Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on October 8, 2026, at the Empire Township Hall. The Council approved the purchase of a front loader not to exceed $193,795 and directed that the old loader be listed for sale on municipality and public sale websites. The Council also approved pursuing Tree City USA designation. Capital Improvement Plan updates were reviewed for Streets and Water, with Parks committee review pending.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dye reported that the Parks committee will be meeting soon as part of the Capital Improvement Plan review process. All committees, including Parks, will confirm estimated costs for their respective CIP sections.
Infrastructure Projects
Bacon reviewed the Streets Capital Improvement Plan, with discussion of moving up the Front St/Erie fix. Rademacher reviewed the Water CIP and will provide updates with the committee. Walton commented on tree removal included as part of the Lake St. project. Dye reviewed Tree City USA requirements, and the Council voted by roll call (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: None) to have Acton complete the application for the designation.
Other Business
The Council approved amending the agenda to move the Front Loader purchase to required action items. The 9-22-26 Regular Meeting minutes and 10-1-26 Special Meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Davis reported an approximate cost of $5.3K for materials only to replace three doors at the DPW.
Financial Summary
The Council approved a front loader purchase not to exceed $193,795, with the old loader to be listed for sale. Davis reported materials-only costs of approximately $5.3K to replace three DPW doors. The Streets and Water Capital Improvement Plans were reviewed, with committees to confirm estimated costs.
Action Items
Rademacher will update the Water CIP with committee input. All committees, including Parks, Streets, and Water, are to confirm estimated project costs. Acton is to complete the Tree City USA application. The Village will list the old front loader for sale on websites accessible to municipalities and the public.