Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on July 9, 2026, with all members (Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Dye, Rademacher, Walton) and Clerk Smith present. The Council approved payment for a new truck and related accessories, discussed use of a newly acquired committee meeting room, reviewed concerns about a Village-sponsored appreciation event, and defeated a motion to schedule a public hearing on Short-Term Rental registration. Council Member Davis announced he will not seek re-election as President or any other office.
Public Comments
On agenda items: Karen Baja raised an invoice concern related to the Asparagus Festival. Frank Clements, Sue Palmer, and David Kroll all commented on the proposed Registration Ordinance, with Palmer also addressing parking problems during the July 4th holiday. Stephen Weller commented on the charge given to the Planning Commission regarding Short-Term Rentals.
General public comment: Karen Baja asked whether a proposed reserve drain field and a new drive-thru were permitted under the Zoning Ordinance. Ina Hacker noted that not all Short-Term Rentals are alike, as some owners self-regulate. Heather Camerly raised concerns about inadequate trash pickup at the beach during busy periods. Frank Clements compared provisions of the Mass Gathering Ordinance to the proposed STR registration requirements.
Infrastructure Projects
Discussion touched on a proposed drain field expansion and use of porta johns as an alternative, raised by residents and Council Member Walton. Bacon clarified that the Health Department, not the Village, issues drainfield permits. No formal Council action was taken on these matters.
Other Business
Committee Meeting Room (Old Business): Following purchase of the office, the Council discussed whether to maintain the room for Village meetings rather than as a staff work station, including the need for a computer and printer beyond the current DPW office. Concerns were raised about maintaining the newly refurbished space.
Kindness and Appreciation event: Dye presented documentation on the event. Clerk Smith reported that a search of Village email found only a request for street closures. Bacon read a communication from Acton explaining charges computed under the Mass Gathering Ordinance. Walton felt the event organizer should have been contacted directly. Davis noted that parking has been a long-standing issue, and that ambassadors trained for the event were later told not to perform their duties, causing confusion.
Short-Term Rental Registration: The Council reviewed documentation from the Planning Commission, discussing how a registration cap could be set before data collection and how safety concerns might be addressed. Walton and Dye each read prepared statements (noted as available on the website). Dunphey favored a slow, data-first approach before imposing restrictions. Davis noted years of discussion with agreement only reached on owner-based registration. Motion by Bacon, supported by Dunphey, to schedule a Public Hearing at the August Regular meeting: Ayes – Chase, Davis, Dunphey; Nays – Bacon, Dye, Rademacher, Walton. MOTION DEFEATED.
Council comments: Chase asked about the completion deadline for the beach changing room. Rademacher asked about installing a lighted stop sign at Niagara and Lake streets. Bacon requested that the Court of Appeals decision be provided, noting municipalities can revisit decisions with new information.
Financial Summary
- $63,556 approved for payment on a new truck (Motion: Bacon/Rademacher; Roll Call – all Ayes, no Nays; MOTION PASSED).
- Up to $9,500 approved for accessories (lights, hitch, covers, Village logo) for the new GMC pickup per quote from Truck & Trailer Specialties (Motion: Chase/Dunphey; Roll Call – all Ayes, no Nays; MOTION PASSED).
Action Items
- Provide the Court of Appeals decision as requested by Bacon.
- Public Hearing on Short-Term Rental Registration was not scheduled; motion defeated 3-4, leaving the matter unresolved for future discussion.
- Continue discussion on use and staffing needs (computer/printer) for the Committee Meeting Room.
- Follow up on deadline for the beach changing room, raised by Chase.
- Consider installation of a lighted stop sign at Niagara and Lake streets, raised by Rademacher.