Summary
The Empire Village Council met on March 25, 2025, approving consent agenda bills totaling $47,078.79, releasing an RFP for a new village attorney, approving several road closure and park use agreements for summer events, and requiring DPW to begin reporting on hydrant inspections. The council also discussed concerns about council member presence at committee and Planning Commission meetings.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on agenda items or during the general public comment period.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Shalda Park bench purchase was tabled so the Park Committee could research ADA accessibility and pending location plans. The Park Use and Liability Agreement for the Beryl Days Event was approved by motion of Bacon, supported by Rademacher, covering open space at the beach and Front St. and closure of LaRue St. after noon on June 21, 2025, pending payment of a Temporary Outdoor Use Permit. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Davis, Rademacher, Walton; Nays: None; Abstain: Skrocki. Motion passed. Davis reported on a meeting with Bob Chase and Cherry Republic regarding an emergency egress agreement at Shalda Park, with a letter to follow addressing damage responsibility. Bacon reported on the Rec Plan and Master Plan, which will undergo a 30-day public review and public hearing before returning to Council. Bacon also noted an upcoming meeting with Gosling Czubak regarding improvement locations at Shalda Park.
Infrastructure Projects
Davis discussed a recent fire response with DPW Superintendent Friend regarding hydrant readiness. Motion by Bacon, supported by Skrocki, directed DPW to provide a written report annually detailing inspection of each of the 79 hydrants. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: None. Motion passed. Davis also outlined a plan for DPW to submit weekly written project status reports to the Council President. Street Administrator Bacon reported on a sidewalk project funded and planned by Huntington Bank.
Other Business
Council approved releasing an RFP for a new village attorney to three selected firms and any others Council may suggest, after Davis noted the current attorney had not responded to numerous questions. Roll call: Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: None. Motion passed. Chamber of Commerce road closures for the Asparagus Festival, Hill Climb, and Hops Festival were approved by motion of Bacon, supported by Skrocki, pending Mass Gathering Permits. Roll call: Ayes: all seven members; Nays: None. Motion passed. Council also discussed concerns about council members attending committee/Planning Commission meetings in a quorum, with consensus that members are both private citizens and elected officials responsible for final decisions. Walton will contact Spectrum regarding a fiber/internet service presentation to Council.
Financial Summary
Consent agenda bills totaling $47,078.79 were approved (Ayes: Bacon, Chase, Dye, Davis, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton; Nays: None). Cash by Fund and Revenue & Expense reports for February 2025 were reviewed, with Bacon noting increased interest earned on banked funds under Treasurer Acton’s management.
Action Items
DPW to provide a written annual report on inspection status of all 79 hydrants. DPW to provide weekly written project status reports to the Council President. Park Committee to research ADA accessibility for the Shalda Park bench purchase before further action. Cherry Republic/Bob Chase to provide a letter addressing damage responsibility for emergency egress use at Shalda Park. Walton to contact Spectrum regarding a fiber services presentation.