Regular Meeting (Packet)

This document summarizes the agenda, minutes, and actions taken during the Empire Village Council Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting held on March 25, 2025. Key topics include the adoption of the agenda, public comments, approval of consent agenda items (minutes and bills), financial statement review, department head reports, council member reports (Huntington Bank sidewalk project), and consideration of old and new business. New business items included approving a Village Attorney RFP, Shalda Park bench purchase, a park use and liability agreement for Beryl Days, Chamber of Commerce road closure requests, and discussion of council quorum at committee and planning commission meetings. The meeting also addressed water rates, the FY 2025-26 budget, and appointments to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. The meeting concluded with public and council member comments, and adjournment.

The minutes from the February 25, 2025, meeting were reviewed, including public hearings on water rates and the FY 2025-26 budget, both of which received no comments. The agenda was amended to include tree service quotes and a grant application, and the amended agenda was approved. Several resolutions were passed, including FY 24/25 budget amendments, water rates, and the FY 2025-26 budget adoption. Additionally, the council approved the 2025-26 fee schedule with modifications to beach fees. Appointments were made to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. A tree service quote was approved, and a grant application was approved.

Supporting documents reviewed included financial statements, zoning reports, and communications. The council discussed and approved several action items including health insurance coverage for employees and the 2025-26 fee schedule. Additionally, documentation from EGLE provided details on a sanitary survey of the Village’s water system, identifying deficiencies (e.g., well water level measurement, cross-connection control program, and gravity storage tank venting), required actions, and recommendations. The council also addressed requests for road closures from the Empire Chamber of Commerce, and reviewed a summary of a meeting regarding the Old School House historic restoration project.

The meeting’s primary actions were to approve the agenda, adopt resolutions related to the budget and water rates, appoint planning and zoning members, and approve service quotes and various agreements. The document also includes information about a land division, water system regulations, and requests for road closures. The focus was on the village’s financial planning, infrastructure, and community events.