Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on July 9, 2026, approving the June 2, 2026 minutes, a $63,556 payment for a new truck, and up to $9,500 for accessories for the new GMC pickup. The Council debated the Short-Term Rental Registration proposal and defeated a motion to schedule a public hearing at the August Regular meeting. Discussion also covered the Asparagus Festival mass-gathering invoice, use of the new committee meeting room, and beach maintenance issues.
Public Comments
Karen Baja commented on an invoice for the Asparagus Festival and, later, on a reserve drain field and a new drive-thru, questioning whether it was allowed under the Zoning Ordinance. Frank Clements commented on the Registration Ordinance and later read from the Mass Gathering Ordinance comparing it to the Short-Term Rental (STR) registration proposal. Sue Palmer commented on July 4th parking and the Registration Ordinance. David Kroll commented on the Registration Ordinance. Stephen Weller commented on the Planning Commission's charge regarding Short-Term Rentals. Ina Hacker noted that not all short-term rentals are alike, as some owners self-regulate. Heather Camerly raised concerns about lack of trash pickup during busy beach periods. No formal responses were recorded to these comments beyond Council discussion.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Chase asked about the deadline for completing the changing room at the beach. Walton suggested using porta-johns rather than installing a second drain field. Heather Camerly's public comment about beach trash pickup was also raised in this context. No votes or decisions were recorded on these items.
Other Business
Council discussed maintaining the newly purchased office's committee meeting room for Village meetings rather than using it as a staff work station, including the need for a computer and printer, and concerns about dirt being tracked in from the garage. Council reviewed the Kindness and Appreciation matter regarding the Asparagus Festival: Clerk Smith reported the only related email was a street-closure request; Bacon read a communication from Acton explaining charges computed under the Mass Gathering Ordinance, noting the invoice had been paid. Walton felt the event organizer should have been contacted directly, and Davis noted long-standing parking issues and confusion among trained ambassadors. Rademacher raised the possibility of a lighted stop sign at Niagara and Lake streets. Davis announced he will not run for re-election as President or any other office.
Infrastructure Projects
Bacon noted that drainfield permits are issued by the Health Department, not the Village, in response to a question about a reserve drain field. No other public works items were discussed.
Financial Summary
- Approved payment of $63,556 for a new truck (roll call: Ayes - Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays - None).
- Approved up to $9,500 for truck accessories (lights, hitch, covers, Village logo) per quote from Truck & Trailer Specialties (roll call: Ayes - Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dunphey, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays - None).
- Asparagus Festival mass-gathering invoice was paid, per communication from Acton read by Bacon.
Action Items
- Motion to schedule a Public Hearing on Short-Term Rental Registration at the August Regular meeting was defeated (Ayes: Chase, Davis, Dunphey; Nays: Bacon, Dye, Rademacher, Walton); the matter remains unresolved and continues a pattern of ongoing disagreement over STR regulation.
- Bacon requested that the Court of Appeals decision be provided to Council.
- Council to continue discussion on committee meeting room use, including need for computer and printer.