12/12/2024 - Empire Village | Regular Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Empire Village Council held a regular meeting on December 12, 2024, where several key decisions were made, including the appointments of various officials and committee members. An extension of the Wastewater Task Force was approved, along with the adoption of new policies and procedures. Public comments addressed issues related to snowfall management and use of village resources.

Public Comments

Joanne Beare raised concerns regarding the Street and Sidewalk plowing policy. Teresa Howes suggested developing a policy for designated ash bucket dumping areas and for the use of village fuel pumps. Ina Hacker recommended increasing the wages for ambassadors by $2/hour due to higher parking fees. Beare also mentioned the need for a policy on clearing sidewalks.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

(No information available for this section.)

Parks and Recreation Matters

Davis appointed Dye as Chair, with Chase and Skrocki as members of the Parks Committee. The motion to approve these appointments passed without opposition.

Infrastructure Projects

Davis reported on working with various agencies, including the National Park Service and the Leelanau County Road Commission, to address drainage issues related to Wilco Road. The council discussed potential grants during this meeting.

Other Business

The council approved several administrative actions, including the appointment of Bacon as President Pro Tempore and Chase as Treasurer Pro Tempore. The meeting also included discussions on a snowplow policy, purchasing policy, and a request regarding a tax sale parcel, which was rejected by the council.

Financial Summary

The bills totaling $4,981.20 were approved through a consent agenda. Financial reports, including Revenue and Expenditure reports and Cash Balance by Fund reports, were received but no detailed financial discussions or decisions were noted.

Action Items

- Review and send comments on the Rules of Procedure to the Personnel Committee by April Work Session. - Future meeting to consider Beautification Committee appointments. - Adopt a policy regarding the streets and sidewalks plowing and a structure for snow removal enforcement. - Develop a plan to utilize the old office for committee meetings once cleared and revised. - Begin advertising for vacancies on the Planning Commission, ZBA, and other committees with a budget not to exceed $200.