Summary
The Empire Village Council met February 24, 2026, adopting the FY 2026-27 budget, schedule of fees, and water rate resolution, along with a healthcare plan change adding family coverage. Three Zoning Board of Appeals members were reappointed, and contracts for road/paving oversight and water meter replacement were approved.
Public Comments
During the public hearing on the FY 2026-27 budget, Karen Baja raised concerns about the Zoning Administrator's salary and lack of enforcement, DPW wages and organization, and staffing for sidewalk snow removal. No comments were made on the Water Rates or Schedule of Fees hearings. During public comment on agenda items, Karen Baja asked about a pending attorney response regarding Right to Farm; Davis said no response had been received yet and he would follow up. No letters were reported received regarding water rates when Skrocki inquired.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Council member Bacon requested that the Recreation Committee review the Beach Ordinance.
Infrastructure Projects
Resolution No. 3 of 2026 set new water rates; Skrocki discussed differences between business and residential rates and between Ready to Serve and Water Usage charges, noting future repair/replacement costs factor into rates. The resolution passed with Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, and Walton voting aye and Skrocki voting nay. Council approved a $3,500 contract with Gosling-Czubak for oversight of the Union/Wilce alley crushing and paving project and the Union St. HMA overlay from Niagara to Salisbury (unanimous). Council also approved replacement of 7 water meters, with discussion of possible vendor reimbursement for defective meters and a request to include meter age in future requests; this passed 6-1, with Bacon opposed. Rademacher noted water rates stem from the Gosling-Czubak Water Study, with the Water Fund required to be self-supporting.
Other Business
Council reappointed Dave Diller and Bob Scott to the ZBA unanimously; Sam Barr's reappointment passed with Skrocki opposed. Council approved Empire Chamber of Commerce 2026 road closure requests, except for the Front St. closure from Union to LaRue for the Asparagus Festival. Walton reported Personnel is still accepting applications for DPW Superintendent and requested additional publicity.
Financial Summary
The Village Healthcare Plan motion from 2-12-26, including a 14% increase with Priority Health, was approved. A personnel policy change adding family health coverage (about $600/month) was approved, noted as not exceeding this year's cap. Resolution No. 4 (Act 152 Hard Cap certification) was approved; current/previous year costs exceeded $50K, and a voluntary employee payroll contribution was authorized when the cap is exceeded. Resolution No. 5 adopted the FY 2026-27 budget, adding a $25,000 General Fund contribution to Local Streets; Bacon noted $24,000 in new state funding for neighborhood roads, increasing in future years.
Action Items
Davis to follow up on the Right to Farm attorney inquiry. DPW to complete an incident report for the 3rd bay door damage; repairs being planned. Clerk to discuss voluntary healthcare payroll deductions with employees. Recreation Committee to review the Beach Ordinance; Water Committee to review rates.