This document presents the budget reports for the Village of Empire across various funds, including the General Fund, Major Streets Fund, Local Streets Fund, Water Fund, and Equipment Fund. The General Fund shows total estimated revenues of $638,300.00 for the original budget and $709,670.78 in activity through February 28, 2025, indicating a financial deficit.
The Empire Village Council convened for their regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at the Empire Township Hall. The agenda included important discussions on public comments, departmental reports, and various new and old business items, including the approval of policies regarding sidewalk snow removal and the 2025-2029 Recreation Plan. Notably, the council paid tribute to former President Dave Taghon.
The Empire Village Council met on January 28, 2025, discussing the Recreation Plan and proposed boardwalk across South Bar Lake. Residents expressed concerns about environmental impacts and taxpayer costs. Two motions regarding the plan failed, leading the Council to seek further public input. The meeting addressed the Capital Improvement Plan and ended at 9:00 p.m.
This document presents a petition from residents of Empire Village, urging the Village Council to reconsider certain actions proposed in the 2025 Draft Recreation Plan concerning South Bar Lake. The undersigned taxpayers express their concerns over using public funds to purchase fragile wetland property and develop a boardwalk through sensitive areas, arguing that these plans conflict with community goals.
The author expresses concerns regarding a petition among Village residents to remove specific Action Items from the Recreation Plan. They argue this undermines the public participation process mandated by the DNR, emphasizing that these items stemmed from public input. The author questions ignoring survey results showing resident support and advocates for studying the proposals before making decisions.
The proposal to purchase property on the South Shore of South Bar Lake for a boardwalk faces opposition due to environmental concerns and local sentiment. Many residents advocate for preserving the wetland naturally rather than pursuing development, emphasizing alternatives that protect resources without using taxpayer funds. They call for reconsideration of the related planning documents.
Steve Lewis, a long-time resident of Empire, expresses concerns about a proposed boardwalk in the village’s Recreation Plan. As a board member of the SBLA, he emphasizes community engagement and ecological integrity. The boardwalk’s location over sensitive wetlands raises alarm, as Lewis advocates for protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable stewardship through education and community dialogue.
The Empire Village Council held a work session on January 9, 2025, at the Empire Township Hall. The Short-Term Rental item was tabled, and the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2025-29 was reviewed. Discussions included the Recreation Plan and proposed boardwalk, with some members opposing its construction to preserve the wetlands.
The Village of Empire Council is exploring capital improvement projects for 2025-2029, focusing on alleys, sidewalks, parks, and roads. Proposed enhancements include alley repairs near the library and Methodist church, new sidewalk installations along Union Street, a compact play system at Shalda Park, and major street upgrades, with estimated costs ranging significantly across projects.
This document presents an updated DRAFT of the Recreation Plan for the Village of Empire, incorporating feedback from the Public Hearing held by the Empire Planning Commission on January 7, 2025. The primary addition is Appendix D, Empire Park Metrics, which provides a baseline assessment of Empire’s park lands based on the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) standards.
