Summary
The Empire Village Council held a work session on January 8, 2026, with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton, and Clerk Smith present. The council accepted DPW Superintendent John Friend's resignation effective 4/3/26, authorized the Personnel Committee to update the DPW Superintendent job description, and conducted an extensive review of the draft 2026-27 budget. The Water Master Plan was moved to the January Regular meeting on a 4-3 vote.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on agenda items, and no public comments were offered later in the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Dye reviewed the Parks budget request as part of the overall 2026-27 budget discussion, resulting in some adjustments to the proposed budget. Davis noted the Beautification Committee has $3,000 budgeted and a needed repair to an electrical outlet. Skrocki raised the possibility of adding new street decorations.
Infrastructure Projects
Rademacher moved, with support from Bacon, to shift the Water Master Plan discussion to the January Regular meeting; the roll call vote was Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Rademacher, Nays: Dye, Skrocki, Walton, and the motion passed. During the budget review, Rademacher covered Water Fund requests, and the council discussed drain and catch basin cleanouts at length; the infiltrator at Lake and Niagara is budgeted for cleanout twice yearly (spring and fall), while catch basins are to be cleaned as needed by hand or by vendor. Rademacher also commented on the cost of a SCADA system and said he would ask Mark Hurley to review it. Davis reported on a light at the beach, a stop sign on Front Street, and ongoing meetings with the township and Road Commission regarding a shared driveway; he noted that Zoning Administrator Hall is preparing a letter to the owners involved.
Other Business
Smith noted that credits are available for internet and phone service related to recent power outages. Bacon commented that the total cost of health insurance is nearly equal to the cost of an additional position and suggested an 80/20 cost-split arrangement should likely be considered in the near future.
Financial Summary
The council reviewed the draft 2026-27 budget in detail, with Bacon submitting additional requests to be inserted into the draft. Wages across all funds were projected with a 3% increase, and health insurance was projected with a 14% increase. Projected fund balances were discussed, and a revised draft will be presented at the February Work Session.
Action Items
- Personnel Committee to update the DPW Superintendent job description (authorized by unanimous voice vote).
- New budget draft to be prepared with requested changes and reviewed at the February Work Session.
- Rademacher to consult Mark Hurley on SCADA system pricing.
- ZA Hall to send a letter to the owners regarding the shared driveway issue.
- Water Master Plan to be addressed at the January Regular meeting.