Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on March 12, 2026, with President Davis and Clerk Smith absent and excused. Council approved Resolution No. 6 of 2026 updating safety deposit box users, scheduled a Special Meeting to interview DPW Superintendent candidates, approved a zoning text amendment to Section 4.05 (Front Street District), approved a tree removal bid, and voted to host an Arbor Day event.
Public Comments
Trish Baker commented on parking passes; no further detail or council response was recorded. No public comments were made on agenda items during that designated portion of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Bacon referenced the CIP, Recreation Plan, and Master Plan, stating these should not "sit on the shelf." She noted the Parks Committee is developing a plan for additional public input to help Council decide the general focus for Shalda Park, and asked Council to consider how project tracking and selection could become part of work sessions; consensus was reached to add this to future work session agendas.
On Tree City USA requirements, Dye reviewed progress and noted potential costs seemed minimal and may not impact the budget. Discussion covered whether the current ordinance meets requirements and whether a Tree Board needs to be formed. Motion by Dye, support by Walton, to host an Arbor Day Event on April 24, 2026. Roll call vote: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton. Nays: None. Motion passed.
Regarding the Beach Ordinance and parking/pass procedures, after discussion of history and issues with the current policy, consensus was reached to assign the Parks Committee to work with office manager Acton to review and recommend changes for a more efficient beach parking pass program and possible amendments to the Beach Ordinance.
Other Business
Council amended the agenda to add scheduling a Special Meeting to hire a DPW Superintendent. Motion by Chase, support by Walton, to hold that Special Meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. to interview three candidates. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton. Nays: None. Motion passed. Walton assigned each Council member a priority-skill category for interview questions: Leadership – Dan Davis; Safety – Linda Chase; Operations – Tom Rademacher; Emergency – March Dye; Communication – Meg Walton; Continuous Improvement – Ella Skrocki; Accountability – Maggie Bacon.
Chase reviewed salary comparisons from Suttons Bay and Northport for the DPW Superintendent role; Bacon researched General Fund Revenue figures and Road Commission starting salary. Consensus was reached to consider a salary range of $32 to $36.
Council approved the Zoning Ordinance Section 4.05 (Front Street District) text amendment after Planning Commission review and a public hearing; wording concerns about "enclosed" building were addressed via Bacon's follow-up with the Planner, Chair, and Zoning Administrator. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton. Nays: None. Motion passed.
Dye reviewed tree removal bids from Deerings, Parshall, and A-1 Professional Tree Service, recommending two additional stumps be removed. Motion by Dye, support by Rademacher, to accept the low bid from A-1 plus an additional $300 for two more stump removals. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton. Nays: None. Motion passed. Bacon will follow up on the cost of the additional stump removal.
Walton noted a retirement party for John Friend on 3/28/26 from 2–4 p.m. at the Township Hall, with EACC donating funds for refreshments.
Financial Summary
Council reached consensus to consider a DPW Superintendent salary range of $32 to $36, based on comparisons with Suttons Bay, Northport, and the Road Commission. An additional $300 was approved for two extra stump removals as part of the A-1 tree removal bid. Tree City USA compliance costs were described as minimal and unlikely to impact the budget.
Action Items
- Hold Special Meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. to interview three DPW Superintendent candidates.
- Bacon to call and inquire about the cost of the additional stump removal.
- Parks Committee to work with office manager Acton to review and recommend changes to the beach parking pass program and Beach Ordinance.
- Council to consider adding CIP/project tracking and selection to future work session agendas.
- Host Arbor Day Event on April 24, 2026.
- Draft minutes to be approved at the March 24, 2026, Council Regular Meeting.