Summary
The Empire Village Council held its regular meeting on July 22, 2025, with all seven council members present. The council approved the 2025-29 Recreation Plan, revised personnel policies including wage increases and vacation accrual limits, and sent the irrigation well water ordinance back to committee for further recommendations. Bills totaling $10,530.28 were approved.
Public Comments
Karen Baja raised concerns about irrigation wells, requesting a letter be sent to the District Health Dept. so the Village is contacted before well permits are issued; the council later acted on a related motion regarding this issue. During the later public comment period, Tamara Kroll asked whether short-term rentals (STRs) are being addressed, and Karen Baja asked whether the Right to Farm Act might allow chemical spraying. No formal responses to these comments were recorded in the minutes.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The council approved Resolution No. 7 of 2025, adopting the 2025-29 Recreation Plan, by roll call vote with all seven members (Bacon, Chase, Davis, Dye, Rademacher, Skrocki, Walton) voting Aye and none opposed.
Infrastructure Projects
The council discussed the Water Ordinance concerning irrigation wells and how the Right to Farm Act may affect approval. On a motion by Bacon, supported by Rademacher, the ordinance was sent back to committee to recommend when and how irrigation wells may be allowed (motion passed, all Ayes). A second motion by Skrocki, supported by Rademacher, directed staff to contact the Regional Health Dept. to notify them that irrigation well applications should be forwarded to the Village and are currently not permitted (motion passed, all Ayes). Separately, DPW reported ongoing beach maintenance, an updated ticket machine, and bids received for an ADA drinking fountain, driveway resurfacing, and exposing 10 water connections due for lead inspection this year.
Other Business
The council approved distributing the Draft Master Plan for a 63-day review period. Changes to Rules of Procedure 3.3 (Communications) were approved. The DPW Technician's hourly wage was increased to $24.10, retroactive to certification. The Deputy Clerk position was reclassified to Office Manager, with an approved hourly wage of $24.91 effective upon reclassification. Vacation accrual limits under Sec. 5.7 were changed to a 160-hour maximum, effective 3/1/26. An online payment option for Village fines and fees was approved, to be implemented no later than 10/1/25.
Financial Summary
Bills totaling $10,530.28 were approved as part of the consent agenda. Wage increases were approved for the DPW Technician ($24.10/hour) and the newly reclassified Office Manager position ($24.91/hour).
Action Items
The Water Ordinance Committee is to recommend when and how irrigation wells may be allowed. Staff will contact the Regional Health Dept. regarding irrigation well permit notifications. Davis was authorized to contact the Village attorney regarding the Right to Farm Act. The online payment option must be operational by 10/1/25. Council members are to prepare comments on the Master Plan during its 63-day review period.