Summary
The Empire Village Council met July 22, 2025, with all seven members (Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton) present along with Clerk Smith and Treasurer Acton. The council approved the 2025-29 Recreation Plan, authorized distribution of the draft Master Plan for a 63-day review, updated personnel wages and policies, and sent the irrigation well water ordinance back to committee for further review.
Public Comments
Karen Baja commented on irrigation wells, requesting a letter be sent to the District Health Dept. notifying them the Village should be contacted regarding wells before permits are issued. Later in the meeting, during general public comment, Tamara Kroll asked whether short-term rentals (STRs) are being addressed, and Karen Baja questioned whether the Right to Farm Act might allow chemical spraying. No formal council responses to these comments are recorded beyond the actions taken under New Business.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The council approved Resolution No. 7 of 2025 adopting the 2025-29 Recreation Plan (motion by Bacon, support by Dye; roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: None). DPW reported daily beach maintenance, an updated ticket machine, and that changing-room work would begin the following week. The Shore to Shore Trail was noted to host horse and riders on 8/1/25.
Infrastructure Projects
The council discussed the Water Ordinance regarding irrigation wells and the Right to Farm Act's potential impact. Motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher, sent the ordinance back to committee to recommend when and how irrigation wells may be allowed (roll call unanimous). A second motion by Skrocki, support by Rademacher, directed staff to contact the Regional Health Dept. to require that all irrigation well applications be forwarded to the Village, since wells are currently not permitted (roll call unanimous). Bids were received for an ADA drinking fountain, office driveway resurfacing, and exposing 10 water connections for required lead inspections. Walton noted the need to appoint someone to synthesize the Wastewater Task Force report.
Financial Summary
Bills totaling $10,530.28 were approved as part of the Consent Agenda (roll call unanimous). The DPW Technician's hourly wage was increased to $24.10, retroactive to the start of the first pay period following water certification (roll call unanimous). The Office Manager position was reclassified from Deputy Clerk with an hourly wage increase to $24.91 effective on the date of reclassification (roll call unanimous). Bacon noted Empire Township funding for drone work on S Bar Lake, though no dollar amount was given.
Other Business
The council approved changes to Rules of Procedure 3.3 (Communications) and revised the Personnel Policy on vacation accrual, capping accrued time at 160 hours effective 3/1/26 (roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: Davis, Rademacher). An online payment option for Village fines and fees was approved to be operational by 10/1/25. Council members raised various items: Chase requested a Dead-End sign at Salisbury; Skrocki noted an upcoming Glen Lake Library discussion on potential redevelopment; Rademacher and Bacon referenced pending DSMI letters.
Action Items
Council members are to prepare comments on the Master Plan during its 63-day review period. The Water Ordinance committee must recommend rules for allowing irrigation wells. Staff will contact the Regional Health Dept. regarding well applications. Motion by Rademacher, support by Skrocki, authorized Davis to contact the Village attorney regarding the Right to Farm Act (unanimous voice vote). The online payment system must be established by 10/1/25.