Summary
The Empire Village Council met on May 14, 2026 for a work session, approving several financial and policy items, including truck repairs, lighting upgrades, and a personnel policy update. Discussion on a proposed wastewater system remained unresolved and was tabled, while the council moved forward on filling a vacant trustee seat by advertising the position rather than immediately appointing a candidate.
Public Comments
Frank Clements spoke on the Wastewater Update and submitted written comments to the council. James Miller commented on his application for a Village opening. Later in the meeting, Clements again addressed the council regarding the wastewater discussion and its relation to the Master Plan's strategic goals. Joey Reutter commented on the wastewater system, its certification, and location. Carey Ford raised concerns about the cost of land as an obstacle to commercial development and the village's short business season. No formal council responses to these comments were recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The council approved weekly E-coli testing of S Bar Lake (motion by Dye, support by Rademacher; roll call vote: Ayes Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays none). The Wade Trim wastewater report was extensively discussed, with disagreement over whether a wastewater system would address economic development, affordable housing, and employment issues. Differing interpretations of prior 1999, 2007, 2018, and 2024 wastewater reports were noted. No consensus was reached, and Davis declared the issue tabled after receiving no direction from the council.
Other Business
The council approved changes to the Personnel Policy as proposed by the Personnel Committee (motion by Chase, support by Rademacher; unanimous voice vote). A proposed ordinance to reduce the number of trustees was discussed, but no formal action was taken. Regarding the Village Trustee vacancy, a motion to appoint Jim Weller (motion by Dye, support by Walton) was withdrawn after concerns that trustees and the public were not adequately informed of all applicants. Instead, the council voted (motion by Walton, support by Rademacher) to post the vacancy on the website, kiosk, and via email blast, with an application deadline of May 22, 2026; this passed unanimously.
Financial Summary
The council approved up to $7,500 for revamping the Committee meeting room and DPW garage lighting (motion by Chase, support by Walton; roll call unanimous). Repairs for the large plow truck were approved not to exceed $20,000 (motion by Dye, support by Rademacher; roll call unanimous). The council also approved purchase of a new plow truck not to exceed $250,000 (motion by Rademacher, support by Chase), covering a $140,000 chassis order to avoid 2027 emission requirements and $110,000 to complete the truck, with the smaller truck to be sold. Roll call: Ayes Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher; Nay Walton. Fund balances were noted as increased due to prudent prior spending, allowing costs to be spread across multiple funds.
Action Items
Post the Trustee vacancy on the website, kiosk, and via email blast, with applications due May 22, 2026. Wastewater system discussion remains unresolved and tabled, pending future council direction.