Summary
The Empire Village Council met for its January 8, 2026 work session, accepting the resignation of DPW Superintendent John Friend, authorizing an update to the DPW Superintendent job description, and beginning detailed review of the 2026-27 budget. A motion to move the Water Master Plan discussion to the January Regular meeting passed by roll call.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on agenda items or during the general public comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dye reviewed the Parks budget request as part of the 2026-27 budget discussion; adjustments were made to the proposed figures. Davis noted the Beautification Committee has $3,000 budgeted and mentioned a needed repair to an electrical outlet.
Infrastructure Projects
Rademacher reviewed Water Fund budget requests. Council discussed drain and catch basin cleanouts at length; the infiltrator at Lake and Niagara is budgeted for cleanout twice a year (spring and fall), while catch basins are to be cleaned as needed by hand or vendor. A motion by Rademacher, supported by Bacon, to move the Water Master Plan to the January Regular meeting passed by roll call (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Rademacher; Nays: Dye, Skrocki, Walton). Rademacher also raised the cost of a SCADA system and will consult Mark Hurley for review.
Other Business
Motion by Bacon, support by Dye, to approve the agenda as amended passed unanimously by voice vote. Motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher, to approve the 12/11/25 minutes passed unanimously. Motion by Dye, support by Chase, to accept John Friend's resignation as DPW Superintendent effective 4/3/26 passed by roll call (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: none). Motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher, authorizing the Personnel Committee to update the DPW Superintendent job description passed unanimously by voice vote. Skrocki raised the possibility of new street decorations. Smith noted credits available for internet/phone service during recent power outages. Walton asked for an update on the shared driveway; Davis reported ZA Hall is preparing a letter to the owners, and gave updates on a light at the beach, a stop sign on Front, and meetings with the township and Road Commission.
Financial Summary
The 2026-27 budget was reviewed in detail by Clerk Smith, with additional requests from Bacon to be inserted into the draft. Wages across all funds were projected with a 3% increase, and health insurance with a 14% increase. Bacon noted total health insurance costs are nearly equal to the cost of an additional position, suggesting an 80/20 cost split be considered. Projected fund balances were discussed. A revised budget draft will be reviewed at the February Work Session.
Action Items
- Personnel Committee to update the DPW Superintendent job description.
- Clerk Smith to prepare a revised 2026-27 budget draft for review at the February Work Session.
- Rademacher to consult Mark Hurley regarding SCADA system pricing.
- ZA Hall preparing a letter to owners regarding the shared driveway.
- Water Master Plan discussion moved to the January Regular meeting.