5/28/2024 - Empire Village | Hearing and Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Empire Village Council held a regular meeting on May 28, 2024, which included a public hearing on a mass gathering ordinance. Key decisions included the approval of the mass gathering ordinance, various budget amendments, and the continuation of monitoring at South Bar Lake beach. The council also decided to address beach parking fees in the upcoming work session and approved several contracts and agreements.

Public Comments

Public comments during the meeting included: - **Terry Bacon** raised concerns about parking fees and the use of revenue from those fees. He also requested a reading of the summary from his previous communication. - **Frank Clements** commented on the data required for the mass gathering ordinance and his letter regarding Short Term Rentals. - **Margaret Ellibee** suggested a potential process for evaluating waivers for 501c3 organizations. - **Linda Young** emphasized the importance of civility and public participation in council meetings. - **Steve Weller** expressed concern about letters that allow for personal attacks during meetings.

Other Business

Other agenda items included the approval of a renewal contract with Renovare and changes to the personnel policy, which passed without opposition. The council also discussed asset mapping software for the DPW and approved various financial matters, including plumber bids and testing at South Bar Lake.

Financial Summary

The council approved budget amendments necessary for the purchase of a new office. Additionally, the consent agenda included bills totaling **$21,203.45**. The proposal from Westshore Plumbing was approved with a budget not to exceed **$1,700**, and the asset mapping software was approved for **$571** from the Water Fund.

Action Items

- The beach parking fees will be moved to the June Work Session for further discussion. - The proposed mass gathering ordinance will be finalized with a review of the fee structure at the next work session. - The extension of the Wastewater Study Update Task Force's end date is set until August 2024. - Continuous monitoring at South Bar Lake beach was approved. - The STR committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the library.