Summary
The Empire Village Council met June 23, 2026, approving consent agenda items including bills totaling $55,789.30. Council voted to cease further wastewater feasibility studies while remaining open to outside proposals, approved a $12,500 contract with Gosling Czubak for Lake Street reconstruction design, scheduled a public hearing on a Mass Gathering Ordinance amendment, and approved fee waivers and road closures for EACC events. Council also directed a letter be sent to Hometown Pharmacy regarding its Village closure.
Public Comments
Julie Wilber thanked the DPW for emptying trash bins at Shalda. Dave Kroll read a letter submitted by Paul Skinner concerning the Wastewater Task Force report. Later in the meeting, Trish Baker welcomed new Trustee Mark Dunphey, who is filling the remainder of Ella Skrocki's term. Frank Clements complimented the DPW and commented on both the Gosling Czubak contract and the letter regarding the Wastewater Task Force report. No formal responses from the board were recorded for these comments.
Infrastructure Projects
Wastewater Task Force Report: Based on findings from Gosling-Czubak, Harry Lucius, and Wade Trim, a motion by Rademacher, supported by Chase, stated the studies were not fiscally viable and moved to cease further spending on studies "that all have the same conclusions," while keeping Council open to viable proposals per the Master Plan. Discussion covered the economic impact of lacking a system and servicing costs. Roll call: Ayes – Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Rademacher; Nays – Dye, Walton. Motion passed. Rademacher later clarified the Task Force was not asked to recommend future action, as that is a Council decision. Bacon noted an independent Chamber study on wastewater and hoped it would be shared with Council. Walton stated she considers wastewater a community infrastructure responsibility.
Lake Street Reconstruction: Motion by Dye, supported by Bacon, approved a $12,500 Contract for Services with Gosling Czubak to address road elevation issues; Bacon noted many drainage problems in the area will be addressed via a FLAP grant. Roll call unanimous, all Ayes, motion passed.
Other Business
Council set a Public Hearing for July 28th on a Mass Gathering Ordinance amendment addressing parking control and road closure application/fee issues (motion by Bacon, support by Dye, unanimous voice vote). Council approved EACC's request for fee waivers and road closures for two Temporary Outdoor Use Permits (motion by Dye, support by Walton, roll call unanimous, all Ayes). Council also voted to have the President draft a letter to Hometown Pharmacy requesting information on its Village facility closure, potentially informing a future Redevelopment Ready Plan; roll call showed Ayes – Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Rademacher, and Nays – Bacon (as recorded). Davis noted the upcoming 250th July 4th Anniversary.
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaling $55,789.30 were approved unanimously. A $12,500 contract with Gosling Czubak was approved for Lake Street reconstruction services. Cash reports were to be emailed to Council upon completion; no other budget figures were presented.
Action Items
President to draft letter to Hometown Pharmacy regarding closure of its Village facility. Public Hearing on Mass Gathering Ordinance amendment scheduled for July 28th Regular Meeting. Cash reports to be emailed to Council. Attorney callback pending regarding escrow account (per Davis's CIP update).