Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on September 10, 2026, approving the agenda as amended and the minutes from the August 25, 2026 regular meeting. Key items included discussion of a proposed handicap fishing dock at South Bar Lake, formation of a Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration Implementation Committee, formalizing work order procedures, and planning for Shalda Park's main parking area.
Public Comments
Steve Lewis raised the idea of adding a handicap fishing dock on South Bar Lake. Bob Joyce discussed the need for a driveway permit in the Village to protect Village streets as a primary asset, reviewed several Village trees needing attention or removal, and reported on the status of the brush pile. Trish Baker commented on people playing pickleball on the tennis courts; no formal response or action was recorded for these comments.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Bacon reviewed steps needed to request that EGLE review a new dock location for a proposed fishing dock at South Bar Lake. Regarding Shalda Park, Davis requested that the main parking area plan be drawn for gravel now, with an option for paving later, and recommended a survey be conducted. Discussion covered parking needs for the ballpark, courts, and a future shelter, as well as debate over paving versus open space for hitting golf or softballs, and whether additional playground equipment was needed given existing equipment at the beach and Johnson Park. Davis will obtain a price for ballfield parking.
Other Business
Davis appointed himself and Office Manager Acton to the STR Registration Implementation Committee, with unanimous consensus. Bacon relayed proposed work order procedures, and Davis reported that Attorney Haiderer recommends adding these to the Personnel Policy. Bacon asked that Bob Joyce provide driveway permit information to the Planning Commission, with Council directing development of a driveway permit to work alongside the Land Use Permit. Walton asked about brush pile dumping rules; Joyce noted cameras were installed due to non-Village residents dumping there, and the Sheriff's Department can respond if a license plate number is provided. Further discussion noted the need for an ordinance if enforcement is planned. Davis described a recent incident involving a beach ambassador and a visitor illegally parked in a handicap spot; the sheriff's department was called and the visitor moved their vehicle. Davis stated this was the correct way for ambassadors to handle such disputes.
Action Items
- Davis to obtain a price for ballfield parking at Shalda Park.
- Bob Joyce to provide driveway permit information to the Planning Commission; Council to direct development of a driveway permit process tied to the Land Use Permit.
- Consideration of an ordinance for brush pile dumping enforcement, per discussion led by Walton and Joyce.
- Work order procedures to potentially be added to the Personnel Policy, per Attorney Haiderer's recommendation.