2/24/2026 - Empire Village | Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on February 24, 2026, where they addressed various operational and financial matters. Key decisions included the approval of the FY 2026-27 Budget and updates to the healthcare plan and water rates. The Council emphasized the need for continued infrastructure improvements and discussed several community matters.

Public Comments

During the public comments segment, Karen Baja raised concerns regarding the Right to Farm and the salary of the Zoning Administrator, including the efficiency of DPW staffing and sidewalk snow removal. Davis responded that they were awaiting a follow-up from the attorney regarding the Right to Farm inquiry.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

(No discussion of affordable housing was recorded in the minutes.)

Parks and Recreation Matters

Bacon requested the Recreation Committee to review the Beach Ordinance. There were no specific updates related to parks and recreation discussed during the meeting.

Infrastructure Projects

Davis reported on the DPW's ongoing efforts in plowing and addressing frozen water lines. The council approved a $3,500 contract with Gosling-Czubak for overseeing the Union/Wilce alley crushing and paving project as well as the HMA overlay on Union St. from Niagara to Salisbury. Additionally, the replacement of seven water meters was approved, although there was a discussion about the potential reimbursement for defective meters and whether this approval should have been postponed for further review.

Other Business

The Council addressed various resolutions, including the approval of the healthcare plan with a 14% increase, employee policy changes for family health insurance coverage costs, and the 2026-27 Schedule of Fees. They reaffirmed appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and all road closure requests from the Empire Chamber of Commerce were approved except for a modification to one of the requests.

Financial Summary

- The approved FY 2026-27 Budget included adjustments such as a $25K contribution from the General Fund to Local Streets and an increase in state funding for neighborhood roads expected to rise to $24K. - The healthcare plan increasing by 14% will impact financial allocations for employee insurance costs, with a cap not to be exceeded. - The total costs for various health insurance coverages reviewed surpassed $50K.

Action Items

- Davis to follow up on the attorney's response regarding the Right to Farm concern. - The Recreation Committee is to review the Beach Ordinance at Bacon's request. - The Water Committee will be tasked to review rates as mentioned by council members. - Clerk Smith to discuss health insurance deduction options with employees when caps are exceeded.