Summary
The Empire Village Council met February 12, 2026 for a work session with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, and Walton present (Skrocki and Smith absent/excused). The Council approved a $90K bid from Molon for Union St. overlay and alley paving, adopted Resolution No.1 of 2026 Budget Amendments, sent Ordinance #107 to the attorney for review, and approved a 14% increase in employee health insurance renewal. Sidewalk clearing policy generated significant public and council discussion and was referred to the Streets Committee.
Public Comments
Five residents spoke, all primarily concerned with sidewalk clearing and winter safety. Steve Stepanek raised sidewalk clearing as a resident safety issue. Jeff Hemingway echoed the same concerns. Ed Peplinski voiced concerns about sidewalk clearing, resident participation at meetings, and the process for adding items to the agenda. Joey Reutter commented on authorization for ticketing during plowing or sidewalk clearing. Steve Lewis commented on street and sidewalk clearing conditions this year and the safety of walking in the streets. No written comments were noted as submitted.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council, on a motion by Bacon supported by Rademacher, accepted the bid from Molon for the Union St. overlay and alley paving, not to exceed $90K (roll call: Ayes - Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays - none; Absent - Skrocki). Bacon will ask Engineer Graf of Gosling Czubak for a proposal to oversee the project, and Davis will sign the contract upon receipt.
Other Business
Bacon reviewed the Civil Infraction Ordinance and recommended it be sent to the attorney for review, including questions about the distinction between sections 5a and 5b and how Beach Ambassadors are authorized to issue tickets. Chase confirmed with Davis that the Personnel Committee could meet to review changes to the Personnel Policy. Bacon announced approval of the FLAP grant for 2027-28, a multi-year effort involving the Village, NPS, Chris Grobbel, Martin Graf, and the County Road Commission since 2022; Davis thanked Bacon for her work on this. Dye reviewed the Airport Commission report. Davis also commented on how agenda requests and Public Comment are handled.
Financial Summary
The Council approved Resolution No.1 of 2026 Budget Amendments for 2025-26 (unanimous roll call). During 2026-27 budget review, increases were noted including $4K for Trees (requested by Dye for planned removals/plantings) and an increase to $18K for Street Lighting. Health insurance renewal was approved with a 14% increase. Bacon requested that future budget presentations include the change in Fund Balance for each fund. The Union St./alley paving bid was capped at $90K.
Action Items
Streets Committee to review and make recommendations on the sidewalk clearing policy, a recurring topic of resident concern. Bacon to obtain a proposal from Engineer Graf for the Union St./alley paving project oversight. Davis to sign the paving contract upon receipt. Ordinance #107 and the Civil Infraction Ordinance to be sent to the attorney for review, with Bacon's specific questions on ticketing authorization for Beach Ambassadors. Personnel Committee to meet regarding Personnel Policy changes.