Summary
The Empire Village Council met on September 22, 2026, approving several infrastructure and parks-related measures, including the Lake St. drainage project bid, a Shalda Park survey, and a water system monitoring upgrade. The council also formalized work order procedures and referred a new driveway permit process to the Planning Commission.
Public Comments
Michelle Urbane Skinner commented on the willow tree work under consideration and relayed thanks from Paul Skinner for Village support of the Hill Climb event. Karen Baja and Mel Larecy both commented on the Lake St. improvement project, with Baja specifically addressing tree removal. Later in the meeting, Karen Baja also commented on future tree pruning and thanked the council for explaining the Lake St. plans.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The council approved a quote from Gosling/Czubak for $5,800.00 to conduct a topographic survey of Shalda Park related to parking design (motion by Rademacher, support by Dunphey; roll call unanimous). The council also voted to assign the Parks committee to meet with Steve Lewis, Maggie Bacon, and Bob Joyce regarding a proposed new fishing dock (motion by Bacon, support by Walton; unanimous voice vote).
Infrastructure Projects
The council approved the Lake St. drainage improvement bid from Elmer’s for $248,556.73 (motion by Dye, support by Rademacher; roll call unanimous). Prior to the vote, the council adjourned to review plans with the public regarding tree removals needed to protect street integrity and facilitate drainage; Bacon reported on her conversation with the property owner nearest five trees slated for removal. Separately, the council approved a Sensaphone Sentinel water system monitoring quote from Windemuller for $3,145 plus annual subscription costs (motion by Chase, support by Rademacher; roll call 6 ayes, 1 nay - Walton). Discussion included data cybersecurity concerns limited to alarm control. Operational reports noted ongoing repair of a Front St. sinkhole and correction of a water hookup located in a driveway.
Other Business
The council voted to add Work Order Procedures to the Personnel Policy (motion by Chase, support by Bacon; roll call unanimous), confirming the Work Order Request form is available on the website. On tree quotes, the council voted to take no action on the willow tree until Consumers Energy addresses it, as Consumers had already issued a work order (motion by Rademacher, support by Walton; roll call unanimous). The council also voted to send development of a driveway permit process to the Planning Commission (motion by Bacon, support by Dye; roll call unanimous). Chase noted the meeting room is ready for use and suggested considering public access. Walton felt the Sensaphone proposal should have gone to a committee first.
Financial Summary
- Consent agenda bills totaling $10,612.95 were approved.
- Shalda Park topographic survey: $5,800.00 (Gosling/Czubak).
- Lake St. improvement bid: $248,556.73 (Elmer’s).
- Sensaphone Sentinel water system: $3,145 plus annual subscription cost (Windemuller).
Action Items
- Parks committee to meet with Steve Lewis, Maggie Bacon, and Bob Joyce regarding the proposed fishing dock.
- Planning Commission to develop a driveway permit and process.
- No action on the willow tree pending Consumers Energy addressing the work order.
- Streets committee to meet to hear an AIS equipment presentation and discuss the Lake St. process.
- Draft minutes to be approved at the October 8, 2026 Council Work Session.