Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on February 12, 2026, with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, and Walton present (Skrocki and Smith excused). Key actions included approving a $90K paving bid, adopting a 2025-26 budget amendment resolution, sending Ordinance #107 to legal review, and reviewing the 2026-27 budget and sidewalk-clearing policy. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke on sidewalk clearing as a safety issue. Steve Stepanek and Jeff Hemingway raised resident safety concerns about uncleared sidewalks. Ed Peplinski echoed these concerns and also raised issues about resident participation at meetings and the process for adding items to the agenda. Joey Reutter asked about authorization for issuing tickets related to plowing or sidewalk clearing. Steve Lewis commented on street and sidewalk conditions this winter and the safety of pedestrians walking in the street. No written letters were noted as submitted.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council approved a bid from Molon for the Union St. overlay and alley paving, not to exceed $90,000 (roll call: Ayes - Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Walton; Nays - None; Absent - Skrocki). Bacon will request a proposal from Engineer Graf of Gosling Czubak to oversee the project, and Davis will sign the contract upon receipt.
The Council also reviewed the Village's sidewalk-clearing policy. Davis noted a 40-50% seasonal population decrease and said requiring absent property owners to clear sidewalks was unreasonable; residents have historically walked in the street instead. Policies from Northport, Suttons Bay, Honor, Beulah, and Benzonia were reviewed - none have sidewalk ordinances. By consensus, the policy was referred to the Streets Committee for recommendations. DPW Tech Reutter indicated that approving overtime would likely be necessary to complete sidewalk clearing.
Other Business
The Council discussed updating the Civil Infraction Ordinance; Bacon identified unclear language and recommended attorney review, including clarifying the difference between sections 5a and 5b and how Beach Ambassadors are authorized to issue tickets. Chase requested Personnel Committee review of Health Insurance/Personnel Policy changes, which Davis confirmed. Bacon announced approval of the FLAP grant for 2027-28, a collaborative effort since 2022 involving the Village, NPS, Chris Grobbel, Martin Graf, and the County Road Commission; Davis thanked Bacon for her work on this. Bacon referred residents to the CIP on the Village website for project priorities. Dye reviewed the Airport Commission report.
Financial Summary
The Council approved Resolution No. 1 of 2026 Budget Amendments for 2025-26 (unanimous roll call). In reviewing the 2026-27 budget, increases were noted: $4K for Trees (requested by Dye for planned removals/plantings) and an increase to $18K for Street Lighting. The Council approved renewal of the current employee health insurance policy with a 14% increase (motion by Chase, support by Bacon). Consensus was reached that future budgets should include the change in Fund Balance for each fund.
Action Items
Bacon to obtain a proposal from Engineer Graf for the Union St./Alley paving project; Davis to sign the resulting contract. Sidewalk policy referred to the Streets Committee for recommendations amid resident safety concerns. Ordinance #107 sent to attorney for review. Civil Infraction Ordinance to be sent to attorney with specific questions on sections 5a/5b and Beach Ambassador ticketing authority. Personnel Committee to meet regarding Health Insurance and Personnel Policy changes.