Summary
The Empire Village Council held public hearings and adopted three ordinances - Water, Beach Park, and Sidewalks - all by unanimous roll call. The council removed the tabled Wastewater Resolution No. 8 of 2026 from the agenda after extended public comment and council debate. Mark Dunphey was appointed to fill the vacant Trustee seat, 4-2. Consent agenda items, including bills of $12,354.55, were approved unanimously.
Public Comments
During the Water Ordinance hearing, Terry Bacon raised concerns about data centers' impact on water usage. At the Beach Park Ordinance hearing, Bacon noted a missing definition of "swim area." At the Sidewalks Ordinance hearing, Bob Joyce raised questions about road right-of-way boundaries and Village liability; Joey Reutter noted sidewalks possibly abandoned or unmaintained by the Village; Sue Palmer commented on Village flower boxes in the right-of-way.
On agenda items, Val Dalton read written comments from herself and her husband opposing/questioning the Wastewater Resolution (posted on the Village website); Terry Bacon concurred and also raised affordable housing concerns tied to the Zoning Administrator's report. Cheryl Clark, Frank Clements (written comments also posted online), Maggie Sprattmoran, Mel Larecy, and Sue Palmer commented on the Wastewater Resolution. Ella Skrocki commented on the vacant Trustee seat.
On the Shalda Park presentation, Sam Barr asked whether relocating the brush pile had been considered. Later, Bacon discussed designating swim areas on Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake; Sam Barr thanked Bacon for her economic redevelopment work; Maggie Sprattmoran thanked the full council; Sue Palmer and Ella Skrocki commented on beach sand removal and outreach.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Terry Bacon raised affordable housing concerns in connection with the Zoning Administrator's report, though no formal action was taken.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dallas Wirtz presented a plan for Shalda Park improvements based on a public survey, including a range of cost estimates for each component; the plan will be posted on the Village website. The Beach Park Ordinance No. 2 of 2026 was approved unanimously, with discussion of jet ski regulation. Beach maintenance included removal of 3,600 feet of sand from traffic and walking areas.
Infrastructure Projects
Water Ordinance No. 1 of 2026 passed unanimously, with thanks given to the Water Committee. The Wastewater Resolution No. 8 of 2026 was removed from the agenda after motions by Rademacher/Bacon and Walton/Dye, both passing unanimously; council members Rademacher and Bacon expressed differing views on whether wastewater service should benefit the whole Village versus the Business District, environmental need, and affordability index concerns tied to bonding. Sidewalks Ordinance No. 3 of 2026 passed unanimously. Street and alley paving was mostly completed; conference room and shop lighting were installed/upgraded.
Other Business
Mark Dunphey was appointed to the vacant Trustee position, 4-2 (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Rademacher; Nays: Dye, Walton).
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaling $12,354.55 were approved unanimously. Treasurer and Clerk financial reports were confirmed to agree.
Action Items
The Shalda Park improvement plan will be posted on the Village website. The Wastewater Resolution, a recurring point of conflict among council members and residents, remains removed from the agenda with no scheduled next step stated.