Regular Meeting (Minutes)

**Executive Summary**

**Meeting Overview**
The Empire Village Council convened on October 22, 2024, at the Empire Township Hall, led by President Palmer. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. Present at the meeting were all council members, including the Clerk, Treasurer, and DPW Superintendent. The agenda was amended to include new business items on personnel policy regarding bereavement and campaign signs. The agenda was then adopted unanimously.

**Financial and Department Reports**
The council reviewed the financial reports, including revenue and expenditures through September, and approved a consent agenda that covered previous meeting minutes and job descriptions. The Department of Public Works (DPW) and Zoning Administrator reports were received, indicating upcoming Fall Cleanup dates and presenting concerns regarding local wildlife. Council discussions highlighted the need for further planning on grant applications and the potential for a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to support economic growth.

**New and Old Business Highlights**
The council appointed Karen Baja to the Planning Commission, extending the Wastewater Task Force through January 2025. Discussions surrounding MDARD grant opportunities revealed a collaborative approach to enhance the village’s master plan while addressing personnel policy clarifications regarding bereavement. Campaign signs were a point of contention, prompting awareness about the legal ramifications of their removal.

**Public Comments and Member Feedback**
Public comment featured concerns about the upcoming vacancies for Clerk and Treasurer positions, emphasizing transparency in the hiring process. Council members offered varying interpretations of correspondence regarding these positions, with President Palmer clarifying that there were no firings, but notifications related to ordinance compliance. The meeting concluded positively with no further actions required, adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

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