed concerns regarding council members’ presence and involvement in committee and planning commission meetings, with a consensus that written comments might be a better approach.
– The council approved a motion for the DPW to provide a written report on the inspection of the village’s 79 hydrants.

6. Public and Council Member Comments
– There were no public comments.
– Council members discussed the Rec Plan and Master Plan, as well as a planned meeting with Gosling Czubak regarding Shalda Park improvements.