Summary
The Empire Village Council met on January 28, 2025, with Trustee Chase and Clerk Smith absent. The Council approved the consent agenda and a sidewalk snow support policy, but spent much of the meeting debating the 2025-29 Recreation Plan, particularly a proposed boardwalk on South Bar Lake. After two competing motions to adopt the plan both failed, the Council voted to send the Recreation Plan back to the Planning Commission for reevaluation.
Public Comments
Steve Lewis raised concerns about the boardwalk, the South Bar Lake Association's opposition letter, and wetland/water quality protection; he later suggested private entities could steward wetlands and said he felt hurt at not being invited to Rec Plan committee meetings. Teresa Howes delivered a petition with 116 signatures opposing acquisition of land and a boardwalk across South Bar Lake's southern to western shore; she also complained about impassable roads after a 4" snowfall and felt residents could only respond to written minutes, not undocumented discussion. Jim Bagaloff, owner of the property being discussed for acquisition, stated it is not for sale. Sue Palmer asked about previously received letters and commented on Recreation Plan wording. Frank Clements submitted two letters (read aloud in full by Bacon) regarding the Recreation Plan. Sam Barr suggested the Council formalize its intent to return the plan to the Planning Commission, which led to a motion. Marie Scott discussed trash removal near Village/Johnson Park property and suggested playground equipment and a pavilion at Shalda Park. Linda Lewis praised the discussion and noted the Asset committee will report again in March. Bob Scott opposed spending tax dollars to purchase private property.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Two motions to approve Resolution No. 1 of 2025 (the Recreation Plan) both failed: first, a version amended to remove the SBL boardwalk (Ayes: Bacon, Davis, Rademacher; Nays: Dye, Skrocki, Walton), then the plan as originally presented (Ayes: Dye, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: Bacon, Davis, Rademacher). Discussion covered public input, shoreline acquisition using taxpayer dollars, and a possible connection between Village and Johnson Park properties. The Council determined changing plan verbiage would require returning to the Planning Commission and holding an additional public hearing. Motion by Walton, supported by Dye, to return the plan to the Planning Commission for reevaluation passed unanimously (Ayes: Bacon, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton).
Financial Summary
The consent agenda, including bills totaling $11,847.77, was approved unanimously. Under CIP/budget discussion, Davis proposed including annual Fund Balance contributions for future large projects; Clerk Smith has consulted MI Treasury and auditors on a method. Bacon noted DPW parking/drainage upgrades are budgeted over several years for a total cost exceeding $100,000. Council members were asked to submit budget change requests to Clerk Smith.
Other Business
Rademacher requested Council input on Rules of Procedure for the Personnel Committee. Bacon noted Rec Plan years will update once a new plan is approved. Walton referenced a NY Times article and a letter to the editor on grocery store closings in Honor and Empire. Davis announced the February Work Session moved to 2-13-25 (from the 6th) and encouraged public attendance.
Action Items
The Recreation Plan is to be returned to the Planning Commission for reevaluation, with an additional public hearing anticipated. Council members must submit CIP/budget change requests to Clerk Smith. The Asset committee plans to report again in March on community communications and engagement.