Summary
The Empire Village Council met October 22, 2024, approving routine consent items, appointing Karen Baja to the Planning Commission, extending the Wastewater Task Force through January 2025, and discussing MDARD grant opportunities. Significant tension arose over the non-renewal letters sent to the Clerk and Treasurer under Ordinances 133 and 134, with council members and residents questioning the process.
Public Comments
On agenda items, Teresa Howes raised concerns about campaign signs being repeatedly removed and asked about the process for notifying Appointed Officers of the end of their terms; Bob Scott also commented on the sign removals. Later in the meeting, Teresa Howes asked when the Clerk and Treasurer positions would be advertised and requested that the public be allowed to attend any interviews, stating she did not want to be "blindsided" by unqualified nominees. Martha Acton asked why the Clerk and Treasurer would be let go given strong job performance, and questioned why Palmer consulted the attorney before discussing the matter with Council. Palmer responded that it was her decision, made after conferring with Attorney Figura, and that she remained pleased with both employees' performance but felt obligated to notify them per ordinance requirements.
Infrastructure Projects
Rademacher reported on the Water Committee, and a quarterly water usage report was reviewed. Motion by Rademacher, support by Webb, to extend the Wastewater Task Force through January 2025; passed on a voice vote.
Financial Summary
- Consent Agenda bills totaling $27,060.77 were approved by roll call vote (Ayes: Bacon, Dye, Palmer, Rademacher, Walton, Webb; Nays: none).
- A Revenue and Expenditure report through September was received.
- Preparation for the 2025-26 budget is to begin by the November meeting.
- MDARD grant opportunities were discussed, including required dollar matches and timing; Council reached consensus to prepare plans for submittal in the next grant round, with possible formation of a DDA for economic development discussed but not decided.
Other Business
Walton and Bacon added Personnel Policy Bereavement and Campaign Signs, respectively, to the agenda. Walton reviewed proposed bereavement policy wording; Clerk Smith will consult the Village's risk management insurance HR group for wording guidance. Bacon reported campaign signs were removed and thrown in an alley, noting this could carry a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Chase reported new office file cabinets and a countertop would be picked up by staff. Attorney Fowler expects to complete the Short-term Rental Ordinance draft by the December or January meeting. Chase asked about a Mika/Meyer invoice related to STRs; no further detail was recorded. The Sleeping Bear Marathon organizer solicited Village input on the event. Fall Cleanup was set for November 5-6.
Action Items
- Clerk Smith to obtain HR wording recommendations for the bereavement policy update.
- Council to begin 2025-26 budget preparations by the November meeting.
- Attorney Fowler to complete review/drafting of Short-term Rental Ordinances for the December or January meeting.
- Council to prepare project plans for the next round of MDARD grant applications.
- Continued unresolved dispute over the non-renewal letters sent to the Clerk and Treasurer: Council members (Bacon, Dye, Chase, Acton) questioned the process, lack of Council review of the letter beforehand, and whether the Clerk was ever asked about her interest in continuing; no resolution was reached at this meeting.