3/25/2025 - Empire Village | Regular Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Empire Village Council met on March 25, 2025, to discuss various topics, including the release of an RFP for a new village attorney, park usage agreements, and hydrant inspection protocols. The council made several decisions, including approving certain road closures for upcoming community events and moving forward with the Beryl Days event planning. A focus was placed on ensuring proper oversight on hydrant inspections, enhancing communication with the public, and addressing potential ethics concerns related to council member involvement in committee and planning meetings.

Public Comments

There were no public comments made during the meeting.

Parks and Recreation Matters

- **Shalda Park Bench Purchase**: This item was tabled for further research by the Park Committee regarding ADA accessibility and plans for the bench's location. - **Park Use and Liability Agreement for Beryl Days Event**: Approved to utilize space at the beach and Front St., along with the closing of LaRue St. after noon on June 21, 2025, pending payment for the Temporary Outdoor Use Permit. - **Chamber of Commerce Road Closure Requests**: Approved closures for community events, including the Asparagus Festival, Hill Climb, and Hops Festival, pending Mass Gathering Permits.

Infrastructure Projects

- **Hydrant Inspections**: The DPW Superintendent discussed a recent fire response, leading to a motion being passed requiring a written report from the DPW detailing the annual inspection of the 79 fire hydrants. Additionally, Davis proposed weekly written reports to keep the council informed about ongoing projects.

Other Business

Other agenda items included the consent agenda approval, which encompassed budgetary items totaling $47,078.79, and a review of financial statements. The council discussed the ethics of council members attending committee meetings and whether they were exerting undue influence.

Action Items

- The Council agreed on the need for a new village attorney and moved forward to release an RFP. - DPW is tasked with providing a written report annually for hydrant inspections. - A planned meeting with Gosling Czubak to discuss improvements at Shalda Park. - Walton will reach out to Spectrum regarding presenting fiber services to the council.