Summary
The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on December 12, 2024, with all seven council members (Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton) present. The council approved numerous year-end appointments, extended the Wastewater Task Force, reviewed several governing policies, and addressed a county request on a tax sale parcel. All roll-call votes passed unanimously unless otherwise noted.
Public Comments
Joanne Beare raised concerns about the street and sidewalk plowing policy, both during agenda comments and later in the meeting, calling for a clearer policy on clearing sidewalks. Teresa Howes asked the council to designate areas for dumping ash buckets and to develop a policy for use of Village fuel pumps. Ina Hacker proposed increasing ambassador wages by $2/hr, citing increased parking fees and staffing needs. No formal council responses or votes were recorded on these comments at this meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Davis appointed Dye as Chair of the Parks Committee, with Chase and Skrocki as members. Motion by Bacon, support by Rademacher; approved by voice vote.
Infrastructure Projects
The council extended the Wastewater Task Force through June 2025 (motion by Dye, support by Rademacher; passed 7-0). Davis reported on a meeting concerning drainage issues on Wilco Rd. involving the National Park Service, Empire Township, Leelanau County Road Commission, Gosling Czubak engineering, Dr. Grobbel, Bacon, and Davis; all parties agreed to collaborate, including pursuing grants. Bacon was also noted for work on the Fischer St. extension. Rademacher was appointed Chair of the Water Committee, with Bacon and Walton as members (voice vote, passed).
Other Business
The council approved Derith Smith as Village Clerk (4-3, with Dye, Skrocki, and Walton opposed), Bacon as President Pro Tempore, Chase as Treasurer Pro Tempore, and Bacon as Street Administrator. Signatories on State Savings Bank accounts were updated to Bacon, Chase, Davis, and Acton, removing Sue Palmer and Meg Walton. Committee assignments were made for Streets (Bacon, Chair; Dye, Skrocki), an unnamed committee chaired by Chase (with Rademacher and Walton after Skrocki declined), Airport Commission (Dye), ZBA (Walton), and Planning Commission (Bacon). The Snowplow Policy and Purchasing Policy were read aloud with no changes proposed. The Rules of Procedure were reviewed section by section, with comments on Sections 1.3, 3.2.3, 3.5, 6.3, 6.6, 6.12, 6.14, 10.1, 10.3, and 11 to be forwarded to the Personnel Committee for recommendations by the April Work Session. A lot combination request (parcels 041-500-039-00 and 041-500-040-00) was approved. The council voted to reject ownership of a tax sale parcel per a county request, with discussion of notifying adjacent property owners.
Financial Summary
The consent agenda approved bills totaling $4,981.20. The council authorized up to $200 to advertise vacancies for the Planning Commission, ZBA, and other committees.
Action Items
Personnel Committee to review Rules of Procedure sections and report recommendations by the April Work Session. Beautification Committee appointments to be considered at the next meeting. Policies for sidewalk clearing and fuel pump use remain to be developed following public comments.