Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on February 12, 2026, with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, and Walton present (Skrocki and Smith absent/excused), and Treasurer Acton in attendance. The Council approved a $90K-maximum bid from Molon for Union St. overlay and alley paving, adopted Resolution No. 1 of 2026 Budget Amendments, and sent Ordinance #107 to the attorney for review. Much of the session focused on sidewalk-clearing policy and resident safety concerns raised during public comment.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke on sidewalk clearing: Steve Stepanek raised it as a resident safety issue; Jeff Hemingway echoed the same concern; Ed Peplinski raised sidewalk clearing along with resident participation at meetings and the process for adding agenda items; Joey Reutter asked about ticketing authorization during plowing or sidewalk clearing; and Steve Lewis commented on the safety of walking in the streets due to uncleared sidewalks. No formal Council response or vote followed these comments during this segment. No public comments were made specifically on agenda items.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council approved (roll call: Ayes – Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays – None; Absent – Skrocki) a bid from Molon for the Union St. overlay and alley paving, not to exceed $90K. Bacon will request a proposal from Engineer Graf of Gosling Czubak to oversee the project, and Davis will sign the contract upon receipt. Bacon also announced approval of the FLAP grant for 2027-28, a multi-year effort begun in 2022 involving the Village, NPS, Chris Grobbel, Martin Graf, and the County Road Commission; Davis thanked Bacon for her work on this effort.
Other Business
The Council reviewed the current sidewalk-clearing policy; Davis noted a 40-50% winter population decrease and concerns that requiring absent property owners to clear sidewalks was unreasonable. Policies from Northport, Suttons Bay, Honor, Beulah, and Benzonia were reviewed, none having ordinances. By consensus, the matter was sent to the Streets Committee for recommendations; DPW Tech Reutter noted overtime approval would likely be needed for sidewalk snow removal. Bacon reviewed the Civil Infraction Ordinance and recommended attorney review, including questions on the difference between sections 5a and 5b and how Beach Ambassadors are authorized to issue tickets. Dye gave an Airport Commission report, and Bacon referred residents to the CIP on the Village website for project priorities.
Financial Summary
Resolution No. 1 of 2026 Budget Amendments for 2025-26 was approved unanimously. In reviewing the 2026-27 budget, increases included $4K for tree removal/planting (requested by Dye) and an increase to $18K for street lighting. Chase and Bacon moved to renew the employee health insurance policy with a 14% increase; Chase separately requested Personnel Committee review of related Personnel Policy changes, which Davis confirmed could proceed. Bacon requested that future budget presentations include the change in Fund Balance for each fund.
Action Items
Bacon to request an oversight proposal from Engineer Graf for the Union St./alley paving project; Davis to sign the resulting contract. Ordinance #107 sent to the attorney for review. Sidewalk policy referred to the Streets Committee for recommendations. Civil Infraction Ordinance to be sent to the attorney with specific questions on section 5a/5b differences and Beach Ambassador ticketing authority. Personnel Committee to meet regarding Personnel Policy changes.