Summary
The Empire Village Council met May 14, 2026, approving several budget and infrastructure items, including lighting upgrades, lake water testing, and truck repairs and replacement. The council also revisited the long-running Wastewater Update discussion without reaching consensus, and addressed a Village Trustee vacancy by opening the position for public application rather than direct appointment.
Public Comments
Frank Clements spoke on the Wastewater Update and submitted written comments to the council; he later also commented on the council's discussion of the wastewater issue and its relation to the Master Plan's strategic goals. James Miller commented on his application for a Village opening. 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, along with the village's short business season. No formal responses from the council to these comments are recorded.
Infrastructure Projects
The council approved weekly E-coli testing of S Bar Lake (motion by Dye, support by Rademacher; roll call unanimous, Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton). The Wade Trim wastewater report was discussed extensively, with disagreement over whether a wastewater system would address economic development, affordable housing, and employment issues. Members offered varied interpretations of prior wastewater reports from 1999, 2007, 2018, and 2024. No consensus was reached; Davis declared the matter tabled after no response to his request for direction.
Other Business
The council approved the April 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes (Bacon/Dye, unanimous). Changes to the Personnel Policy proposed by the Personnel Committee were approved (Chase/Rademacher, unanimous voice vote). Discussion occurred on a proposed ordinance to reduce the number of trustees, but no formal action was taken.
Regarding the Village Trustee vacancy, Dye moved, supported by Walton, to appoint Jim Weller for the remainder of the term; this motion was withdrawn after discussion revealed trustees and the public may not have been fully aware of all applications or the vacancy. Instead, Walton moved, supported 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 by voice vote.
Financial Summary
The council approved up to $7,500 for revamping the committee meeting room and DPW garage lighting (Chase/Walton, unanimous roll call). Repairs for the large plow truck were approved not to exceed $20,000 (Dye/Rademacher, unanimous roll call). A new plow truck purchase was approved not to exceed $250,000 (Rademacher/Chase; roll call Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher; Nay: Walton). Discussion noted that ordering the 2026 model chassis for $140,000 would avoid 2027 emission requirements and save costs, with $110,000 to complete the truck; the smaller truck could then be sold. Officials noted that prudent spending in the past fiscal year increased fund balances, allowing the purchase to be covered across multiple funds.
Action Items
- Village Trustee vacancy to be posted on the website, kiosk, and via email blast, with applications due May 22, 2026.
- Wastewater Update issue remains tabled pending further council direction.
- Ordinance to reduce the number of trustees remains under discussion with no action taken.